Japan may be best-known for its cutting-edge technologies and bustling metropolises, but this island nation also boasts a rich culture unique to itself. From food to traditions, here are some interesting facts about Japan that you may have never known!
Filling your friends’ drinks is considered polite in Japan as it symbolizes your care for their well-being and shows your friendship.
1. Japan is the world’s most densely populated country
Japan is home to over 125 million people who reside on its islands – which cover an area of more than 200,000 square miles.
Japan is home to over 130 million people who reside primarily in urban areas; Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama and Kobe are its four main urban centers. Japan also hosts many high-tech industries and boasts one of the world’s most efficient transportation networks – Shinkansen bullet train.
Although Japan is often perceived as being isolated, its history shows otherwise. Early European visitors included Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch traders bringing Christianity with them. At first welcomed by Japanese leaders who feared they might invade Japan through trade routes; these foreigners eventually were banned due to fears they might invade and conquer Japan.
Today, Japan has an advanced and vibrant economy that boasts an exceptionally high standard of living. This can be attributed to their healthy diet and relatively low levels of disease; furthermore, Japan boasts four distinct seasons that give residents plenty of variety throughout the year.
Australia, situated along the Pacific “ring of fire”, which encompasses ocean trenches, volcanic arcs and shifting tectonic plates that cause frequent earthquakes, is made up of three-fourths mountains – three-quarters being mountains that feature 200+ peaks over 3,000 meters high forming its backbone – the stunning Japan Alps provide this foundation.
2. It’s the world’s only country with an emperor
Japan remains the only nation on earth that still retains an imperial system. The Japanese emperor serves as head of state and represents Shinto religion; their descent is traced back to sun gods. Furthermore, they act upon advice and approval of Cabinet, having no direct executive powers but instead being seen as an important symbolic and ceremonial figure within society.
Emperors traditionally served as symbolic leaders while military-minded shoguns ruled their government with force. This all changed during the Meiji Restoration in the 1800s when power consolidated under imperial rule and at the same time, its figurehead became high priest of Shinto religion, giving it greater religious significance.
Modern emperors do not hold executive powers but only perform ceremonial duties, such as awarding national awards, verifying the appointment of ministers and high officials, convening the National Diet, promulgating laws and treaties, awarding honours, receiving foreign ambassadors etc. They act with advice and approval of their Cabinet on matters concerning government.
The Emperor of Japan is an internationally revered figure and respected symbol for their nation. Many view him and his family as descendents from Amaterasu, the sun goddess. Naruhito, 85-year-old Emperor Naruhito has shown keen interest in both Japanese and world history; has an affinity for nature conservation efforts; published scientific papers on hydrozoa (jellyfish-like creatures); written numerous waka poems; promoted protection for wetlands and forests nationwide – among many other accomplishments!
Japanese citizens are famously patriotic, and strongly support their monarchy. Many young Japanese do not share this enthusiasm for tradition as much as their elders do, instead wanting modernise their country more quickly.
3. It’s the world’s largest island country
Japan is an archipelago consisting of 6,852 islands. Only about 430 of them are populated, and approximately 97% of its population live on four main islands – Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku – while much of its landmass consists of mountains and forests. Modern connections amongst islands allow efficient goods transportation as well as travel within Japan by both Japanese citizens and visitors.
Early Japan was plagued with difficult transportation and communication between different parts of its land, giving rise to strong regional identities that would play an integral part in Japan’s feudal period. Furthermore, its remote location helped protect it against invasion from other Asian civilizations while permitting an isolationist foreign policy to flourish.
Japan is part of a volcanic zone known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, which contains over 75 percent of active volcanoes worldwide and 90 percent of earthquakes. Japan’s islands stretch from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north all the way south towards East China Sea and Philippine Seas.
Japan’s landscapes are breathtaking on land; their waters boast striking rock formations and coral reefs that draw divers from around the globe. Travelers visiting Okinawa’s southern islands can snorkel or take glass-bottom boat rides across reefs brimming with fish.
4. It’s the world’s biggest fan of manga
Manga (Japanese for comics and cartoons) has become an international craze, creating an entire global industry. Translated into English and published as comic books, its success spawned an entire subculture that celebrates it to this day – with many fans accepting manga as part of themselves and adopting it into their lives as an integral part of themselves.
Manga artists are notoriously male-dominated in the field, but manga as a genre is rapidly expanding into being gender neutral. Many popular titles written by female “manga-ka,” including Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon) and Hiromu Arakawa (Full Metal Alchemist). Furthermore, while certain anime productions may have been modified for Western audiences by switching up artwork/layout/reading from left to right instead, many creators have requested foreign versions that remain faithful to its original Japanese format.
As such, some manga fans have turned to websites such as “scanlation” to translate and post manga online for free. Although these fans typically dedicate themselves to spreading awareness of their favorite titles, this practice has caused major publishers to struggle. To remedy this situation, some producers have begun publishing works directly in English as soon as they’re out in Japan.
Wharton experts and analysts estimate the annual revenue from anime as being over $19.1 billion, thanks to its massive fan base that spends billions of dollars each year on tickets, DVDs, merchandise such as stickers, watches, tableware and figurines from their favorite series.
It is clear that anime has grown beyond its initial market to become an influential cultural symbol and source of soft power in Japan. People typically refer to American influence around the world in terms of military engagements or bases; however, soft power also includes music videos, films, TV shows and language – the equivalent of which now exists with anime in Japan.
5. It’s the world’s oldest hotel
Japan is an amazing and engaging nation, boasting iconic cities and stunning natural landscapes alike – it truly stands out as a special destination.
Japan stands out among nations as an innovator and creative powerhouse, famous for its high-tech robots and revolutionary marvels such as the Tokyo Sky Tree which stands as an extraordinary tall structure and earthquake proof structure inspired by ancient pagodas.
Japanese are avid fans of manga, an art style developed in their country. Manga culture is so well-received that more than 125 million books are sold each year! Furthermore, Japan uses more paper to create manga than they use for toilet paper!
Manga is not only a widely beloved pastime; it can also serve as an effective teaching tool. Due to its visual style, manga can help children develop literacy skills more rapidly. Furthermore, its economic influence spans well over $1 billion nationwide!
Japan is home to some breathtaking natural landscapes, from towering mountains to tranquil beaches. Mount Fuji stands over 3,000 meters above sea level; other notable places include Kobe’s Nunobiki Falls, Ryugado Cave near Kochi and Jigokudani “Hell Valley” Crater near Sapporo.
Japan is home to some of the oldest hotels in the world. Keiunkan Hotel was constructed by a Buddhist priest who believed hot springs held healing powers; today, its ownership remains with the same family who have continuously run it ever since its construction.