Japan is an incredible nation. From its delicious cuisine to its diverse cultural practices, there is much to discover here.
Four-fifths of Japan is covered with breathtaking mountains and forests! Let’s learn more fascinating facts about this incredible nation.
1. It’s the world’s largest creditor nation
Japan ranks among the world’s largest creditor nations as measured by foreign debt, yet is one of the leading debtor nations when measured against domestic government debt.
Japanese firms continue to excel on the international scene despite these difficulties. They lead in cutting-edge technologies like robotics, medical devices and clean energy sources.
Japan is also home to numerous cultural quirks, from calling green traffic lights “blue” and boasting the world’s highest density of vending machines (with over 5 million machines that offer umbrellas, ramen and sake among other goods) to holding onto the Guinness record for having more vending machines per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Japan is an integral contributor to the global economy and remains dedicated to strengthening cooperation between free and democratic countries around the globe. The United States and Western Europe play an essential role in this regard; Japan endeavors to further increase mutual understanding and respect between them in terms of their economic, cultural and political domains.
2. It’s the world’s largest economy
After World War II, Japan’s market economy experienced unprecedented expansion thanks to a combination of factors including indirect government involvement in business and export policies.
Today’s economy is increasingly driven by manufacturing industries – especially high-tech electronics goods and automobiles – while many other sectors have fallen by the wayside.
Japan boasts vast mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, lead, tin and silver – however there are limited reserves of petroleum and natural gas in Japan.
Japan boasts one of the largest populations in the world – an estimated population of over 140 million in Tokyo alone! There are also numerous temples to visit and an opportunity to witness cherry blossom season every Spring.
3. It’s the world’s largest producer of square watermelons
Japanese farmers grow watermelons differently by placing them inside boxes while they develop. Although this technique seems straightforward, it actually requires extensive research, testing, and practice – the results being an impressively unique fruit that can fetch considerable premiums when sold commercially.
Japan is home to many unique and peculiar sights – from giant god statues to non-melting ice cream! You won’t run out of odd things to discover here.
Japan remains an oasis of culture while remaining at the forefront of technological development and economic power, an ally to the US, and home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes imaginable – its volcanic activity has created craters, caves, reefs and reef ecosystems abundant with fish and sea turtles teeming with life.
4. It’s the world’s largest automaker
Japan is home to one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers: Toyota sells more cars than anyone else and has led the charge in pushing hybrid and electric vehicles into mainstream usage. They are known for creating innovative designs that combine practical use with recreational pleasure – a hallmark of quality production for Toyota.
Japanese business conglomerates began producing their first cars during the mid to late 1910s by designing their own models or partnering with European brands. When taxation rates for their Japanese market became less costly, initial taxes charged were dependent upon dimensions and engine displacement – keeping prices as affordable as possible for consumers.
As Japan’s population began to age and diminish faster than predicted, this move proved crucial. Now the Japanese economy relies heavily on manufacturing and related industries – without them the economy would collapse completely.
5. It’s the world’s largest producer of anime
Japan is an intriguing mix of traditions and innovation, holding onto past traditions while welcoming in new trends and innovations. This can be seen throughout Japanese popular culture: from onsen hot springs and kabuki bathing to neon dance parties and anime!
Japan is widely recognized as one of the most technologically advanced nations on Earth and operates as a parliamentary democracy with two chambers of parliament, led by a ceremonial Emperor and two chambers (National Diet). Members serve six-year terms.
Japan boasts more volcanoes than any other nation in the world, and some of them are active! The Sakurajima volcanic eruption in 1991 was so intense that it actually tilted Earth’s axis and increased rotational speed, showing just how powerful mother nature truly can be!
6. It’s the world’s largest rice producer
Japan is an extremely popular tourist destination, thanks to its delicious cuisine, stunning temples and captivating city centres. Additionally, Japan ranks amongst one of the safest countries worldwide despite occasional natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and typhoons; violent crimes such as murder or assault remain uncommonly rare here.
Japanese citizens typically live longer than nearly anyone else in the world and are known for eating a diet rich in fish, vegetables and rice – not forgetting tea and sake as cultural staples!
7. It’s the world’s largest exporter of adult diapers
Japan’s rapidly aging population presents diaper manufacturers with an invaluable market. Residents in this nation boast one of the world’s longest lifespans, making them more susceptible to incontinence later on in their lives.
Sales of adult diapers have experienced rapid growth over the years; and, with birth rates falling below replacement levels, demand should only increase further.
Japan’s adult diaper market is driven primarily by rising incidence of incontinence and increasing demand for biodegradable options, along with online store expansion and product innovation. Pharmacies, convenience stores and online stores serve as primary distribution channels; with latter providing greater convenience, privacy, variety of product options and accessibility across market segments – especially urban populations in Japan which offer significant consumer bases for diaper products.
8. It’s the world’s largest importer of seafood
Japan is unsurprisingly the world’s leading importer of fish. Accounting for almost one quarter of total imports into Japan, fish represents nearly 30 percent of imports into this nation.
The country imports vast amounts of processed seafood and non-edible items. Imported seafood typically includes shrimp, crab meat and tuna.
Japanese citizens enjoy one of the highest life expectancies worldwide due to a diet rich in fish and low in red meat. Furthermore, Japan is famed for its public cleanliness and polite citizens; their official language is Japanese while commonly used scripts include hiragana and kanji – syllable-based scripts from Chinese that represent native words respectively.
9. It’s the world’s largest exporter of rice cakes
Pokemon, the adorable pocket monsters beloved worldwide, originated in Japan. Due to low birth rates and an aging population, there has been an explosion in demand for adult diapers there.
Japanese diet is comprised of an ever-rotating cycle consisting of grains, vegetables, fish and meat dishes, dairy and fruit dishes. Japanese cuisine stands out with its “umami” ingredients that impart its distinctive taste.
Murasaki Shikibu’s diaries and vignettes from Heian period Japan have long been revered as classic writings of her time. She depicted life at court with brutal honesty and was instrumental in developing the Kana language during this era. Samurais were powerful warriors with license to kill who committed ritual suicide if their lord were dishonored by any means; additionally they enjoyed alcohol greatly.
10. It’s the world’s largest exporter of fish
Tsukiji Fish Market is an indispensable stop on any visit to Japan, being the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market and featuring professionals cutting up rare tuna for auction to the highest bidder.
Japan stands out with one of the coolest facts! It boasts the second longest life expectancy worldwide and boasts the most centenarians of any nation in existence. Furthermore, women outnumber men among its senior population.
This country consists of over 6,000 islands. As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – an area containing volcanoes and shifting tectonic plates responsible for most earthquakes worldwide – 73% of its territory consists of mountains – something unsuitable for an area so vulnerable to natural disasters.