Interesting facts about Japan really make everyone think, even the most sophisticated and experienced travelers. This state is very different from the corners of the globe familiar to us.
When you land in Tokyo, from the very first minutes you understand that fate has thrown you almost to another planet. What exactly does it feel like? Yes, in almost everything. In culture, traditions, rules, laws, even in the landscapes that open from the windows of a hotel room.
However, not only interesting facts about Japan will be presented in this article. The reader will receive a lot of useful information about different areas of life of ordinary residents of this country, get to know them in absentia in order to definitely want to visit the amazing Land of the Rising Sun in the future.
Section 1. General information
Modern Japan is not without reason considered the birthplace of the sun. This is where a new day begins. Today, this amazing country combines modern nanotechnologies and centuries-old traditions.
Skyscrapers of megacities peacefully coexist with ancient temples and sacred gates of spirits, luxury hotels - with traditional Japaneseryokans, and expensive SPA-salons with Ofuro national baths.
Such an unusual state, as a rule, attracts tourists with its unique atmosphere and architecture.
The map of Japan shows that everything here is at a fairly modest distance from each other. For example, children can visit all the best amusement parks in one visit: Disneyland, Disney Sea, Mineland Osarizawa, etc.
By the way, it is worth paying attention to the fact that prices in the Land of the Rising Sun go off scale, and there is no concept of tourist seasonality. Therefore, Japan is more loved by businessmen and we althy tourists. Although there are a lot of attractions here.
The capital of the country is Tokyo. Among the largest cities, in addition to the capital, are Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya. The largest seaside resort is located in the Okinawa archipelago.
Section 2. Traditions at home
Still, Japan is amazing and unique. Interesting things here can open almost immediately, as they say, at the doorstep.
For example, when receiving an invitation to a Japanese home, the following information should be taken into account:
- It is customary to walk indoors without shoes, they are left in front of the entrance to the house. The restrooms always have special slippers that you can change into.
- On a visit, it is permissible to sit down only in the places offered by the hosts. By tradition, the Japanese sit on the tatami on their knees, legs crossed. But now these rules are not so strict. Sitting with your legs crossed or stretched out is considered bad manners. Do not step on or step over anything in the house.
- Going to visit, you should take sweets or strong drinks with you. Chopsticks (hashi) are for eating only. They should not be waved or pointed at anyone. It is also inappropriate to stick them in food, it is associated with death.
- At the end of the meal, it is customary to take the rest of the food with you.
Section 3. Japanese gestures
The interesting facts about Japan, of course, do not end with the traditions of the house. Let's talk about facial expressions and gestures. This language of the local population is very peculiar and unusual for other people. To avoid misunderstandings when communicating, you should know some of them:
- nodding your head does not mean the interlocutor agrees - this is how the Japanese show that they listen carefully and understand;
- V-shaped gesture used when taking a photo;
- thumb near the nose means "I", and crossing the arms over the chest means "I thought";
- index fingers pointed to the head in the form of horns indicate discontent;
- a figure of three fingers is considered an indecent sign; the usual “come here” gesture, but performed with both hands, will also be perceived badly;
- a fist put to the head with an open palm denotes "stupid" among the Japanese, and waving the palm in front of the face expresses disagreement with something.
Section 4 Bowing and social behavior
Japanese young and old tend to be shy and less social in public places,therefore, it is better to address questions to middle-aged people.
Smoking areas are not available everywhere, there are no trash cans outside. The best solution is to buy a pocket ashtray.
People (o-cupcake) of restaurants, shops and other establishments are treated with respect and adhere to the rule of "the customer is always right."
In Japan there is no handshake ritual, bows are used instead. At the same time, return bows should be made with the same frequency and respect that the other side demonstrates. Sometimes just a nod of the head is enough.
Section 5 Japan Facts about Women
- On Valentine's Day in Japan, girls give gifts to show their sympathy for a guy.
- The Japanese subway has special carriages for women, which are attached to trains daily in the morning. During rush hour, women can easily reach their destination.
- The men are always served first. For example, in stores, men are greeted first, in restaurants they are the first to leave an order.
Section 6. Social life
Many interesting facts about Japan directly or indirectly indicate that this is actually an unusual country, different from other powers:
- despite Japanese men's fondness for voyeurism, rape rates are minimal in Japan;
- here is the most tolerant attitude to smoking - you can smoke everywhere (except airports and train stations);
- Japanese's favorite topic is food. At the table theypraise the treat, and during dinner they say the word “oishii” (delicious) several times;
- prisoners do not have the right to vote in elections;
- Japanese are afraid to travel the world; They consider the USA the most dangerous country;
- Japan has expensive public transport, the cheapest subway ticket costs 140 yen (50 rubles);
- the country has low pensions and no pension insurance (you need to take care of your old age in advance);
- the streets are clean and there are no trash cans, but there are only boxes for bottles;
- Japanese constitution forbids the country to have an army and take part in wars.
Section 7. City improvement
Not everyone knows that the capital of Japan is considered the safest city in the world, even six-year-old children can travel by public transport on their own.
The absence of bins on the streets is due to the fact that all waste is sorted and further processed. Each type of waste is picked up on a specific day. Violation is subject to a fine.
In snowy areas, the streets are heated, and because of this, there is no ice and snowdrifts. The same is likely to await travelers if they go on an excursion to the mountains of Japan. But at the same time, there is no central heating in the houses, and all residents heat themselves.
Section 8. Features of the Japanese language
Japan is distinguished by its exceptional writing:
- Japanese writing consists of three types of writing: Kanji (hieroglyphs), Hiragana(ABC of syllables) and Katakana (syllable system for writing words of non-Japanese origin);
- many hieroglyphs include up to 4 syllables, but there are exceptions: for example, the hieroglyph 砉 has 13 syllables and is read as “hanetokawatogahanareruoto”;
- all months have a serial number; September (九月 kugatsu) means "ninth month";
- there are practically no personal pronouns in the language, and the words used in this capacity have an additional meaning;
- Japanese has a system of polite speech, consisting of several types of politeness (colloquial, respectful, polite and modest); men communicate in a colloquial manner, while women communicate in a respectful manner;
- in Japanese speech there is a word 過労死 (Karoshi - "death by processing"); thousands of people die of sudden death in Japan every year;
- before Japan was known to the West, the Japanese used one word to describe romantic attraction, 恋 (koi), meaning "irresistible attraction to the unattainable."
Section 9. Strange and unusual facts about Japan
- In Japan, all rulers are descendants of the first Emperor Jimmu, who founded the Empire of Japan in 711 BC
- Almost 99% of Japan's population is an ethnic population. Post-war Japan in 1945 had significantly more guests from near and far abroad, while there were only 68% of indigenous people.
- Mount Fuji belongs to Hongyu Sengen Temple. Ownership rights are confirmed by a deed of 1609, signed by the Shogun.
- In Japan, dolphin meat is consumedinto food. However, such dishes are almost never ordered by tourists from other countries.
- The usual snowmen are made from two snowballs.
- Japanese love big cars.
