Fascinating and Unusual Facts About Life in Japan
Japan, a land of rich traditions and futuristic innovations, never ceases to amaze with its unique cultural aspects. Beyond the iconic cherry blossoms and sushi, there exists a plethora of unusual customs and practices that intrigue both locals and travelers alike.
From the whimsical to the outright bizarre, these elements of Japanese culture paint a vivid picture of a society that balances the old with the new, creating a tapestry of fascinating cultural phenomena.
Unique "Crying Sumo" Events
One of Japan's most peculiar traditions is the "Crying Sumo" contest, held annually at the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. In this unique event, sumo wrestlers compete to make babies cry, a practice believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure good health for the infants.
While it might appear harsh to outsiders, the event is deeply rooted in the cultural belief that a baby's cry symbolizes strength and vitality.
Godzilla's Status as a Japanese Citizen
In a move that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, Godzilla, the iconic monster, has been granted honorary citizenship in Japan. Celebrated as a cultural ambassador, Godzilla symbolizes the spirit of entertainment and has been recognized officially since 2015.
With a citizenship certificate detailing his birth on April 9, 1954, Godzilla serves as a unique emblem of Japanese pop culture, drawing fans and visitors to the Kabuki-Cho neighborhood.
The Prevalence of Death Due to Overwork
Japan faces a serious issue with 'karoshi,' or death from overwork, highlighting the intense work culture prevalent in the country. Many Japanese workers endure excessive hours, often leading to severe health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
The tragic case of journalist Miwa Sado — who accumulated 159 hours of overtime before succumbing to a heart attack in 2013 — underscores the need for societal shifts toward a healthier work-life balance.
Architectural Marvel: A Highway Through a Building
Osaka's Gate Tower Building stands as a testament to innovative Japanese architecture, where a highway pierces through the structure itself.
This 16-story marvel integrates an expressway that runs through its fifth to seventh floors, a solution born from a compromise between urban planners and developers. The building reflects Japan's ability to harmoniously blend functionality with creativity, challenging conventional architectural norms.
Cafes Offering Companionship Against Loneliness
Tokyo's Moomin House Cafe offers a heartwarming solution for those dining solo. Known for its 'anti-loneliness' companions, the cafe provides its guests with plush Moomin characters to accompany them during their visit.
This charming practice not only enhances the dining experience but also reflects the Japanese culture of hospitality, ensuring that even those alone feel a sense of warmth and companionship.
A Hotel Operated by Robots
The Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki, Japan, redefines hospitality with its robot staff, marking a futuristic leap in the service industry. From dinosaur receptionists to robotic concierges, guests are treated to an automated experience that delights tech enthusiasts and tourists alike.
This innovation highlights Japan's commitment to integrating technology into everyday life, providing a glimpse into the potential future of hospitality across the globe.
Diverse Offerings of Japanese Vending Machines
Japan's ubiquitous vending machines are a testament to the country's love for convenience and variety. With the highest density of vending machines worldwide, one can find everything from hot meals and sake to clothing and electronics.
These machines cater to every need imaginable, reflecting the Japanese spirit of innovation and efficiency, making them an integral part of the urban landscape.
The Novelty of Cube-Shaped Watermelons
Cube-shaped watermelons are one of Japan's most iconic agricultural novelties, often given as high-end gifts. Crafted using special molds, these watermelons are admired for their aesthetic appeal and ease of stacking, rather than their taste.
With prices soaring up to $100 per fruit, they represent Japan's flair for turning the ordinary into an extraordinary art form, merging tradition with modern consumerism.
Cultural Norms Around Eating Sounds
In Japan, slurping noodles and making eating sounds are not only acceptable but considered signs of appreciation for the meal. This cultural norm is a stark contrast to Western etiquette and reflects a deeper appreciation for culinary experiences.
The sounds of slurping signal satisfaction and enjoyment, particularly when indulging in a steaming bowl of ramen, embodying the communal spirit of Japanese dining culture.
The Bunny-Inhabited Island
Okunoshima, a small island in Japan, has gained fame as the 'Rabbit Island,' where hundreds of friendly bunnies roam freely.
The origins of these furry inhabitants remain a mystery, but the island has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors eager to interact with its adorable residents. This unique attraction highlights Japan's quirky charm and offers a peaceful retreat into nature's embrace.
The Distinctive Blue Traffic Lights
Japan's traffic lights are a curious exception to the global norm, featuring blue instead of green lights. This anomaly arose from linguistic peculiarities in the Japanese language, where the word for blue, 'ao,' is also used for green.
To resolve the confusion, authorities opted for the bluest shade of green for traffic signals, resulting in a unique feature that stands out to international visitors.
The Wide Array of Fanta Flavors
In Japan, Fanta goes beyond the conventional with over 70 unique flavors, catering to adventurous taste buds. From melon cream to salty watermelon, these inventive flavors reflect Japan's penchant for culinary experimentation.
The diverse selection allows consumers to indulge in new sensory experiences, showcasing the nation's innovative approach to both food and beverage industries.
The Abundance of Ramen Establishments
Ramen is a culinary staple in Japan, with over 80,000 ramen shops spread across the nation. Tokyo alone boasts 4,000 of these establishments, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish.
Ramen's popularity is a testament to its comforting appeal and versatility, making it a quintessential part of Japan's food culture, inviting locals and tourists to embark on endless noodle explorations.
Pet Ownership Surpassing Child Population
In Japan, the number of pets has surpassed that of children, with approximately 23 million dogs and cats compared to 16.5 million children under 15.
Despite limited living spaces, Japanese families often cherish multiple pets, a trend reflecting changing societal norms and the growing affinity for animal companionship. This shift highlights evolving family dynamics and the cultural importance of pets in Japanese households.
The Recent Legalization of Nightclub Dancing
Until 2015, Japan had strict regulations prohibiting dancing in nightclubs without a license, a rule often overlooked by revelers and authorities alike. The law's repeal marked a cultural shift, aligning with the country's preparations for the 2020 Olympics and a desire to enhance nightlife for both locals and tourists.
This change symbolizes Japan's evolving social landscape, embracing freedom and expression in its vibrant urban centers.
The Incredible Longevity Of The Bonsai Tree
According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the master bonsai cultivator Masaru Yamaki was just two miles from the site in Hiroshima where the Enola Gay dropped the nuclear explosive codenamed Little Boy. Despite the proximity to a device that claimed the lives of 180,000 people, Yamaki's family only experienced minor injuries from their windows shattering.
Better yet, the blast didn't appear to harm any of their prized bonsai trees, which were protected by a high wall. Not only did these trees which have been at the United States National Arboretum in Washington D.C. for over 30 years survive Hiroshima but they've lived for well over 400 years.
The Staggering Popularity Of Manga
Although it's true that manga — Japanese comic books that most anime series are adapted from — is very popular throughout the world, it's nonetheless easy to underestimate how popular manga is within Japan itself. According to the Japan Local Government Center, the manga industry generates the equivalent of $23.9 million in domestic revenue each year.
To get a more complete picture of its dominance, about 40% of all works published in Japan are manga. For comparison's sake, the most charitable estimate for the percentage that American comic books make up of the U.S. publishing industry is 3%.
The Uniqueness Of A Park Filled With Bowing Deer
If one were to visit Nara Park in central Japan, they would likely encounter a few sika deer. These animals have a great deal of cultural significance in the nation, as they're considered messengers between humans and deities (known as "Kami") in the Shinto religion.
According to a 2023 article in PLOS One, human feeding patterns have since trained the deer to follow the local culture and bow when they meet people. That's because they want to be fed and will sometimes attack if they meet people who don't give them anything.
The Eerie Quiet Of Japanese Trains
While many people are likely to find that their fellow commuters don't have enough energy to raise much of a ruckus on the morning train, there's an expectation of quiet, communal etiquette at all hours when riding trains in Japan. This is due to a culture silence that compels most people to avoid being "meiwaku," are a nuisance to others around them.
According to Japan Today, the most important rule on these trains is to keep conversation as quiet as possible, with total silence being preferred. Although it's fairly acceptable to eat on Shinkansen (bullet trains), that's generally considered disrespectful on most local trains.
The Dark Side Of Japan's Low Crime Rate
According to Vox, Japan's homicide rate averages at 0.3 per 100,000 people compared to 4.7 per 100,000 in the United States and its gun violence statistics amounted to 0.01 per 100,000 people compared to 3.5 per 100,000 people stateside.
However, Japan's criminal justice system also allows for detention and interrogation practices that are expressly forbidden throughout the rest of the world, as suspects can be held for up to 23 days without a charge. That time can feature eight-hour interviews where police scream at suspects, deprive them of sleep, and "accidentally" harm them. It's not uncommon for people to falsely confess to charges just to end their misery.
The Incredible Longevity Of Japan's Citizens
Although Hong Kong is sometimes shown to have a slightly higher life expectancy, Japan's citizens are known to have some of the longest lifespans in the world. According to the World Health Organization, the average life expectancy in Japan is a staggering 84.5 years.
By contrast, the average global life expectancy is 71.4 years. Broken down along gender lines, Japanese women live up to 87.2 years on average, while men average at 81.7 years.
The Bizarre Existence Of Japan's Underwater Mailbox
According to Condé Nast Traveller India, the underwater mailbox in Susami Bay is about 30 feet below the surface. It's been operational since 1999, and it is an official mailbox that has housed an estimated 32,000 mail items since it was established.
As shown here, this is despite the fact that users need to dive down to it and write their letters with oil-based markers on waterproof cards. As for why it was established, former postmaster Toshihiko Matsymoto considered it a creative promotional tool for both Susami Bay itself and the venerated Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail that crosses it.
The Cultural Association Between Christmas and KFC
According to the BBC, the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise owner in Japan, Takeshi Okawara, dreamed of an idea for a Christmas "party barrel" that then became the subject of a national ad campaign called "Kentucky for Christmas" in 1974.
The stunt was an immediate hit and proved enduringly popular enough to elevate Okawara to a prestigious role as the president of Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan between 1984 and 2002. Indeed, the tradition of having KFC at Christmas persists in Japan and it's not uncommon for locations to have massive lines during the holidays.
Japan Has An Unrecognizable Version Of Coca Cola
Although it's just as easy to get the traditional Coca-Cola flavor in Japan as it is anywhere else in the world, the nation's penchant for special food and beverage variants has resulted in a version of the popular drink that is only recognizable by its logo.
According to The South China Morning Post, Coca-Cola Japan developed this clear version over the course of a year before its approval in 2018 and its distinct clear color comes from removing the caramel ingredients in the soda. It's a lemon-flavored drink with zero calories.
The Unimaginable Longevity Of Japan's Oldest Business
According to CNN Travel, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan was likely founded in 705 CE after a member of the aristocratic Kamatari family discovered a hot spring in the mountains of Japan's Yamanashi prefecture. It's a hot spring hotel that treats guests to a five-course meal with locally made wine.
Since it remains open today, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan earned a Guinness World Record as the world's oldest hotel after running for more than 1,300 years.
The Original Meaning Of Godzilla
According to NBC News, it's often not as apparent to Americans as it is to Japanese nationals that Godzilla was originally a symbol both for the destruction of nuclear warfare and for the United States's status as the first and (hopefully) only nation to use them in war.
It's not the fault of American audiences that this didn't come across but rather of Hollywood, as the institution censored the film, removing any content that they deemed critical of America. That's why Japanese viewers often left the theater in tears back in 1954, while U.S. audiences that decade were more likely to leave it laughing.
The Staggering Size Of The World's Biggest Fish Market
Although Forbes reported that this market has since been relocated to the larger area of Toyosu, what was once known as the Tsukiji Fish Market is not only known for its stunningly early start times but the sheer scale of its operations.
Not only are fish wholesalers known to visit the market at early as 2 am but The Guardian reported that the market employs an estimated 60,000 people. Indeed, the most significant reason for the relocation was congestion in the old location.
The Surprising Origins Of Kawaii Culture
One of the aspects of Japanese culture that those outside of the nation are the most familiar with is the concept of "kawaii" which emphasizes brightly colored cuteness in aesthetics and behavior. Although the most recognizable example of kawaii culture is the rise of Hello Kitty, it's a little older than the popular character.
According to Japan Crate, it arose as a byproduct of widespread student protests that turned into clashes with riot police when, according to Jacobin, 127 universities throughout Japan experienced pro-modernization and pro-democracy demonstrations and occupations. Teens around this time wrote with hearts dotting their letters and rounded letter styles that contributed to a culture of cuteness that persisted longer than the protests did.
An Unusual Side Effect Of Japan's Demographics
Although Japan is known for its staggering life expectancy, it's also known for having a population that trends towards being older than in many other parts of the world. According to NPR, this trend was especially pronounced in 2019, when the nation fell below 900,000 new births that year for the first time since 1899.
Not only does this present something of a population crisis for Japan but it also leads to an unusual statistic. According to Tokyo Times, 2.5 times more adult diapers are sold in Japan than ones intended for infants.
It's Not Unheard Of To Eat Raw Horse Meat In Japan
Although Atlas Obscura noted that it was illegal to eat meat in Japan for over 1,000 years, that changed with Emperor Meiji's reforms in 1872. However, an interesting consequence of that loosening of restrictions came in the 1960s, when an item called basashi started appearing on menus.
While it's true that this fact comes to the horror of many (and isn't without controversy even in Japan), basashi is nonetheless considered a delicacy in the nation despite being raw horse meat.
