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50 Facts That Prove Japan Is Unlike Any Other Country (New Pics)
Right near the top of our bucket lists is visiting Japan someday (hopefully soon). It’s a fascinating country that sometimes seems more at home in a fairytale book than on Planet Earth. There’s a sense of excitement, modernity, and love for its people present there that’s almost unparalleled anywhere else in the world. It’s far from just about anime, manga, samurai, and Sony—concentrating just on those would do the culture a disservice.
Our team here at Bored Panda wanted to show you some of the most interesting aspects of life in Japan, so we’ve lovingly curated this list for you that proves that it’s a country that’s both extremely technologically advanced and deeply magical and wondrous at its core. Check out the coolest facts about Japan below, upvote your fave pics, and let us know what you personally love the most about the country and Japanese culture.
By the way, when you’re done enjoying this list, have a look through our earlier ‘Facts about Japan’ article series right here: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A Cafe In Japan Is Hiring Paralyzed People To Control Robot Servers In Order To Still Make An Income
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
This is caring to the max, giving people of all situations a way to serve the community
RELATED:
#2
Bus Drivers In Japan, Striking In Such A Way That People Don't Suffer
#3
Tree In Japan Being Relocated To Make Way For A Road
Earlier, Japanese language expert Kotryna Kvietkauskaitė, from Lithuania, explained to Bored Panda that the Japanese are very welcoming of foreigners who put in the effort to speak their language and absorb their culture.
“In Japan, when a foreigner speaks Japanese, they can often get praise for their language skills, even if they simply introduced themselves which is one of the first things that students learn to do,” she said that you’ll often get points for trying, even if what you’re saying isn’t at native-level standards yet.
#4
This Is A Rice Paddy. Farmers In Japan Plant Specific Rice Species To Make These Amazing Artworks
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
This is just plain amazing. Rice to see them putting their artistic skills to the best.
#5
Long Walkway Covered In Semi-Transparent Umbrellas In Moominvalley Park, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
#6
Penguin Soap Opera In Kyoto Aquarium
Julie C Rose 3 years ago (edited)
Those charts also show family relations, friendships, enemies, colleagues, classmates and what the characters think of each other. So while the text is too small for me to read, there’s probably also a whole lot of stuff like “hates because he stole her fish one time”.
Language expert Kotryna said that learning any language, including Japanese, is a personal experience. Everyone moves at their own pace and we shouldn’t be in a rush to compare ourselves to others in our own journeys.
“One person might take 5 years until they learn to read Japanese fiction without any problems while another person might take 10 years. In other words, there isn’t a clearly-defined point that can be reached after which a person can confidently state that they know Japanese as well as the average native,” she said. That’s why you shouldn’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment to visit the country (i.e. when you know the language well enough): you ought to embrace the culture and absorb the language by going there in person as soon as you can.
#7
Train Tracks In Japan Have Special Pathways For Turtles Under Them To Avoid Turtle Casulaties And Train Delays
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
That's really thoughtful. I commend the people who thought of this idea.
#8
There Is A Phone Booth Known As The “Telephone Of The Wind" On A Hill Overlooking The Ocean In Otsuchi Town In Northeastern Japan. It Is Connected To Nowhere, But People Come To "Call" Family Members Lost During The 2011 Earthquake And Tsunami
#9
This 400 Year Old Bonsai Tree Survived The Bombing Of Hiroshima In Japan
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
400 years of history: so this tree saw the rise of Japanese industrialization, the Meijing Dynasty, the war with China, both World Wars, and the rise of anime. Now that's crazy.
The world’s full of fans of Japan and its culture. There’s nothing wrong with being a Japanophile, considering the huge impact the 126-million-people strong country has had on the entertainment and tech industries.
However, there are times when your love for a foreign country can be taken to extremes and go from kawaii to cringey. One example when you can take an obsession with Japan too far is when you end up with people getting tattoos of Japanese kanji done without knowing what the symbols actually mean.
#10
On Many Japanese Toilets, The Hand Wash Sink Is Attached So That You Can Wash Your Hands And Reuse The Water For The Next Flush. Japan Saves Millions Of Liters Of Water Every Year Doing This
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
These should be more common worldwide. Just think about the amount of water it would save across the globe.
#11
Hospital Food In Japan
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
Geez Louise. Our hospital food is more like what prisoners get, which is already shameful. But seeing this just makes ours look like pig slurry.
#12
There's An Ancient Japanese Pruning Method From The 14th Century That Allows Lumber Production Without Cutting Down Trees Called “Daisugi”
Or a foreigner who’s just started learning the language (and just managed to painstakingly memorize the hiragana alphabet) suddenly starts pretending that they know the language better than actual experts. In their love of the culture, some folks end up making fools of themselves because they’re too eager to demonstrate that they’re bigger fans than anyone else.
However, the vast majority of Japanophiles love the country and culture enough to be humble enough with their knowledge and not jump up at every opportunity to show it off. After all, if we’re all in love with Japanese culture, why turn it into a competition for who loves it the most? Rather, it’s best to share your favorite aspects with others and listen to others share theirs.
#13
Japan Repair A Sinkhole In Fukuoka City In 2 Days
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
Now that's great dedication and work. Hard hats of to you Japan.
#14
Born In Japan, 1751 And Died In July 7, 1977 At A Grand Old Age Of 226, Koi Hanako Was The Oldest Koi Fish Ever Recorded
#15
Somewhere In Kyoto, Japan, There’s This Man And His Dog. He Plays The Flute, The Dog Is Cute, And That’s How They Earn Some Loot
#16
While Waiting At Kyoto Station This Guy Asked If I Want To Play Two Player Game Boy With Him. 30 Mins Well Spent
#17
This Train Stop In Japan Has No Entries Or Exits, It Has Been Put There Merely So That People Can Stop Off In The Middle Of A Train Journey And Admire The Scenery
Nubis Knight 3 years ago
Some train stops in Final Fantasy make much more sense now, knowing this!
#18
Train Seats In Japan Facing Outwards So You Can See The Scenery
Maneki Neko 3 years ago (edited)
Those are scenic trains with big windows and glass ceilings on specific train routes. They mostly run in seasons as hanami or autumn foliage in breathtaking scenery. There is also a train stop in a mountain gorge where you get of to admire the scenery and take pictures while on a platform. The platform has no exit, you can only arrive and leave by train. Day-to-day commuter trains and shinkasen are just normal trains with standard size windows. Although in some trains you can rotate the seats so all passengers can ride the train facing forward. Edit: https://m.jrpass.com/blog/resort-shirakami-train Not this one but another scenic route - scroll down and you can „walk“ through the carriage with Google Maps. Train travel in Japan is pure joy! Efficient, spotless clean, on time, incredibly fast or scenic beauty-slow. And you can buy delicious bentos at bigger stations proudly featuring the regions specialities. Can‘t wait to go again!
#19
In Japan Some Restaurants Are Really Private, You Are Sitting In A Corner, Where No One Sees You, A Door Opens In Front Of You, The Chef's Hands Come Out And Serves You Without Looking
#20
At Japanese Airports, The Baggage Handlers Arrange Luggage By Color So It’s Easier For You To Find Your Bag
Julie C Rose 3 years ago
This isn’t usual - normally passengers just grab their own bag off the belt like anywhere else.
#21
The Gum I Bought In Japan Comes With A Stack Of Paper For Easy Disposal
#22
Flood In Japan, Just Realized There Are Barely Any Floating Trash And Debris
#23
These Sprinklers On The Road Near The Ski Resort I’m At In Japan To Keep The Road From Freezing Over. (Salt Water If You Were Wondering)
#24
Japan's Fans Cleaning Up Their Sections After Their Match vs. Ivory Coast. Much Respect
#25
Subways In Japan Have Women Only Cars
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
For those of you who is going to say that this is discrimination against women, this subway is specifically design to protect women from the rise of groping and raping problems in Japan. Don't judge the invention without knowing its story.
#26
My Package From Japan Just Came In And The Owner Sent Me A Note With Some Origami
#27
This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan
#28
When You Need Help At A Train Station In Japan, Station Staff Will Literally Pop Out And Help You
#29
This Is Not The Food From A High-End Restaurant. This Is Hospital Food In Japan
#30
“Pets” Button On A High End Residential Building Elevator In Tokyo
Those who ride the elevator with a pet press it so an HEPA filter purifies the air and a silent alarm alerts those with allergies to avoid riding it until the air is clean again.
#31
These Square Watermelons In Japan - Grown In Boxes To Shape Them While On The Vine - For Convenient Stacking, Shipping, And Refrigerator Storage
#32
In The City Of Shimabara On Japan’s Kyushu Island, The Drainage Canals Are So Clean They Are Home To Hundreds Of Koi Carp
#33
Aogashima Is An Isolated Village In Tokyo That Is Inside A Volcano That Has Another Mini Volcano Inside It
#34
The Picture Of The Japanese Movie Advertisement Is Printed On Two Sides Of The Newspaper, So The Full Picture Could Be Seen Under Light
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
That's so clever. I like it. I also haven't watched Your Name but I'm planning to watch it.
#35
Flight Delayed Due To The Rain Storm, Employees Of Japan Airlines Bow Sorry Passengers
What a delightful moment. The reason I love Japan for its behavior, cleanliness and warm hearted people. There is so much to learn from this country. Salute to them.
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago (edited)
There are so many stories like this. There was a story I heard that a train conductor bowing down to say sorry because he was a few seconds EARLY. Then there is a hotel whose wifi went out from a whopping ONE MINUTE at 4AM.
#36
A Relaxation Drink In Japan, The Opposite Of An Energy Drink
#37
Floating Solar Power Plant In Japan On The On The Yamakura Dam Reservoir
#38
This Pizza Box In Japan That Has A Handle In The Middle To Keep The Pizza Flat
#39
I Bought Eye Drops From Japan And The Owner Decided To Write A Thank You Note With It Because Of The Covid Delay And Included His Favourite Tea And Sweets
#40
A Museum In Japan That Has Rocks That Look Like Faces
#41
Hiroshima, Before When It Got Wiped Off The Map And Less Than A Single Lifetime After
#42
Economy Class Meal On Japanese Airline
Julie C Rose 3 years ago
A lot of Asia/Pacific airlines have really good food even in economy.
#43
Kintai-Kyō Arch Bridge, In The City Of Iwakuni, Japan
#44
These Fish Socks From Japan
#45
The "Solar Ark", A Massive Building In Japan Comprised Of 5,046 Solar Panels
#46
A Vending Machine In Japan That Sells Solder And Resistors, For Your Late-Night Circuitry Cravings
#47
This Driverless Roving Sales Vehicle In Japan
#48
Anti-Theft System For Bags I Found In The Space In Front Of The Toilet At Shinjuku Station This Week And I Really Like It
Mike Oravec 3 years ago
This is nice, BUT what about unzipping baggage and getting valuables out of it ?
#49
Car Is Parked In The Driveway Which Is Built Over A Small Stream In Kyoto, Japan
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Daria B 3 years ago
"Facts That Prove Japan Is Unlike Any Other Country" --> and then you find lots of similarities with, for example, S. Korea. I get the sensationalist titles, but I'd appreciate the more realistic ones, like, "interesting facts about Japan", or something like this.
Daria B 3 years ago
Not really. The differences are there. But they did influence one another and still do. Also, what are you implying exactly? Knowing a bit of history about this region, I genuinely don't understand your joke, sorry ^^"
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
The US occupied both Japan and South Korea within the same decade, drafted the Japanese constitution, and heavily influenced the reconstruction of South Korea after the armistice. I think that that's what he's referring to.
Daria B 3 years ago
Oh, I see. Thanks for the explanation. Yeah, in this case, still disagree with that statement. USA played a huge role indeed, but Germany was the first aid abroad in the 1960s by employing cheap workforce from S. Korea and that money was brought back to start rebuilding the country. Germany obviously left its footprint here too. Furthermore, as aforementioned, Japan, being the closest neighbour, had their influences too, and, well, it's not like Korea doesn't have a reach and autonomous culture of its own. It was and still is all these things combined.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
I appreciate what you're saying here, but, honestly, the influence of Germany of South Korea has not been as strong as that of the US, economically, socially, and militarily, and Japan's influence on Korea has only diminished since its colonial presence was expelled in the 1950s. South Korea is obviously its own culture, and continuously divergent from North Korea, but, as far as outside influences go, the US is undoubtedly the strongest.
SirPatTheCat 3 years ago
Sigh Bored Panda back at it again with their Japan boner... Yes Japan is very innovative and thoughtful, but it also has faults just like any other country, so please refrain from romanticizing or idolizing it (specifically the "All my problems would be fixed if I could just move to Japan" type idea). It's okay to appreciate the surface level stuff, but skimming over larger issues all the time won't end well for anyone. Similar to the USA hate posts, no country is as one dimensional as bp makes it out to be, so try to get information from other sources as well.
Tami 3 years ago
True, sadly they have some serious issues such as a high suicide rate, partly due to the immense social pressures to excel at nearly everything you do.
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Greg Mingus 3 years ago
The Japanese aren't having enough babies to even replace themselves. They are seriously considering opening the immigration flood gates soon. Maybe they can move there and buy the $50 pizzas etc
lara 3 years ago
There are families of Korean descent who have lived in Japan for centuries who are still denied Japanese citizenship.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago (edited)
Yes, the fact that the Korean zainichi are still considered foreigners after generations is a national shame. Generally speaking, many Japanese consider the nation to be both culturally and ethnically homogeneous, which is simply not true.
Jo Firth 3 years ago
I loved Japan and can't wait to go back one day. Things that could be on this list - amazing packaging, incredible cake art, sense of order in the most crowded of places. If you are travelling from city to city you can send your suitcase ahead overnight and it will be waiting for you at your hotel the next day. Only need to carry a small overnight bag from place to place instead of a large suitcase.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago (edited)
Listen, Japan is a pretty neat place, and I feel lucky to live here, but putting it up on a pedestal like a lot of aspiring tourists (or cultural obsessives) tend to do is not in any way constructive. There are a lot of deeply-ingrained problems, despite the economic "miracle" of the post-war bubble economy until the early 1990s. It's true that one's often wowed by the little (and sometimes big) differences between Japan and the west at first, but it's really not some unique, mystical land, and, once that glamour fades, it's just another place where people live (and with one of the highest suicide rates in the world, for a plethora of very obvious reasons). The quirkiness of the vending machines (of which I almost never see anything other than regular drink and snack ones), or the small quality-of-life conveniences like good customer service, efficient public transport, and good public safety, really don't make this some sort of mythical realm. It's just a place. Regarding the specifics of this article, not only are many of these things extremely rare in Japan (some of which I've only seen once or twice, and nearly all of them NEVER), but the headline phrase, "It’s a fascinating country that sometimes seems more at home in a fairytale book than on Planet Earth," is a completely idealized whitewash of a complex and imperfect country and culture. This is just straight-up weeaboo fantasy. If you want to come here and explore, by all means, do so, but do it with your eyes open, not pulled taut into some sort of racist caricature to fit your preconceptions. And, for the love of all, don't embarrass us expatriates. We already have a hard enough time dealing with the fallout of the often ignorant and rude tourists, and, while the new form of COVID has been an absolutely terrible thing, the dearth of tourism has been a wonderful reprieve for us that actually live here. Please act responsibly when you come here.
Cathelijne Van 3 years ago (edited)
Thank you for sharing the insight of someone really living there...
Load More Replies... Daria B 3 years ago (edited)
Thank you for your insight. I've been in love with Japan and Korea all my life, but, being my auto-critical self, plus, pursuing knowledge about these two countries, I knew it wasn't this Promised Land people now give it credit for. Then I moved to Korea, and, observing Japan from up close, I became aware of these things you're talking about. That still didn't erase my fascination for Japan, but I did have this kind of image you're depicting here, so, when I finally got the chance to visit Tokyo, I was both super excited AND cautious at the same time. Eventually, it turned out a far better experience than I had expected. I'm still aware of all the problems, and, well, nowhere is perfect, but I seriously feel drawn to Japan and can't wait to visit more of this country that I actually like. Also, I feel Korea is more my cup of tea, when it comes to residency. Sure, when the pandemic is over, my priority of travelling abroad is Croatia, family comes first.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
That's great! I'm glad that you got the opportunity to move there, and to get to know Korea as it is. Are you saying that you feel that you learned about Japan by living in Korea? Have you traveled here? If not, then spending time in Korea in no way gives you any insight into Japan (just as the reverse isn't true). On the other hand, as the son-in-law of a Kanazawa family, I'd be interested to hear about what the South Korean interpretation of Japanese people abducted by North Koreans might be.
Jill 3 years ago
I agree...there is a lot of "what ppl think Japan is like" and what is actually is like. I got the feeling while living there that I was back in th 80's. So while they had a wonderful interactive lighting exhibit in Odaiba, Tokyo, technology in Japan is limited at best. They aren't on the forefront of technology they would have you believe.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
Well, I don't know about that. To judge this country based on interactive lighting seems like a pretty random thing. My close friend actually designs a lot of light mapping for Japanese landmarks. They're pretty awesome. And, beyond that, I would say that Japan is at the forefront of deployed technology in first world countries. However, to say that we are some sort of fantasy land is pretty absurd.
J. Normal 3 years ago
Ikizukuri - the eating of LIVE fish ... "prepared so the guest can see the gills still move while they eat the fish"... disgusting in my opinion. They might have fun with technology, but still have the childish cruelty
s. vitkovitsky 3 years ago
Yep, plus all the dolphins caught in tuna nets, plus whaling.
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Matthew Waldman 3 years ago
The one about turtle protection is wrong, that is simply an overflow channel. You can see that there is no place for turtles to get out at the end nor would this design guarantee any animal, especially a turtle, to get into the channel when a train is coming.
Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
1, just recently Tokyo changed the rule that required high school students to dye their hair if it wasn't black enough. 2, husband and wife are required to have the same surname; in 96% of all cases, the wife changes hers and does all the paperwork.
deathrose 3 years ago
Yeah I'm not sure why people romanticize Japan so much. Their crime stats are made up. If someone is raped the Police decide if they want to investigate, most rapes never make it to prosecution. One of their number one books is a guide on how to grope woman on trains. For a country that's banned guns they have a lot of gun crime. They are also incredibly racist. Most mono cultured countries are.
Load More Replies... deathrose 3 years ago
I also remember reading about a medical college that was purposely failing woman because they thought female doctors were a waste because woman are just there to have children and never return to work.
Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
Medical colleges have very low admission rates for women. Women belong in libraries and art classes, not medicine.
Roman Hans 3 years ago (edited)
It’s also incredibly sexist, with limited opportunities, and after six at night you’ll see businessmen in suits staggering home drunk because their jobs require it. (Naturally the other Japanese are too polite to stare.) BUT it’s also spectacular: high culture, low culture, spirituality, nature, amazing architecture, and the nicest, most polite people in the world. I’m tall and had a wonderful afternoon with Harajuku girls who all wanted to take a picture of ME, and once a nice man asked me if I wanted to take a bath with him. (It doesn’t translate right.) With all its faults, I left my heart there and can’t wait to go back.
Rachael Sampson 3 years ago
It's not different from South Korea or China. They're also really racist (and misogynist) too. But there have been progression is Japan.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
There are violent crimes here, for sure, but to say that we have high crime rates is not at all accurate. This is a very safe society, for better or worse.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
Most prefectures and municipalities got rid of hair-dying and panty-color-regulating rules many years ago. In fact, my school district was very confused when I even brought up that old policy, because I thought it might still be pretty prevalent. It's pretty much gone now, except for a few BoEs.
Stephanie Chapman 3 years ago
I lived in Japan for a short while and miss it every day. A truly wonderful country and I hope we can be more like it.
lara 3 years ago
What surprises me is that there is no vandalism or general destruction and theft that would be quite usual in many states in the US. Most of these items that are displayed or created would be totally destroyed by vandals for no reason at all.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
There is a lot of vandalism, particularly spray paint, all over the big cities. My mother-in-law had her phone stolen out of her purse last year on the train in Osaka. Fake news and part of the mythologizing of Japan.
Load More Replies... Jill 3 years ago
Not really from what I saw in Tokyo at least. There is writing on posters that might be posted in areas, but not anywhere near the grafitti that Ive seen in other world cities.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
Not to bombard your response, but, if you were around busy areas, like 原宿 or 銀座, yeah, you probably didn't see a lot of graffiti, the same as if you were hanging around Tiffany's on 5th Avenue in NYC. However, between Tokyo and Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Kanogawa, I've seen tons of graffiti. A lot of it is in poorer areas. The same as in western countries.
Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
I have a Han Chinese friend who speaks Japanese so well the Japanese didn't know he is Chinese. The problem was he didn't go to elementary or high school there, so he didn't have the contacts to get good jobs or make friends. He said in ten years there, he never made a friend.
Jim Ellington 3 years ago
Favorite isn't the right word byh far, but for me the Japanese innovation thant stands out farthest is vending machines that sell used schoolgirls' underwear.
Christie Schmitz 3 years ago
I fell in love with Japan when my husband and I vacationed there! I really want us to go back soon :3
tuzdayschild 3 years ago
Nowhere is perfect but Japan does seem to go out of its way to keep harmony with its environment.
Rachael Sampson 3 years ago
That's like any other country my dude. They're not better or worse for it.
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Rafal Balcerzak 3 years ago
In Tokyo we were walking on some walk-path and after a while I realized I don't even know what was it made of. Not rubber, not plastic, probably some sort of composite... that kind of things only in Japan.
Bethany Lingle 3 years ago
it would be so nice to take the things out of lists like these for every country and make a new country with all the best things from each country~~
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
This article is getting a little outdated, but, as a person that actually lives in Japan, let me tell you about some of the things that are really cool about this place. I take issue with a lot of the sensationalist stuff that people like the editor of this article put together, but there are some really interesting things that I notice on a nearly daily basis (having moved here from the US, after having spent a lot of my early life in Europe, and a lot of time in Latin America): (1) Kids are really well-behaved, and seemingly happy. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what's going on here, especially now that I'm working on raising my own child here, but children in Japan seem to be very independent, not prone to tears, and happy. Compared to the US, they also really like to play outside a lot, and don't whine to their parents in stores about buying things for them. This obviously isn't true across the board, but it's very obvious. Along the same lines, when it comes to public
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
safety, I've often been taken aback by seeing kids younger than 10 years old out riding the trains or buses on their own, or just out for a casual bike ride at 9PM (saw what looked like a six year old by herself just riding her back at 830PM last night; not an isolated incident). (2) The quality of customer service. In the US, a lot of people make bullshit complaints or requests, and also perfectly valid ones, and either may have to deal with myriad pushback from employees. Here, the concept of "the customer is always right" is taken to a nearly religious level. For good or ill. (3) The food is always so good. The concept of "Japanese quality" is deeply engrained, as per the previous point. But, as an example, I've had a number of good barbers and stylists throughout my life, but my current barber never fails to spend more than an hour on my hair (pretty short, I'm a guy). He took great pride in saying, in English, "Japanese quality," when I first commented on it. I feel like
Load More Replies... Horatio Jay 3 years ago
this really sums up the attitude towards customer service around here. Finally (4), even when somebody might be pissed at you about something, they usually just let it go. In contrast with the US, especially in the post-Cheetoh-getting-elected years, I think that this is important. I've been watching on the news, and speaking with my family back home, about the rise in people being violently confrontational, and people who will kill someone for asking them to put on a mask in the midst of a global pandemic. Here, people take it as a matter of course (though they still don't always do it, or wear it properly). That being said, I see an average of 1 violent confrontation per year, compared with 3 or 4 per month in the us. To sum it all up, take a look at the news (Asahi or Mainichi Shimbun) and compare it to an average US publication. It's pretty sedate stuff. Instead of the weeaboo BS that the author put forth in this article, these are some of the real things that make Japan a
Computernaut 3 years ago
These are cool, but all very expensive. Probably explains Japan's extremely high debt per capita.
sharron lynn parsons 3 years ago
Japan seems to be a great place to visit, for many good reasons, unfortunately, I can no longer travel, so much beauty to see, and good people, after this post, I expect their tourism will increase tremendously !!!
denzoren 3 years ago
Japan basically took everything that you've ever thought off and made it a reality. Imagination made reality. I hope I can visit one day.
ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago
Weird,cool,clean,safe,beautiful and a heaven for introverts.I want to visit Japan
A.J Milne 3 years ago
Imma learn how to speak Japanese, immigrate there, get my citizenship and live my best life.
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
I actually stayed with a Japanese friend during part of my trip to Japan so.. yea, you can make Japanese friends easy enough.
Rachael Sampson 3 years ago
So is South Korea and China. But not all Japanese people think that way.
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
When I've been in Japan, as a white, red haired westerner, I've experienced nothing but kindness. Yes, Japan has very strict immigration policies, but that doesn't mean they are xenophobic or racist, no more than any other society ... say 'murica for example...
Susanna Vesna 1 year ago
People in the comments coping with their inability to just enjoy a bit of positivity for one f***ing second! Japan still has better art, aesthetics, and technology. And yes, yes, yes, we all know that "grass is greener on the other side". Congratulations on being such hardcore realists. Go enjoy some good anime!
s. vitkovitsky 3 years ago
Yes, it only provides you with a free 12 years of education, individual legal rights, including your right to diss it, voting for all, clean water and enough cheap food that you can throw out a third of it, medical insurance, vaccinations for diseases that are still rampant in undeveloped countries and disfiguring or killing children, and laws against child labor so you don't have to go work in a Nike or Apple factory while still being able to buy Nikes or Apple products. It's tragic, really.
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Terd Fergison 3 years ago
You may be correct that Japan received a lot of help from American/Western Civilizations after 1945, but that was a long time ago. You have to give them credit for learning lessons from WWII. You have to give them credit for valuing science, education, and art. Many of the examples of this post are about aesthetic beauty and style, which you seem to be totally ignoring. Japan has a ton of unique qualities and beauty. Many more of their marvels are due to their culture. Your comment seems to be trying to take away from that.
Load More Replies... s. vitkovitsky 3 years ago
Not really a long time ago in terms of economic development. The Japanese aesthetic sense is lovely, mostly, though, not too much Western input there.
Daria B 3 years ago
"Facts That Prove Japan Is Unlike Any Other Country" --> and then you find lots of similarities with, for example, S. Korea. I get the sensationalist titles, but I'd appreciate the more realistic ones, like, "interesting facts about Japan", or something like this.
Daria B 3 years ago
Not really. The differences are there. But they did influence one another and still do. Also, what are you implying exactly? Knowing a bit of history about this region, I genuinely don't understand your joke, sorry ^^"
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
The US occupied both Japan and South Korea within the same decade, drafted the Japanese constitution, and heavily influenced the reconstruction of South Korea after the armistice. I think that that's what he's referring to.
Daria B 3 years ago
Oh, I see. Thanks for the explanation. Yeah, in this case, still disagree with that statement. USA played a huge role indeed, but Germany was the first aid abroad in the 1960s by employing cheap workforce from S. Korea and that money was brought back to start rebuilding the country. Germany obviously left its footprint here too. Furthermore, as aforementioned, Japan, being the closest neighbour, had their influences too, and, well, it's not like Korea doesn't have a reach and autonomous culture of its own. It was and still is all these things combined.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
I appreciate what you're saying here, but, honestly, the influence of Germany of South Korea has not been as strong as that of the US, economically, socially, and militarily, and Japan's influence on Korea has only diminished since its colonial presence was expelled in the 1950s. South Korea is obviously its own culture, and continuously divergent from North Korea, but, as far as outside influences go, the US is undoubtedly the strongest.
SirPatTheCat 3 years ago
Sigh Bored Panda back at it again with their Japan boner... Yes Japan is very innovative and thoughtful, but it also has faults just like any other country, so please refrain from romanticizing or idolizing it (specifically the "All my problems would be fixed if I could just move to Japan" type idea). It's okay to appreciate the surface level stuff, but skimming over larger issues all the time won't end well for anyone. Similar to the USA hate posts, no country is as one dimensional as bp makes it out to be, so try to get information from other sources as well.
Tami 3 years ago
True, sadly they have some serious issues such as a high suicide rate, partly due to the immense social pressures to excel at nearly everything you do.
Load More Replies... Greg Mingus 3 years ago
The Japanese aren't having enough babies to even replace themselves. They are seriously considering opening the immigration flood gates soon. Maybe they can move there and buy the $50 pizzas etc
lara 3 years ago
There are families of Korean descent who have lived in Japan for centuries who are still denied Japanese citizenship.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago (edited)
Yes, the fact that the Korean zainichi are still considered foreigners after generations is a national shame. Generally speaking, many Japanese consider the nation to be both culturally and ethnically homogeneous, which is simply not true.
Jo Firth 3 years ago
I loved Japan and can't wait to go back one day. Things that could be on this list - amazing packaging, incredible cake art, sense of order in the most crowded of places. If you are travelling from city to city you can send your suitcase ahead overnight and it will be waiting for you at your hotel the next day. Only need to carry a small overnight bag from place to place instead of a large suitcase.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago (edited)
Listen, Japan is a pretty neat place, and I feel lucky to live here, but putting it up on a pedestal like a lot of aspiring tourists (or cultural obsessives) tend to do is not in any way constructive. There are a lot of deeply-ingrained problems, despite the economic "miracle" of the post-war bubble economy until the early 1990s. It's true that one's often wowed by the little (and sometimes big) differences between Japan and the west at first, but it's really not some unique, mystical land, and, once that glamour fades, it's just another place where people live (and with one of the highest suicide rates in the world, for a plethora of very obvious reasons). The quirkiness of the vending machines (of which I almost never see anything other than regular drink and snack ones), or the small quality-of-life conveniences like good customer service, efficient public transport, and good public safety, really don't make this some sort of mythical realm. It's just a place. Regarding the specifics of this article, not only are many of these things extremely rare in Japan (some of which I've only seen once or twice, and nearly all of them NEVER), but the headline phrase, "It’s a fascinating country that sometimes seems more at home in a fairytale book than on Planet Earth," is a completely idealized whitewash of a complex and imperfect country and culture. This is just straight-up weeaboo fantasy. If you want to come here and explore, by all means, do so, but do it with your eyes open, not pulled taut into some sort of racist caricature to fit your preconceptions. And, for the love of all, don't embarrass us expatriates. We already have a hard enough time dealing with the fallout of the often ignorant and rude tourists, and, while the new form of COVID has been an absolutely terrible thing, the dearth of tourism has been a wonderful reprieve for us that actually live here. Please act responsibly when you come here.
Cathelijne Van 3 years ago (edited)
Thank you for sharing the insight of someone really living there...
Load More Replies... Daria B 3 years ago (edited)
Thank you for your insight. I've been in love with Japan and Korea all my life, but, being my auto-critical self, plus, pursuing knowledge about these two countries, I knew it wasn't this Promised Land people now give it credit for. Then I moved to Korea, and, observing Japan from up close, I became aware of these things you're talking about. That still didn't erase my fascination for Japan, but I did have this kind of image you're depicting here, so, when I finally got the chance to visit Tokyo, I was both super excited AND cautious at the same time. Eventually, it turned out a far better experience than I had expected. I'm still aware of all the problems, and, well, nowhere is perfect, but I seriously feel drawn to Japan and can't wait to visit more of this country that I actually like. Also, I feel Korea is more my cup of tea, when it comes to residency. Sure, when the pandemic is over, my priority of travelling abroad is Croatia, family comes first.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
That's great! I'm glad that you got the opportunity to move there, and to get to know Korea as it is. Are you saying that you feel that you learned about Japan by living in Korea? Have you traveled here? If not, then spending time in Korea in no way gives you any insight into Japan (just as the reverse isn't true). On the other hand, as the son-in-law of a Kanazawa family, I'd be interested to hear about what the South Korean interpretation of Japanese people abducted by North Koreans might be.
Jill 3 years ago
I agree...there is a lot of "what ppl think Japan is like" and what is actually is like. I got the feeling while living there that I was back in th 80's. So while they had a wonderful interactive lighting exhibit in Odaiba, Tokyo, technology in Japan is limited at best. They aren't on the forefront of technology they would have you believe.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
Well, I don't know about that. To judge this country based on interactive lighting seems like a pretty random thing. My close friend actually designs a lot of light mapping for Japanese landmarks. They're pretty awesome. And, beyond that, I would say that Japan is at the forefront of deployed technology in first world countries. However, to say that we are some sort of fantasy land is pretty absurd.
J. Normal 3 years ago
Ikizukuri - the eating of LIVE fish ... "prepared so the guest can see the gills still move while they eat the fish"... disgusting in my opinion. They might have fun with technology, but still have the childish cruelty
s. vitkovitsky 3 years ago
Yep, plus all the dolphins caught in tuna nets, plus whaling.
Load More Replies... Matthew Waldman 3 years ago
The one about turtle protection is wrong, that is simply an overflow channel. You can see that there is no place for turtles to get out at the end nor would this design guarantee any animal, especially a turtle, to get into the channel when a train is coming.
Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
1, just recently Tokyo changed the rule that required high school students to dye their hair if it wasn't black enough. 2, husband and wife are required to have the same surname; in 96% of all cases, the wife changes hers and does all the paperwork.
deathrose 3 years ago
Yeah I'm not sure why people romanticize Japan so much. Their crime stats are made up. If someone is raped the Police decide if they want to investigate, most rapes never make it to prosecution. One of their number one books is a guide on how to grope woman on trains. For a country that's banned guns they have a lot of gun crime. They are also incredibly racist. Most mono cultured countries are.
Load More Replies... deathrose 3 years ago
I also remember reading about a medical college that was purposely failing woman because they thought female doctors were a waste because woman are just there to have children and never return to work.
Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
Medical colleges have very low admission rates for women. Women belong in libraries and art classes, not medicine.
Roman Hans 3 years ago (edited)
It’s also incredibly sexist, with limited opportunities, and after six at night you’ll see businessmen in suits staggering home drunk because their jobs require it. (Naturally the other Japanese are too polite to stare.) BUT it’s also spectacular: high culture, low culture, spirituality, nature, amazing architecture, and the nicest, most polite people in the world. I’m tall and had a wonderful afternoon with Harajuku girls who all wanted to take a picture of ME, and once a nice man asked me if I wanted to take a bath with him. (It doesn’t translate right.) With all its faults, I left my heart there and can’t wait to go back.
Rachael Sampson 3 years ago
It's not different from South Korea or China. They're also really racist (and misogynist) too. But there have been progression is Japan.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
There are violent crimes here, for sure, but to say that we have high crime rates is not at all accurate. This is a very safe society, for better or worse.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
Most prefectures and municipalities got rid of hair-dying and panty-color-regulating rules many years ago. In fact, my school district was very confused when I even brought up that old policy, because I thought it might still be pretty prevalent. It's pretty much gone now, except for a few BoEs.
Stephanie Chapman 3 years ago
I lived in Japan for a short while and miss it every day. A truly wonderful country and I hope we can be more like it.
lara 3 years ago
What surprises me is that there is no vandalism or general destruction and theft that would be quite usual in many states in the US. Most of these items that are displayed or created would be totally destroyed by vandals for no reason at all.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
There is a lot of vandalism, particularly spray paint, all over the big cities. My mother-in-law had her phone stolen out of her purse last year on the train in Osaka. Fake news and part of the mythologizing of Japan.
Load More Replies... Jill 3 years ago
Not really from what I saw in Tokyo at least. There is writing on posters that might be posted in areas, but not anywhere near the grafitti that Ive seen in other world cities.
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
Not to bombard your response, but, if you were around busy areas, like 原宿 or 銀座, yeah, you probably didn't see a lot of graffiti, the same as if you were hanging around Tiffany's on 5th Avenue in NYC. However, between Tokyo and Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Kanogawa, I've seen tons of graffiti. A lot of it is in poorer areas. The same as in western countries.
Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
I have a Han Chinese friend who speaks Japanese so well the Japanese didn't know he is Chinese. The problem was he didn't go to elementary or high school there, so he didn't have the contacts to get good jobs or make friends. He said in ten years there, he never made a friend.
Jim Ellington 3 years ago
Favorite isn't the right word byh far, but for me the Japanese innovation thant stands out farthest is vending machines that sell used schoolgirls' underwear.
Christie Schmitz 3 years ago
I fell in love with Japan when my husband and I vacationed there! I really want us to go back soon :3
tuzdayschild 3 years ago
Nowhere is perfect but Japan does seem to go out of its way to keep harmony with its environment.
Rachael Sampson 3 years ago
That's like any other country my dude. They're not better or worse for it.
Load More Replies... Rafal Balcerzak 3 years ago
In Tokyo we were walking on some walk-path and after a while I realized I don't even know what was it made of. Not rubber, not plastic, probably some sort of composite... that kind of things only in Japan.
Bethany Lingle 3 years ago
it would be so nice to take the things out of lists like these for every country and make a new country with all the best things from each country~~
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
This article is getting a little outdated, but, as a person that actually lives in Japan, let me tell you about some of the things that are really cool about this place. I take issue with a lot of the sensationalist stuff that people like the editor of this article put together, but there are some really interesting things that I notice on a nearly daily basis (having moved here from the US, after having spent a lot of my early life in Europe, and a lot of time in Latin America): (1) Kids are really well-behaved, and seemingly happy. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what's going on here, especially now that I'm working on raising my own child here, but children in Japan seem to be very independent, not prone to tears, and happy. Compared to the US, they also really like to play outside a lot, and don't whine to their parents in stores about buying things for them. This obviously isn't true across the board, but it's very obvious. Along the same lines, when it comes to public
Horatio Jay 3 years ago
safety, I've often been taken aback by seeing kids younger than 10 years old out riding the trains or buses on their own, or just out for a casual bike ride at 9PM (saw what looked like a six year old by herself just riding her back at 830PM last night; not an isolated incident). (2) The quality of customer service. In the US, a lot of people make bullshit complaints or requests, and also perfectly valid ones, and either may have to deal with myriad pushback from employees. Here, the concept of "the customer is always right" is taken to a nearly religious level. For good or ill. (3) The food is always so good. The concept of "Japanese quality" is deeply engrained, as per the previous point. But, as an example, I've had a number of good barbers and stylists throughout my life, but my current barber never fails to spend more than an hour on my hair (pretty short, I'm a guy). He took great pride in saying, in English, "Japanese quality," when I first commented on it. I feel like
Load More Replies... Horatio Jay 3 years ago
this really sums up the attitude towards customer service around here. Finally (4), even when somebody might be pissed at you about something, they usually just let it go. In contrast with the US, especially in the post-Cheetoh-getting-elected years, I think that this is important. I've been watching on the news, and speaking with my family back home, about the rise in people being violently confrontational, and people who will kill someone for asking them to put on a mask in the midst of a global pandemic. Here, people take it as a matter of course (though they still don't always do it, or wear it properly). That being said, I see an average of 1 violent confrontation per year, compared with 3 or 4 per month in the us. To sum it all up, take a look at the news (Asahi or Mainichi Shimbun) and compare it to an average US publication. It's pretty sedate stuff. Instead of the weeaboo BS that the author put forth in this article, these are some of the real things that make Japan a
Computernaut 3 years ago
These are cool, but all very expensive. Probably explains Japan's extremely high debt per capita.
sharron lynn parsons 3 years ago
Japan seems to be a great place to visit, for many good reasons, unfortunately, I can no longer travel, so much beauty to see, and good people, after this post, I expect their tourism will increase tremendously !!!
denzoren 3 years ago
Japan basically took everything that you've ever thought off and made it a reality. Imagination made reality. I hope I can visit one day.
ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago
Weird,cool,clean,safe,beautiful and a heaven for introverts.I want to visit Japan
A.J Milne 3 years ago
Imma learn how to speak Japanese, immigrate there, get my citizenship and live my best life.
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
I actually stayed with a Japanese friend during part of my trip to Japan so.. yea, you can make Japanese friends easy enough.
Rachael Sampson 3 years ago
So is South Korea and China. But not all Japanese people think that way.
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
When I've been in Japan, as a white, red haired westerner, I've experienced nothing but kindness. Yes, Japan has very strict immigration policies, but that doesn't mean they are xenophobic or racist, no more than any other society ... say 'murica for example...
Susanna Vesna 1 year ago
People in the comments coping with their inability to just enjoy a bit of positivity for one f***ing second! Japan still has better art, aesthetics, and technology. And yes, yes, yes, we all know that "grass is greener on the other side". Congratulations on being such hardcore realists. Go enjoy some good anime!
s. vitkovitsky 3 years ago
Yes, it only provides you with a free 12 years of education, individual legal rights, including your right to diss it, voting for all, clean water and enough cheap food that you can throw out a third of it, medical insurance, vaccinations for diseases that are still rampant in undeveloped countries and disfiguring or killing children, and laws against child labor so you don't have to go work in a Nike or Apple factory while still being able to buy Nikes or Apple products. It's tragic, really.
Load More Replies... Terd Fergison 3 years ago
You may be correct that Japan received a lot of help from American/Western Civilizations after 1945, but that was a long time ago. You have to give them credit for learning lessons from WWII. You have to give them credit for valuing science, education, and art. Many of the examples of this post are about aesthetic beauty and style, which you seem to be totally ignoring. Japan has a ton of unique qualities and beauty. Many more of their marvels are due to their culture. Your comment seems to be trying to take away from that.
Load More Replies... s. vitkovitsky 3 years ago
Not really a long time ago in terms of economic development. The Japanese aesthetic sense is lovely, mostly, though, not too much Western input there.
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