ADVERTISEMENT

Japanese culture is absolutely incomparable to any in our Western world. Their deeply rooted politeness, precision, and dedication to work are rarely seen anywhere else. And though you might know Japan as a home to anime, sumo wrestlers, cherry blossoms and bullet trains, their ingenuity shows in many other aspects of their daily lives. Starting with extremely innovative toilets and vending machines filled with fresh farm eggs, to the unique system of Tokyo subway and drainage canals swarming with Koi fish. These are just a particle of the interesting facts about Japanese culture. Actually, there are so many that this one post couldn't fit them all.

Bored Panda has compiled some of the weirdest inventions, cultural practices and amazing facts about Japan that will make this country your go-to destination.

#1

Bus Drivers In Japan Were On Strike But Continued Driving Their Routes While Refusing To Take Fares From Passengers

Bus Drivers In Japan Were On Strike But Continued Driving Their Routes While Refusing To Take Fares From Passengers

MohammedAshemimry Report

#2

Drink Cans Have Names Written In Braille On The Top

Drink Cans Have Names Written In Braille On The Top

gracebuchele.wordpress.com Report

#3

Japanese Fans Stayed Behind After The FIFA World Cup 2014 Match To Help Clean Up

Japanese Fans Stayed Behind After The FIFA World Cup 2014 Match To Help Clean Up

Joe Giddens - EMPICS Report

#4

There Are Baby Seats Attached To The Wall In Most Bathrooms

There Are Baby Seats Attached To The Wall In Most Bathrooms

minneapolis2tokyo2madarao Report

#5

I Recently Gave Birth In Japan. Here Is Some Of The Hospital Food I Ate

I Recently Gave Birth In Japan. Here Is Some Of The Hospital Food I Ate

jenkinsinjapan Report

Add photo comments
POST
stellermatt
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you know what ya get in the UK? toast. I mean, it's damn good toast, but...

DE Ray
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the US, you get off-brand gelatin. That costs $50.

xpurinx
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just to let people know that this is a very upscale hospital, and the usual hospital food doesn't look like fine dining but is presented nicely nonetheless (kind of like home cooking) and is always healthy and nutritious.

Yuka Momoyo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This must be one fancy hospital...this is definitely not the norm.

Jessica Temple
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WOW! this is so fantastic. Food is what heals, and this food is perfect for healing.

nanashi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm guessing it's one of those pricey private hospitals...

Norie Iijima
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're absolutely right. Having baby is not illness, so government don't pay for it. It costs you fortune in Japan, while it's absolutely free in UK.

Load More Replies...
Cassie
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder how much a medivac to Japan would cost from here next time I need a hospital...

Paul Dixon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What they don't tell you is they paid extra for all that. For a private room, longer stay, better food - this is about 6 months salary in Japan. (About $10,000)

Nelson Pinto
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a man. Can I give birth there too? The food looks delicious...

bob
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably a very expensive hospital... I always wonder why having kids in Japan is so expensive, when the country is facing the biggest demographic crisis of all times...

Rafaella Bueno
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kids being expensive are one of the reasons for the demographic crisis. Nobody can afford to have kids, specially when there's also a shortage of day cares so it's hard for both parents to work with a small child. My friends from Japan say that the problem with the country is that it's mostly old people voting for old politicians who govern for them and ignore the needs of young couples and children. A friend said that he saw a day care be closed because the neighborhood association, consisting of mostly elderly women, complained it was too noisy and disrupting. I don't live there though, so I only hear things from people who do.

Load More Replies...
Kurt Beyer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't what WHAT hospital that is!! I have been in Japanese hospitals MANY times, and the food was absolutely awful -- nothing at all like the pictures here.

Lala_nene
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think these photos are taken at the one of high-quality hospitals. The meals of most public hospitals in Japan are so terrible. They are like food of livestock. (>д<)

Patti
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Prescott hospital in Arizona has great food. Order off the menus and guests can order off the menu too. They have great salmon

Andrea Devine
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both Honor Health hospitals in Scottsdale have great food. They also serve salmon and a 6 oz top sirloin steak.

Load More Replies...
AbbiTabbi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey- hospital food here (Oregon, USA) is quite good according to my mom. She stayed a bit longer than necessary because the food is so good, doctors/nurses so nice and beds so comfy! Of course, it is a big hospital for a very small town.

Dan Brownlee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Giving shell fish to a nursing mother? And they got their medical education where?

Dan Brownlee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this is NOT typical fare in a typical Japanese hospital. This must be a VIP Suite.

Load More Replies...
Michelle Linder
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spending close to a third of last year in the hospital would have been a bit more bearable if they had fed me like this. Yowza.

Sarah Giles
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure that's because they know how important after birth care is due to their own past.

Gill Faram
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What could be better..... healthy, cheerful & caring! Love it!

Chris Kirby
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My experience with hospital food is that it is delicious, though, truth be told, the chef was so surprised that my plate was cleaned that he came to my room to make sure I hadn't just tossed it.

Tete Lababidi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Japan is the best Country, i lived in Kobe Japan for 32 years. Still missing Japan

Michele Cunanan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG!!!! I didn't get anywhere close to that with my 3 children in Canada. 😔

Maria Ofar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i remember a short while after giving birth, someone brought in some silverside with veggies and white sauce. if you had asked what i wanted, anything at all i wouldn't have had a clue. THAT was what i wanted though, was so happy

Norman Mizuno
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my food in the hospital in New Jersery was very very bad.....and they usually did not give me what i ordered

Trisha Haskett
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the US you get highly processed, fatty, full of nitrates or msg, all the c**p that makes us a sick, obese country because medicine is big business.

Linda Penman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, but was it free? Japan’s health system is not nearly as good as the NHS. I’ve lived in Japan and the patient’s stay in hospital is only partly funded so the patient must pay the rest, which can be substantial.

Lucinda Rodriguez
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like that they give you a lot and that it looks good then get a little and it look gross

Jonathan Friedman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have had similar experiences with "great food" at a Japanese hospital, but my Japanese colleagues still consider it to be "hospital food" (i.e. less desirable than the food that you can get outside of a hospital.) I was pretty happy with it though.

Emyo Jennifer Nakayama
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, it is true! It was fantastic, but I should warn you that ordinary hospitals for sick people don't serve the same kind of wonderful food that Maternity hospitals do. In fact, I had some okayu that was totally awful and I couldn't imagine how anyone could destroy okayu!

cc
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Japanese school lunches are like this this too and military ones.

Kurt Beyer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know WHAT hospital that is, but I have been in and out of Japanese hospitals many, many times -- and the food was horrible. NOTHING at all like those pics.

BusLady
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was in he Hospital a couple of years ago (US) and the food was really good, and there was a good selection. :-)

ReeRee Yarbrough
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

im in Wisconsin, USA. I got pizza from a local place called Pizza Doctors all you can eat. They actually sent us home with tickets to take Mom out for dinner

Ms E
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In sweden you would get some white bread and cheap cheese.

Robin Ellison
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

must have been a private pay patient. For folks treated on the country's dime, their family has to bring the food.

jevais
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

May I have some please. The meals look so tasty.

Gay Johnson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in America they deliver the kid, hand you the bill and the baby and say “see ya”... you don’t even get to stay for the green jello

ajcdoyle
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm...I just gave birth in Japan too, and my food didn't look anything like this. I'm guessing you weren't at a city-run hospital...

Hiroko Clark
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dinner had been eaten by a student who was not bothered to check if I was still in the hospital. So I was given left over from the kitchen, which were potato and nan bread. Nottingham, UK.

Cherita Barbuto
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I should have given birth in Japan. I think they have a great green system.They had the opportunity to rebuild with great thought.

Andrea Devine
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The hospitals I go to in the Phoenix metro area have great food. I have a very restricted diet (low calories, low fat, no gluten or soy) and I can always find something to eat. Last visit I had roasted rosemary lemon chicken, whipped sweet potatoes (no butter, no sweetener), steamed asparagus, and a small gf sugar cookie with strawberries.

Gerry Higgins
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was recently in hospital in California and the food was great. I could select from a menu and all it all looked/tasted great. UCSD medical center if anyone wants to combine a vacation with an operation :)

Diane Mackereth
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! The cooks look like they treat you as a 5 star restaurant critic!

Laura Hirosawa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks much more like a sanfujinka (maternity clinic) than a byouin (hospital). Don’t get me wrong, many Japanese hospitals have decent to good food, just not as fancy as all this.

Jan Virtue
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy s**t! Are you kidding? His looks like a 5 star restaurant's food. I mean, look at the presentation. WOW! Wish I had this when I gave birth. I'm hungry now.

I dislike Brexit
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I haven't given birth yet but in the uk it's probably vile things and boring things

Jarno Flinkers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, i guess i should be having a baby in Japan, and a uturus ofcourse, no mensies though

Eyeball
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That all looks so delicious. Hospital food in the US is awful...

Rebekah
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm in the US. The last time I spawned life I was also given delightful food. Had a full menu to pick from, like a restaurant. All of it was quite tasty. And no, this wasn't some fancy private hospital. Just a standard one in WA state.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

You Can Often Find This Kind Of Toilet In Japan. Wash Your Hands And Reuse The Water For Your Next Flush

You Can Often Find This Kind Of Toilet In Japan. Wash Your Hands And Reuse The Water For Your Next Flush

Report

#7

Japan's Manhole Covers Are Beautiful

Japan's Manhole Covers Are Beautiful

Tombo_64 Report

#8

Most Japanese Schools Don't Have Custodians. Instead, The Students Do The Cleaning Themselves As A Part Of Showing Gratitude To The School And Learning How To Become More Productive Members Of Society

Most Japanese Schools Don't Have Custodians. Instead, The Students Do The Cleaning Themselves As A Part Of Showing Gratitude To The School And Learning How To Become More Productive Members Of Society

sarahmoersfelder Report

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

The Note In Japanese Says, "I Accidentally Knocked Over Your Bike And Broke The Bell. I Am Very Sorry"

The Note In Japanese Says, "I Accidentally Knocked Over Your Bike And Broke The Bell. I Am Very Sorry"

gaijinpot Report

#10

This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

gaijinpot Report

#11

I Dropped My Shopping Bag On The Streets Of Osaka And When I Went Back To Look For It Later That Day, Someone Had Placed It Next To A Tree Untouched

I Dropped My Shopping Bag On The Streets Of Osaka And When I Went Back To Look For It Later That Day, Someone Had Placed It Next To A Tree Untouched

justlikebuddyholly Report

#12

Commuters In Tokyo Pushed A Train Car To Save A Woman Who Fell And Got Stuck Between The Car And The Platform

Commuters In Tokyo Pushed A Train Car To Save A Woman Who Fell And Got Stuck Between The Car And The Platform

Norihiro Shigeta Report

#13

Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan

Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan

Report

#14

Japanese Toilets Often Have A Button That Plays White Noise/Water Sounds So You Can Poop Without Other People Hearing Your Business

Japanese Toilets Often Have A Button That Plays White Noise/Water Sounds So You Can Poop Without Other People Hearing Your Business

mikieliza Report

#15

Another Reason Why I Love Japan

Another Reason Why I Love Japan

zozozeze73 Report

#16

In Trains You Can Rotate The Seats In Any Direction

In Trains You Can Rotate The Seats In Any Direction

4S Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#17

Another Great Japanese Invention: Umbrella Lockers. So You Don't Have To Carry Them Around Inside A Building And Nobody Takes Yours 'Accidentally'

Another Great Japanese Invention: Umbrella Lockers. So You Don't Have To Carry Them Around Inside A Building And Nobody Takes Yours 'Accidentally'

monikakuelsheimer Report

#18

This Toilet In Japan Has A System Of Occupied/Vacant Toilets Information

This Toilet In Japan Has A System Of Occupied/Vacant Toilets Information

youknowitalktoomuch Report

#19

Expectations Meet Reality In Japan

Expectations Meet Reality In Japan

ImagesOfNetwork Report

#20

This Japanese Gum I Have Came With Little Pieces Of Paper Inside For You To Spit Your Gum In To When You’re Finished With It

This Japanese Gum I Have Came With Little Pieces Of Paper Inside For You To Spit Your Gum In To When You’re Finished With It

Jerry_McPhee Report

#21

This Shopping Center In Japan Has Free Refrigerated Lockers For Your Perishables So You Can Keep Shopping After You Get Your Groceries

This Shopping Center In Japan Has Free Refrigerated Lockers For Your Perishables So You Can Keep Shopping After You Get Your Groceries

RegionFree Report

#22

At Narita International Airport (Tokyo) They Give You Free Origami Instead Of Candy

At Narita International Airport (Tokyo) They Give You Free Origami Instead Of Candy

badnelly123 Report

#23

Photo I Took Of Tokyo Commuters Waiting For Their Train

Photo I Took Of Tokyo Commuters Waiting For Their Train

GoodGuyGoodGuy Report

#24

Japanese Being Japanese

Japanese Being Japanese

mangomilk Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#25

This Smartphone Wiper Dispenser In Japan

This Smartphone Wiper Dispenser In Japan

Luwast Report

#26

In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

sportyme7 Report

#27

In Japan, The Ground Crew Bows And Waves Goodbye To The Departing Aircraft

In Japan, The Ground Crew Bows And Waves Goodbye To The Departing Aircraft

FirearmConcierge Report

#28

Japanese Airport Staff Sorted Luggages On The Belt By Their Colour

Japanese Airport Staff Sorted Luggages On The Belt By Their Colour

91424 Report

#29

This Bedside Lamp At My Hotel In Japan Can Be Half Lit

This Bedside Lamp At My Hotel In Japan Can Be Half Lit

Nokqua Report

#30

Ordered This From Japan And It Came With A Little Note And Origami Crane

Ordered This From Japan And It Came With A Little Note And Origami Crane

JustBeingAMitch Report

#31

Children's Seat On The Fujikyu Railway Line In Japan

Children's Seat On The Fujikyu Railway Line In Japan

arm4da Report

#32

Toreiyu Tsubasa Train In Japan Is Equipped With Footbaths So You Can Enjoy A Relaxing Trip

Toreiyu Tsubasa Train In Japan Is Equipped With Footbaths So You Can Enjoy A Relaxing Trip

jreast Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#33

Japanese Often Line Up For Buses, Trains, Restaurants Or Shops And Can Wait In Lines For Long Periods Of Time. Kids Learn How To Line Up As Early As Kindergarten As It Teaches Self-Discipline, Cooperation And Respect

Japanese Often Line Up For Buses, Trains, Restaurants Or Shops And Can Wait In Lines For Long Periods Of Time. Kids Learn How To Line Up As Early As Kindergarten As It Teaches Self-Discipline, Cooperation And Respect

munya munyaka Report

#34

Almost Everyone In Japan Reverse Parks

Almost Everyone In Japan Reverse Parks

itscalledANIMEdad Report

#35

Tokyo Train Company Tsukuba Express Apologized For 20-Second-Early Departure

Tokyo Train Company Tsukuba Express Apologized For 20-Second-Early Departure

Tsukuba Express , LERK Report

#36

This Lift In Japan Has A Seat That Can Be Used As A Toilet In An Emergency

This Lift In Japan Has A Seat That Can Be Used As A Toilet In An Emergency

matt_777 Report

#37

Restaurants In Japan Display Fake Food That Looks Just Like The Real One From The Menu

Restaurants In Japan Display Fake Food That Looks Just Like The Real One From The Menu

Matthew Yau Report

#38

Japanese ATM's Have Cane Holders Due To The Aging Population

Japanese ATM's Have Cane Holders Due To The Aging Population

IntelWarrior Report

#39

There Are Over 300 Scramble Intersections In Japan Where You Can Cross A Street Diagonally

There Are Over 300 Scramble Intersections In Japan Where You Can Cross A Street Diagonally

bolubantat Report

#40

At Some Tourist Spots In Japan There Are Stands To Hold Your Smartphone So You Can Take Good Selfies

At Some Tourist Spots In Japan There Are Stands To Hold Your Smartphone So You Can Take Good Selfies

WhaleMeatFantasy Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#41

Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am

Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am

amesco Report

#42

The Elevators In My Office Building Have An Umbrella Sign That Lights Up If It's Raining Outside (Osaka, Japan)

The Elevators In My Office Building Have An Umbrella Sign That Lights Up If It's Raining Outside (Osaka, Japan)

eigosensei Report

#43

This Hospital In Japan Offers Glasses With Different Prescriptions For Filling Out Forms

This Hospital In Japan Offers Glasses With Different Prescriptions For Filling Out Forms

Rasonic Report

#44

This Japanese Taxi Has A Button To Request Slower Speeds

This Japanese Taxi Has A Button To Request Slower Speeds

petro26 Report

#45

In Japan, You Not Only Have To Take Your Shoes Off And Change Them To Slippers At The Entrance, But Also Use Different Slippers When You Go To The Bathroom

In Japan, You Not Only Have To Take Your Shoes Off And Change Them To Slippers At The Entrance, But Also Use Different Slippers When You Go To The Bathroom

nn.naru.uu Report

#46

A Vending Machine Selling Farm Fresh Eggs In Japan

A Vending Machine Selling Farm Fresh Eggs In Japan

KTerrestrial Report

#47

Everybody Lines Up Their Carts Nicely At The Food Court In Costco In Japan

Everybody Lines Up Their Carts Nicely At The Food Court In Costco In Japan

RegionFree Report

#48

These Fitting Room Instructions In Japan. Cover Your Face To Prevent Makeup From Getting On The Garment

These Fitting Room Instructions In Japan. Cover Your Face To Prevent Makeup From Getting On The Garment

Sad_Weeaboo_In_Japan Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#49

In Japan They Sell Square Watermelons To Fit Better In The Refrigerator

In Japan They Sell Square Watermelons To Fit Better In The Refrigerator

RazerJoe Report

#50

Toothpick At A Mall In Japan Had A Mint Coated Tip

Toothpick At A Mall In Japan Had A Mint Coated Tip

HellDiverz Report

#51

This Urinal In Japan Is A Video Game You Play With Your Pee

This Urinal In Japan Is A Video Game You Play With Your Pee

GreenTeaOnMyDesk Report

#52

Only In Japan Would Someone Leave These Out While They Sleep

Only In Japan Would Someone Leave These Out While They Sleep

new_redpill Report

#53

Designated Smoking Rooms On Trains In Japan

Designated Smoking Rooms On Trains In Japan

dystortionation Report

#54

This Japanese Handrail Bends With The Steps

This Japanese Handrail Bends With The Steps

SH4Z4M Report