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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

Daria B
Community Member
8 years ago

I have double thoughts about it. Part of me, thinks this is awsome and effective, but the othe other part thinks that, if you don't make regular people uncomfortable too, you make less impact and the people might not want to support your cause because for them, the protest is only beneficial. If everyone's uncomfortable, everyone will be like "Oh, give them what they want, so this can f***ing end!" But then, again, not everyone is the same, and my appreciation for this kind of striking is prevailing. So, I praise these drivers.

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    #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

    Richard
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Vote it up if you like it, 'cause blind people can't.

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    #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

    stellermatt
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    every blue bag filled should be a rewarded with a free ticket to the next match

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    #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

    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    The bay is so cute..

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    #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

    stellermatt
    Community Member
    8 years ago

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

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    #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

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    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    We the current water scarcity this idea should be incorporated every where

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    #7

    Japan's Manhole Covers Are Beautiful

    Japan's Manhole Covers Are Beautiful

    Tombo_64 Report

    N G
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    In My country, these would get stolen :/

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    #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

    Yuka Momoyo
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Japanese here...Every school do have custodians though...the students certainly don't clean the teachers' restrooms... and the custodian usually take care of the garden area too.

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    #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

    Potterhead Unicorn
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    And this is why I plan to move to Japan.

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    #10

    This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

    This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

    gaijinpot Report

    Isabel Tamayo
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I love their bullet trains! You'll barely feel it's already moving...

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    #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

    stellermatt
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    apparently there was once a time when this sort of honesty ruled the world?

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    #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

    stellermatt
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    power in numbers

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    #13

    Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan

    Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan

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    Shashiprabha Dehipe
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    So clean that even fish can swim

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    #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

    Aaron Kara
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    First time I used this toilet I was slightly disconcerted by the accuracy of the water jet but pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness

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    #15

    Another Reason Why I Love Japan

    Another Reason Why I Love Japan

    zozozeze73 Report

    Isabel Tamayo
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    And in escalators, they stay left (I think) if you'll just stand and if you'll walk you go right...

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    #16

    In Trains You Can Rotate The Seats In Any Direction

    In Trains You Can Rotate The Seats In Any Direction

    4S Report

    Erin Smidt
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This is true in China as well. Makes for some great conversation time on long train rides!

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    #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

    stellermatt
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    why does snoop dogg need an umbrella? fo' drizzle.

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    #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

    stellermatt
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    thought it was tetris at first

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    #19

    Expectations Meet Reality In Japan

    Expectations Meet Reality In Japan

    ImagesOfNetwork Report

    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Finally somewhere it happened!

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    #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

    SanchaTheSeeker
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Isn't it sticky note paper?

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    #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

    My O My
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 years ago

    Cool 😉

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    #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

    Giovanni
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    They are cute but i hate the taste

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    #23

    Photo I Took Of Tokyo Commuters Waiting For Their Train

    Photo I Took Of Tokyo Commuters Waiting For Their Train

    GoodGuyGoodGuy Report

    Sylvia van der Linden
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    In the Dominican Republic people can wait patiently too. And if a pregnant woman appears, they let her go to the front immediately.

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    #24

    Japanese Being Japanese

    Japanese Being Japanese

    mangomilk Report

    Lemonsito
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Look how disciplined the Japanese dots are... and look at the others..haha

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    #25

    This Smartphone Wiper Dispenser In Japan

    This Smartphone Wiper Dispenser In Japan

    Luwast Report

    PyroarRanger
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Okay, Japan is officially awesome. I'm moving there

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    #26

    In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

    In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

    sportyme7 Report

    Eujis
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Most of these deers are extremely aggressive!!! They bit me all the way from a snack stand to the entrance of the temple. And bit me again when I'm not feeding them fast enough. I suffered so much trying to save some snacks for the little ones...

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    #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

    Isabel Tamayo
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    What I love about them is their sense of courtesy... When you are around a neighborhood and go down for a morning walk, neighbors will greet you a warm "Ohayo!" (Good morning!) It's very heartwarming..

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    #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

    Hans
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    In the US they get thrown onto a large heap... (just look at yesterday's video...)

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    #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

    LOttawa
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I've seen this in other countries also ☺

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    #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

    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    What is the meaning of tomodachi?

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    #31

    Children's Seat On The Fujikyu Railway Line In Japan

    Children's Seat On The Fujikyu Railway Line In Japan

    arm4da Report

    ADHORTATOR
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    That's so cool!

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    #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

    Ladies and Gentlemen
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Now this is taking things to much exceptional level.

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    #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

    Miklós Nagy
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    "Kids Learn How To Line Up " Try it in my country and parents would lynch the teacher who restricted the freedom of their little psychopaths!

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    #34

    Almost Everyone In Japan Reverse Parks

    Almost Everyone In Japan Reverse Parks

    itscalledANIMEdad Report

    nanashi
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    yes they do. almost everyone even managed to park very neatly and as closely together as possible too. I wonder how hard it was to gain a driver's license there, bc I sure as heck won't ever passed them if I took it.

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    #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

    Monika Georgieva
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Whaaat, wooow :O In my country the trains sometimes doesn't come at all and nobody tells you why :D

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    #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

    Happiness is Hippo
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I'm more impressed with the deodorant, so even if you're stuck in the lift for hours, you don't need to worry about the embarrassment of getting stinky : )

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    #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

    Isabel Tamayo
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    When I was a kid I always thought they were the real thing...

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    #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

    PyroarRanger
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    That's awesome

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    #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

    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    That was also at the intersection at my university entrance (HUFS, Seoul). So cool! ♥

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    #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

    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I'll be in the constant fear of it getting snatched.. something that may not happen in Japan but still.

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    #41

    Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am

    Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am

    amesco Report

    Mikleo
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I'm curious how many people would even have noticed the interruption.

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    #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

    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    The building where my office is at, like most office buildings in the world, does not have a sign like that. Yesterday, had the lift had this sign, it could have spared me the trip back to the 18th floor to take my umbrella.

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    #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

    mbergen
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I just started needing reading glasses and still don't carry a pair with me (lazy or vain, you pick). This would save a lot of embarrassment (and squinting lol)

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    #44

    This Japanese Taxi Has A Button To Request Slower Speeds

    This Japanese Taxi Has A Button To Request Slower Speeds

    petro26 Report

    Sandra Josefine Langvatznes
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    "Turtle taxi" xD

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    #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

    nanashi
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I thought this was the common norm... at least in the few countries in SEA I've been to

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    #46

    A Vending Machine Selling Farm Fresh Eggs In Japan

    A Vending Machine Selling Farm Fresh Eggs In Japan

    KTerrestrial Report

    ADHORTATOR
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Same in France

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    #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

    UniversalMel
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I feel cheated out of living in America.... Most stores are like hell

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    #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

    Cormorry Stroph
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I think it is the right one, when you have a make-up, so in this way clothes will stay clean

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    #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

    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Is is meant to be a gift?

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    #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

    Elena Ktmr
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    We have the same in Greece also! And I bet other countries have it too!

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    #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

    nanashi
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    ..do they have this in the ladies room too? .... asking for a friend...

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    #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

    bob
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    Note: there are many pickpockets in trains in Tokyo. Like, this guy is either crazy or very very tired. Because I would never do that...

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    #53

    Designated Smoking Rooms On Trains In Japan

    Designated Smoking Rooms On Trains In Japan

    dystortionation Report

    Meowton Mewsk
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    That’s cool in my opinion. Smoking is bad but it’s mainly a personal choice like drinking alcohol or overeating. Instead of nearly outlawing it, they accommodate.

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    #54

    This Japanese Handrail Bends With The Steps

    This Japanese Handrail Bends With The Steps

    SH4Z4M Report

    Kevin Donegan
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    I don't think this would be safer or easier to use than the straight handrail.

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