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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.

#1

A Cafe In Japan Is Hiring Paralyzed People To Control Robot Servers In Order To Still Make An Income

A Cafe In Japan Is Hiring Paralyzed People To Control Robot Servers In Order To Still Make An Income

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engineer_nope.avi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is caring to the max, giving people of all situations a way to serve the community

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#2

Bus Drivers In Japan, Striking In Such A Way That People Don't Suffer

Bus Drivers In Japan, Striking In Such A Way That People Don't Suffer

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#3

Tree In Japan Being Relocated To Make Way For A Road

Tree In Japan Being Relocated To Make Way For A Road

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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

This Is A Rice Paddy. Farmers In Japan Plant Specific Rice Species To Make These Amazing Artworks

CYBERSson Report

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engineer_nope.avi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just plain amazing. Rice to see them putting their artistic skills to the best.

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#5

Long Walkway Covered In Semi-Transparent Umbrellas In Moominvalley Park, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Long Walkway Covered In Semi-Transparent Umbrellas In Moominvalley Park, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

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#6

Penguin Soap Opera In Kyoto Aquarium

Penguin Soap Opera In Kyoto Aquarium

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Julie C Rose
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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”.

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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.

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“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

Train Tracks In Japan Have Special Pathways For Turtles Under Them To Avoid Turtle Casulaties And Train Delays

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engineer_nope.avi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's really thoughtful. I commend the people who thought of this idea.

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#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

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

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#9

This 400 Year Old Bonsai Tree Survived The Bombing Of Hiroshima In Japan

This 400 Year Old Bonsai Tree Survived The Bombing Of Hiroshima In Japan

NazmulHossainRana Report

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engineer_nope.avi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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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.

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#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

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

Dea_seven_nine Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These should be more common worldwide. Just think about the amount of water it would save across the globe.

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#11

Hospital Food In Japan

Hospital Food In Japan

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#12

There's An Ancient Japanese Pruning Method From The 14th Century That Allows Lumber Production Without Cutting Down Trees Called “Daisugi”

There's An Ancient Japanese Pruning Method From The 14th Century That Allows Lumber Production Without Cutting Down Trees Called “Daisugi”

TerminustheInfernal Report

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

Japan Repair A Sinkhole In Fukuoka City In 2 Days

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#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

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

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#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

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

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#16

While Waiting At Kyoto Station This Guy Asked If I Want To Play Two Player Game Boy With Him. 30 Mins Well Spent

While Waiting At Kyoto Station This Guy Asked If I Want To Play Two Player Game Boy With Him. 30 Mins Well Spent

ChristianLL Report

#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

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

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Nubis Knight
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some train stops in Final Fantasy make much more sense now, knowing this!

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#18

Train Seats In Japan Facing Outwards So You Can See The Scenery

Train Seats In Japan Facing Outwards So You Can See The Scenery

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Maneki Neko
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

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#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

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

yudoit Report

#20

At Japanese Airports, The Baggage Handlers Arrange Luggage By Color So It’s Easier For You To Find Your Bag

At Japanese Airports, The Baggage Handlers Arrange Luggage By Color So It’s Easier For You To Find Your Bag

penguinsAreCool3 Report

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Julie C Rose
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn’t usual - normally passengers just grab their own bag off the belt like anywhere else.

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#21

The Gum I Bought In Japan Comes With A Stack Of Paper For Easy Disposal

The Gum I Bought In Japan Comes With A Stack Of Paper For Easy Disposal

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James016
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's almost too obvious that it hasn't been thought of here in the UK

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#22

Flood In Japan, Just Realized There Are Barely Any Floating Trash And Debris

Flood In Japan, Just Realized There Are Barely Any Floating Trash And Debris

VidE27 Report

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Kristal
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Public trash receptacles are not that common so people hold onto their trash until they find one or get home

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#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)

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)

TheWolvis Report

#24

Japan's Fans Cleaning Up Their Sections After Their Match vs. Ivory Coast. Much Respect

Japan's Fans Cleaning Up Their Sections After Their Match vs. Ivory Coast. Much Respect

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#25

Subways In Japan Have Women Only Cars

Subways In Japan Have Women Only Cars

CommitteeOfTheHole Report

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engineer_nope.avi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#26

My Package From Japan Just Came In And The Owner Sent Me A Note With Some Origami

My Package From Japan Just Came In And The Owner Sent Me A Note With Some Origami

dillhen Report

#27

This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

gaijinpot Report

#28

When You Need Help At A Train Station In Japan, Station Staff Will Literally Pop Out And Help You

When You Need Help At A Train Station In Japan, Station Staff Will Literally Pop Out And Help You

Inazumaryoku Report

#29

This Is Not The Food From A High-End Restaurant. This Is Hospital Food In Japan

This Is Not The Food From A High-End Restaurant. This Is Hospital Food In Japan

Katica123 Report

#30

“Pets” Button On A High End Residential Building Elevator In Tokyo

“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.

tokyo202012345 Report

#31

These Square Watermelons In Japan - Grown In Boxes To Shape Them While On The Vine - For Convenient Stacking, Shipping, And Refrigerator Storage

These Square Watermelons In Japan - Grown In Boxes To Shape Them While On The Vine - For Convenient Stacking, Shipping, And Refrigerator Storage

PeoplesDaily Report

#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

In The City Of Shimabara On Japan’s Kyushu Island, The Drainage Canals Are So Clean They Are Home To Hundreds Of Koi Carp

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And local residents actually feed those fish by rinsing their dishes out in their own little pools that are attached to these canals

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#33

Aogashima Is An Isolated Village In Tokyo That Is Inside A Volcano That Has Another Mini Volcano Inside It

Aogashima Is An Isolated Village In Tokyo That Is Inside A Volcano That Has Another Mini Volcano Inside It

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#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

The Picture Of The Japanese Movie Advertisement Is Printed On Two Sides Of The Newspaper, So The Full Picture Could Be Seen Under Light

TCLP Report

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engineer_nope.avi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so clever. I like it. I also haven't watched Your Name but I'm planning to watch it.

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#35

Flight Delayed Due To The Rain Storm, Employees Of Japan Airlines Bow Sorry Passengers

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.

Cheng Phukan Report

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engineer_nope.avi
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#36

A Relaxation Drink In Japan, The Opposite Of An Energy Drink

A Relaxation Drink In Japan, The Opposite Of An Energy Drink

hello297 Report

#37

Floating Solar Power Plant In Japan On The On The Yamakura Dam Reservoir

Floating Solar Power Plant In Japan On The On The Yamakura Dam Reservoir

jerembanana3 Report

#38

This Pizza Box In Japan That Has A Handle In The Middle To Keep The Pizza Flat

This Pizza Box In Japan That Has A Handle In The Middle To Keep The Pizza Flat

SaekoZ2 Report

#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

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

Shiketeru Report

#40

A Museum In Japan That Has Rocks That Look Like Faces

A Museum In Japan That Has Rocks That Look Like Faces

anon883083 Report

#41

Hiroshima, Before When It Got Wiped Off The Map And Less Than A Single Lifetime After

Hiroshima, Before When It Got Wiped Off The Map And Less Than A Single Lifetime After

BeardedGlass Report

#42

Economy Class Meal On Japanese Airline

Economy Class Meal On Japanese Airline

cbciv Report

#43

Kintai-Kyō Arch Bridge, In The City Of Iwakuni, Japan

Kintai-Kyō Arch Bridge, In The City Of Iwakuni, Japan

waiphyoe_shutterbug Report

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Friday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be that one tourist who goes tumbling down, possibly taking several people out with me like dominos 🤦🏻‍♀️

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#45

The "Solar Ark", A Massive Building In Japan Comprised Of 5,046 Solar Panels

The "Solar Ark", A Massive Building In Japan Comprised Of 5,046 Solar Panels

Inazumaryoku Report

#46

A Vending Machine In Japan That Sells Solder And Resistors, For Your Late-Night Circuitry Cravings

A Vending Machine In Japan That Sells Solder And Resistors, For Your Late-Night Circuitry Cravings

9999monkeys Report

#47

This Driverless Roving Sales Vehicle In Japan

This Driverless Roving Sales Vehicle In Japan

9999monkeys Report

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Sebastian
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is in Shanghai, China. I see them every day around my workplace.

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#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

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

ktansai Report

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Mike Oravec
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is nice, BUT what about unzipping baggage and getting valuables out of it ?

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#49

Car Is Parked In The Driveway Which Is Built Over A Small Stream In Kyoto, Japan

Car Is Parked In The Driveway Which Is Built Over A Small Stream In Kyoto, Japan

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Zaza
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No thank you. I would 100% constantly drop all my s**t down there. Keys, wallet, groceries, whatever isn't glued to my body would be lost

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Kimberly Greenock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lived in Malaysia and our driveway was like this too. I loved it TILL we found baby king cobras and then MOMMY king cobra a few weeks later. Nope nope nope.

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OMGWaitWhat
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We should have those in the US. Add some alligators for protection. lol

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Rainy Day Wolf
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

a river like that would be literal sewer water and filled with garbage, dead animals and even people here in Mexico

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Id row
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't drop your keys or phone when you get in or out.

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Baali Venomax
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure about that, something happens that devastates that bridge, instead of just falling into a small hole or turning to the side, your car is gonna crash into the river instead.

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Jace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are a lot of things that are done for space-saving necessity, not novelty. This article seems to not quite grasp this.

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Fred L.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I´d be reluctant to do this in a earthquake-prone location.

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Monte Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Japanese people are the most ingenious at making use of every spec of land in their country. Other places just let space go to waste.

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Wendilyn Printy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a river or stream. Outdated benjo ditch. They used to collect water and waste and take it out to the fields for fertilizer.

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Jean Thompson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suspect that the Japanese favour these small efficient cars rather than the gas-guzzlers we have in the west - but am I right or wrong?

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#50

Crystal Cola? Is Being Sold Here In Japan

Crystal Cola? Is Being Sold Here In Japan

thompower Report

Note: this post originally had 141 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.