Japan, a country made from an archipelago off the coast of East Asia, is well-known for its unique and proud culture. The Japan culture may seem quirky to some, but this vibrant and prosperous nation can certainly teach others a thing or two about innovation, imagination, family values, and respect for others. These Japan facts seem so far from the Western culture we're used to that some of their traditions might seem exotic to us.
We here at Bored Panda have compiled a follow-up list of the weird and wonderful Japanese culture practices that make them just so Japanese. You can find part 1 of the amazing facts here, and if these posts don't make you want to explore Japan tourism immediately then there's always the gorgeous scenery, delicious food, fascinating history, skiing and more!
Scroll down below to check out the list full of interesting facts for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!
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Japanese Team Leaves A Spotless Locker Room With A "Thank You" Note In Russian Despite Their Heartbreaking 2-3 Defeat To Belgium
This Hand-Written Letter I Received From A Mail Order Off Amazon
This Fountain In Kanazawa, Japan Displays The Time
A Hotel In Tokyo Has A Reception Desk That Is Run By Robot Dinosaurs
Most Organized Luggage Pickup You’ll Ever See. All Upright With Handle Facing Outward For Easy Pickup
Rice Paddy Art Is An Art Form Originating In Japan Where People Plant Rice Of Various Types And Colors To Create Images In A Paddy Field
I wouldn't even be able to draw on a sheet of paper what these artists can design with crops... this is impressive
Went In To A Police Booth In Tokyo To Get Directions To A Place 3 Blocks Away, The Officer Made Me A Detailed Handdrawn Map To Make Sure I Find It... Just Wow!
When I arrived in japan the cops where so helpful when I asked, took me all the way to my Airbnb and made sure I got in OK...I honestly dont think there's much for them to do in japan! XD
This Sign In Japan Shows The Proper Seating Etiquette
In Japan, Beginner Drivers Use A Shoshinsha Mark - Green And Yellow V-Shaped Symbol That New Drivers In Japan Must Display On Their Cars For One Year After They Obtain A Standard Driver's License. There Is Also A Fukushi Mark Used To Denote Elderly Drivers
This is such a good idea- gives context to why someone might be driving too slow or making rookie mistakes. If I saw an informational sticker like these I'd definitely give them wider berth
Unattended Grocery Store. Just Pick What You Want And Leave The Money In The Jar
Even throughout the devastating tsunami, the Japanese politely stood in line to pay for what they needed from shelves that were rapidly emptying, bought only what they needed, never looted any empty stores and even left money behind for items they needed/took. What an impressive culture.
Wow, that's so heartwarming. And its so ingrained in the culture that its second nature
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And crops, at least in my neighborhood. Potatoes, nuts, greens, onions.
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This is also common in the Netherlands where people sell homegrown vegetables, even farmers sell their stuff in unattended stores.
Similar small shops are in my country also (Finland). Usually those are in places that are full of summer cottages. It is not worth having any 'real' shops there (because there are not enough customers) but some communities like to organize small shops like this where the idea is "Take the item - pay what you want".
These are found all over rural Tasmania. They're called honesty boxes, and sadly they're often pilfered by tourists - I've watched it happen...
My husband said that when he was in Japan, he noticed vending machines that sold hard liquor. Anyone could buy it, no ID required. But because of Japan's ingrained honor system, no one underage would dare buy it.
There are some stands and small farmers markets that are still like this in small towns in America. Relatively common in my area (Farm town)
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It’s called respect. Few have it. Many don’t know what it means. (In other countries)
This is called the honor system. We used to have it in the states, until people (usually farmers) started getting ripped off.
I've seen them in (rural) Switzerland. it wasnt just a booth but a little shop!
Imagine is that were to happen where I live, In Peru.... impossible. No such culture here.
In rural Australian areas, people leave produce on the side of roads and have boxes or pipes to leave the money in.
Still have this in the UK in parts of the country. Some farmers will have roadside stalls and you just put your money in a box and take an item.
It is this way IMO due to how many people are in such a small place. If this respect was not taught I think it would be chaos
I would like to see this in more countries. Even though I like all that I see and want to live in Japan because of their wonderful ways, I would have to attend their school until I learned not to be crude in their eyes.
We have this in my city too. No set price - just pay what you want for fresh and organic veggies and fruits. People actually leave more money than they should.
When Coldplay (was it Coldplay?) decided to release an album by donation several years ago, it turns out that they got almost exactly what they would've by retail. Some paid less, some paid more, but it all evened out.
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Much less than before, tho…I think it’s a deep part of their culture.
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Flight Delayed In Japan. Airline Employees Bow To The Passengers To Apologise
Sticker That Was On My Package From Japan
This Tank Style Stairs Dolly In Japan
The Fire Escape For This Building Is A Slide
The Japanese Ebay Seller I Bought This PS3 Game From Also Sent Me A Japanese Tea Bag With It
A Tiny Pocket In The Back Of Train Seat To Put Your Train Ticket In So When The Conductor Comes Round He Just Checks It Without Waking You Up
Very cool, but this is not uniquely Japanese. SEPTA and NJT had ticket holders on their seats when I lived in Philly in the 90's.
Japan’s Highest Bridge’s Height Is Compared To Godzilla
The Seat Pattern On The Train In Japan Tells You Where Priority Seating Is
This is one the selling points when I describe Japan to people. When me and my gf went we were so impressed, regardless of how full the train is we almost never saw someone sitting here unless they were elderly or a mother. It was amazing how respectful they are even when it doesn't directly benefit anyone at the time.
Bus Driver Holding An Umbrella So That You Don’t Get Wet While Opening Yours
Real-Life Mario Kart Racing In Tokyo Traffic
Sheet Of Paper That Japanese Trains Give To Riders To Excuse Their Tardiness At Work. It Indicates The Date And How Late The Train Was
Japan Is A Rapidly Ageing Population And Is Running Out Of Workers To Take Care For Elders. They Are Solving This Problem With Robots. One Of Them - Robear - Is Able To Lift A Parson And Transfer Him To A Wheelchair Or Help To Get To A Bathroom
Anti-Bacterial Handrails In Tokyo Metro Escalator
This Coffee Shop In Tokyo Clearly Marks Each Customers Space At The Counter
What Happens When A Train Ticket Machine Runs Out Of Change In Tokyo
Why oh why can't other countries follow suit like japan? So polite, clean, modern, accommodating... it's obviously not hard. I wonder what the Japanese think when they visit other countries? Makes me ashamed to think :(
Because not every country's society is rooted in collectivist ideology, some value individual liberty over everything else, which means less control over individual conduct and pursuits.
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while japan is an absolutly gorgeous culture and I love almost everything like all thins it has a big flaw. The culture stiffles alot of individuality with their education system and it is extremerly hard for young people to keep up with the system. I LOVE THE culture but I feel like people need to understand their are ups and downs to everything sadly no not sadly humanly there are ups and down to every culture!
I lived in Japan for 5 years, I think you are wrong. There is beautiful imagination and creativity.
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These solutions to everyday problems are so simple and elegant. Other countries would be so much more pleasant to live in if we would follow some of these innovations.
I just watched a Japanese student bow to a stray cat, pet it, then bow again while thanking it. How cute and considerate, haha
Boeing happens a lot in japan. But it also depends where you are. I lived in the north and we often bowed after crossing the road at a crossing where a car stopped for us. I then moved near Tokyo and was told 'no one has time for that...bowing is too polite"
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What the f**k is up with this? I thought this was supposed to be 53 pictures, there's only like 25 on here. Reported for scams, dumb f***s.
About the bow of airline staff: it is quite normal for them to bow to thank you to fly with them. I had this experience too. It is so heartwarming.
It's funny how every one thinks Japan is the best country in the world. It is not. The best way to check this is to go there and actually try to stick to the rules. And don't believe for one second that when a Japanese is smiling to you, it's because you're doing it right. In most cases, it's actually the opposite. Then, and only then will you have seen the real japan. And believe me, it is quite stressful, as there are so many rules. Cleanliness and respect come at a very high price...
Btw, I love Japan. But I find absurd when someone thinks it's an amazing country. It's a nice country, but like every other country, it has its flaws. Many of them. Especially if you're a foreigner...
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I lived in japan for 8 years. From my experience it's organised creativity. They have to work together and carefully plan even the most creative stuff. Individuality is rarely encouraged unless it's to represent a group. Most end up copying each other or liking the same thing.
If you lived on a small island where all living space must be measured so that all can have a place, organization might be the one thing which can keep society from imploding. There are not a lot places to go for escape from noise and crowding; polite behavior and some curb on individual behavior is necessary for all to live together.
Load More Replies... Having lived in japan for 8 years and travelled to many others, I can honestly tell you that most of these things can be found in many other countries. Also certain aspects of japan may seem polite etc, but most of this is smokes and mirrors. Many of those 'happy' workers hate their jobs and hate the customers - they complained afterwards. Many Japanese will complain to their foreign friends to save face The apologising for delays under 30mins actually takes up more time. Oh. Japan uses too much plastic. They also have a lot of perverts, hence the women only trains.
Ever since the first time I visited Japan, I have absolutely loved it, there's no other place like it. Sure, it has it's flaws, I'm not going to deny that, but it always breaks my heart whenever I have to leave..
My son just returned from Japan and loved everything. Now I am ready to move there when he decides to.
Japanese culture values the collective over the individual, this is why the pressure to behavior properly in public and be exponentially prosperous for the good the Japanese economy is the number one priority. Of course there are wonderful aspects of Japanese culture, they are innovation, creative and highly efficient, but there is a price paid in the form of sacrificing individual liberty and private pursuits. No culture is perfect, its always good to have a balanced view, but there are definitely things we could learn from Japan!
Just put in YouTube: Japanese Commercials. I don't speak the language and still each one is more interesting than our average US TV show.
Unlike most developed countries, the US is full of idiots.
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You can find fun, polite, and interesting things in any country. You can also find bad things. I noticed there was no mention about Japan's rampant child pornography and kid sex problems. Guess that doesn't jive with the rest of the thread.
I agree that that is horrible and very upsetting, but I come onto BP to escape bad things and have a good time. I'd rather you not be too cynical here.
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I want to reincarnate either as a Japanese or South Korean. Please... PLEASE!
Meat is meat. Just because some meat is cute & cuddly and some meat isn't doesn't make the animal's life less worthy.
Load More Replies... Why oh why can't other countries follow suit like japan? So polite, clean, modern, accommodating... it's obviously not hard. I wonder what the Japanese think when they visit other countries? Makes me ashamed to think :(
Because not every country's society is rooted in collectivist ideology, some value individual liberty over everything else, which means less control over individual conduct and pursuits.
Load More Replies... while japan is an absolutly gorgeous culture and I love almost everything like all thins it has a big flaw. The culture stiffles alot of individuality with their education system and it is extremerly hard for young people to keep up with the system. I LOVE THE culture but I feel like people need to understand their are ups and downs to everything sadly no not sadly humanly there are ups and down to every culture!
I lived in Japan for 5 years, I think you are wrong. There is beautiful imagination and creativity.
Load More Replies... These solutions to everyday problems are so simple and elegant. Other countries would be so much more pleasant to live in if we would follow some of these innovations.
I just watched a Japanese student bow to a stray cat, pet it, then bow again while thanking it. How cute and considerate, haha
Boeing happens a lot in japan. But it also depends where you are. I lived in the north and we often bowed after crossing the road at a crossing where a car stopped for us. I then moved near Tokyo and was told 'no one has time for that...bowing is too polite"
Load More Replies... What the f**k is up with this? I thought this was supposed to be 53 pictures, there's only like 25 on here. Reported for scams, dumb f***s.
About the bow of airline staff: it is quite normal for them to bow to thank you to fly with them. I had this experience too. It is so heartwarming.
It's funny how every one thinks Japan is the best country in the world. It is not. The best way to check this is to go there and actually try to stick to the rules. And don't believe for one second that when a Japanese is smiling to you, it's because you're doing it right. In most cases, it's actually the opposite. Then, and only then will you have seen the real japan. And believe me, it is quite stressful, as there are so many rules. Cleanliness and respect come at a very high price...
Btw, I love Japan. But I find absurd when someone thinks it's an amazing country. It's a nice country, but like every other country, it has its flaws. Many of them. Especially if you're a foreigner...
Load More Replies... I lived in japan for 8 years. From my experience it's organised creativity. They have to work together and carefully plan even the most creative stuff. Individuality is rarely encouraged unless it's to represent a group. Most end up copying each other or liking the same thing.
If you lived on a small island where all living space must be measured so that all can have a place, organization might be the one thing which can keep society from imploding. There are not a lot places to go for escape from noise and crowding; polite behavior and some curb on individual behavior is necessary for all to live together.
Load More Replies... Having lived in japan for 8 years and travelled to many others, I can honestly tell you that most of these things can be found in many other countries. Also certain aspects of japan may seem polite etc, but most of this is smokes and mirrors. Many of those 'happy' workers hate their jobs and hate the customers - they complained afterwards. Many Japanese will complain to their foreign friends to save face The apologising for delays under 30mins actually takes up more time. Oh. Japan uses too much plastic. They also have a lot of perverts, hence the women only trains.
Ever since the first time I visited Japan, I have absolutely loved it, there's no other place like it. Sure, it has it's flaws, I'm not going to deny that, but it always breaks my heart whenever I have to leave..
My son just returned from Japan and loved everything. Now I am ready to move there when he decides to.
Japanese culture values the collective over the individual, this is why the pressure to behavior properly in public and be exponentially prosperous for the good the Japanese economy is the number one priority. Of course there are wonderful aspects of Japanese culture, they are innovation, creative and highly efficient, but there is a price paid in the form of sacrificing individual liberty and private pursuits. No culture is perfect, its always good to have a balanced view, but there are definitely things we could learn from Japan!
Just put in YouTube: Japanese Commercials. I don't speak the language and still each one is more interesting than our average US TV show.
Unlike most developed countries, the US is full of idiots.
Load More Replies... You can find fun, polite, and interesting things in any country. You can also find bad things. I noticed there was no mention about Japan's rampant child pornography and kid sex problems. Guess that doesn't jive with the rest of the thread.
I agree that that is horrible and very upsetting, but I come onto BP to escape bad things and have a good time. I'd rather you not be too cynical here.
Load More Replies... I want to reincarnate either as a Japanese or South Korean. Please... PLEASE!
Meat is meat. Just because some meat is cute & cuddly and some meat isn't doesn't make the animal's life less worthy.
Load More Replies...