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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

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Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

#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

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stellermatt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

#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

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stellermatt
Community Member
5 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...

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

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

#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

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

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

#10

This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

gaijinpot Report

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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

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stellermatt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

#13

Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan

Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan

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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

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Aaron Kara
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Isabel Tamayo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Erin Smidt
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

#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

#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

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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

#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

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Sylvia van der Linden
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Lemonsito
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

#26

In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

sportyme7 Report

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Eujis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Isabel Tamayo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Hans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

#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

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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

#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

#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

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Miklós Nagy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"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

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

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

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Monika Georgieva
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Happiness is Hippo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

#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

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Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Nini Meow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Mikleo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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mbergen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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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#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

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

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

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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

#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

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Cormorry Stroph
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

#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

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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

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

..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

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

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

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Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Kevin Donegan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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