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.
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Bus Drivers In Japan Were On Strike But Continued Driving Their Routes While Refusing To Take Fares From Passengers
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.
Drink Cans Have Names Written In Braille On The Top
Japanese Fans Stayed Behind After The FIFA World Cup 2014 Match To Help Clean Up
every blue bag filled should be a rewarded with a free ticket to the next match
There Are Baby Seats Attached To The Wall In Most Bathrooms
I Recently Gave Birth In Japan. Here Is Some Of The Hospital Food I Ate
you know what ya get in the UK? toast. I mean, it's damn good toast, but...
You Can Often Find This Kind Of Toilet In Japan. Wash Your Hands And Reuse The Water For Your Next Flush
We the current water scarcity this idea should be incorporated every where
We have a drought here in southern California and the government has been trying to save water. Why don't we have these here?
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I always wonder why this isn't a standard. The sink doesn't even have to be on top of the toilet, but why don't use the used sink water to flush the toilet?
I don't know about you guys, but we have this where I live, the water from washing hands goes to the toilet. the sink isn't above the toilet, it uses pipes.
Good idea but.......most piping in older homes were designed for a three and a half gallon flush. If you use less put roto rooter on speed Dial. Can't see the piping but I'd have some concerns about cross contamination to.
The version of this in the US comes with a larger tank. Not sure what the issue would be with cross contamination either-the toilet still works as usual, it just uses water that was used in the sink.
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I'm all for conserving water, but did they have to put it right on top? Why not put the sink beside the toilet, then have a pipe that runs to the toilet. That way you don't have to awkwardly straddle it to wash your hands.
Think it might be a space thing. Many Japanese homes are smaller, and having a separate toilet only room (tub in another room) is common. The toilet room is literally the size of a hall closet. Occasionally there is a tiny sink (which are actually worse cause I found my hands couldn't fit ), but having these is more common. And if you just put your arms out, you're not straddling...
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You can easily so that. It's on Amazon, called Sink twice
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This may have been a good idea 20 years ago, but as neat as it seems, is a terrible idea today. I say this is both a professional consultant on energy and water efficiency, and someone who once lived in a house that had one of these toilet tank sinks: These sinks only work with older toilet designs that are very inefficient compared with modern high-efficiency, pressure-assisted toilets. And the water flow is such a slow and weak trickle, they're not effective at getting your hands clean. For comparison, a modern pressure-assisted toilet can use 0.8 gallons per flush, or as little as 0.6 for a dual-flush model. and a low-flow faucet aerator uses 0.5 gallons per minute (0.35gpf models exist, but those are too weak to be effective imo). So one flush plus 30 seconds of handwashing uses 1.05 gallons of water. Meanwhile the standard and most 'efficient' tank type toilet that you can use this sink on uses 1.6 gallons per flush (not counting double-flushing which is frequently necessary)
I had one in my home when I lived off base in Yokosuka. Very practical, since the toilet room is separate from the bathing room.
No you don't unless u stay in a lavish hotel. Most of them are squat toilets
No u don't. Unless u stay in a lavish hotel. Most of them are squat toilets
Excellent reason to conserve on water, but I see difficulty in reaching to wash hands. Redesign?
Bizim memlekette de var normal lavabonun hortumunu direk tuvaletin içine akıtan bir hortum. Açıkcası bu lavabodan giden suyun bir haznede bekletilmesi koku ve mikrop üretir.
A few years ago, a bloke in Australia claimed to have invented something like this. Probably after his Japanese holiday.
Hmmmm ??? Hopefully is not flush .. and reuse water to wash your hands ????? :Hmmmm ???
hmmm ???? Hopefully its not .. FLUSH AND REUSE WATER TO WASH HANDS ????? hmmmmm ??
And the toilet smells nicer as well... water saving and sweet smelling.
I've seen this style toilet in a council run building here in Australia Brimbank Council Vic..l thought they were brilliant..
all you need to change is the top of the tank and adapt the faucet, should be easy enough to incorporate everywhere, it's brilliant!
In the US, older toilets use about 5-7 gallons of water for EACH flush. But new toilets use about 1 1/2 gallons. I have a low water toilet myself. Colorado is an arid state, so there is a lot of concern about water conservation here. So the low water toilets are very popular. Makes so much more sense.
Oh yeah, I forgot about toilets like this that we have in Japan. They should start having it in other parts of the world.
They are also available in the US, too bad you never see them in use.
I'm guessing there's a a few drain holes to keep the tank at a certain level and not overflow?
this looks like a hotel version - in japan the toilet and bathroom are separate entities
I would love to have this installed in my house. I'm currently trying to figure out how to collect rainwater and use it to flush toilets (without having to manually collect the water, and haul it to the toilets).
The water will come out from faucet automatically after you flush. It doesn't have its own valve (except using flush button). So when I need to rinse my hands from soap, I have to flush again. Sometimes it bit wastes water, thought it will be recycled after
Too bad it would be so akward to use, leaning over the toilet bowl like that.
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Using soap is not usually allowed...only water. I'm not sure but I think it builds up in the water tank and it becomes hard to clean.
This would be good if they used that here in Australia, especially in the seperate toilet room.
Japan's Manhole Covers Are Beautiful
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
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.
The Note In Japanese Says, "I Accidentally Knocked Over Your Bike And Broke The Bell. I Am Very Sorry"
This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan
I love their bullet trains! You'll barely feel it's already moving...
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
apparently there was once a time when this sort of honesty ruled the world?
Commuters In Tokyo Pushed A Train Car To Save A Woman Who Fell And Got Stuck Between The Car And The Platform
Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan
Japanese Toilets Often Have A Button That Plays White Noise/Water Sounds So You Can Poop Without Other People Hearing Your Business
First time I used this toilet I was slightly disconcerted by the accuracy of the water jet but pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness
Another Reason Why I Love Japan
And in escalators, they stay left (I think) if you'll just stand and if you'll walk you go right...
In Trains You Can Rotate The Seats In Any Direction
This is true in China as well. Makes for some great conversation time on long train rides!
Another Great Japanese Invention: Umbrella Lockers. So You Don't Have To Carry Them Around Inside A Building And Nobody Takes Yours 'Accidentally'
This Toilet In Japan Has A System Of Occupied/Vacant Toilets Information
Expectations Meet Reality In Japan
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 Shopping Center In Japan Has Free Refrigerated Lockers For Your Perishables So You Can Keep Shopping After You Get Your Groceries
At Narita International Airport (Tokyo) They Give You Free Origami Instead Of Candy
Photo I Took Of Tokyo Commuters Waiting For Their Train
In the Dominican Republic people can wait patiently too. And if a pregnant woman appears, they let her go to the front immediately.
Japanese Being Japanese
This Smartphone Wiper Dispenser In Japan
In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite
In Japan, The Ground Crew Bows And Waves Goodbye To The Departing Aircraft
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..
Japanese Airport Staff Sorted Luggages On The Belt By Their Colour
This Bedside Lamp At My Hotel In Japan Can Be Half Lit
Ordered This From Japan And It Came With A Little Note And Origami Crane
Children's Seat On The Fujikyu Railway Line In Japan
Toreiyu Tsubasa Train In Japan Is Equipped With Footbaths So You Can Enjoy A Relaxing Trip
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
"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!
Almost Everyone In Japan Reverse Parks
Tokyo Train Company Tsukuba Express Apologized For 20-Second-Early Departure
Whaaat, wooow :O In my country the trains sometimes doesn't come at all and nobody tells you why :D
This Lift In Japan Has A Seat That Can Be Used As A Toilet In An Emergency
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 : )
Restaurants In Japan Display Fake Food That Looks Just Like The Real One From The Menu
Japanese ATM's Have Cane Holders Due To The Aging Population
There Are Over 300 Scramble Intersections In Japan Where You Can Cross A Street Diagonally
At Some Tourist Spots In Japan There Are Stands To Hold Your Smartphone So You Can Take Good Selfies
Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am
The Elevators In My Office Building Have An Umbrella Sign That Lights Up If It's Raining Outside (Osaka, Japan)
This Hospital In Japan Offers Glasses With Different Prescriptions For Filling Out Forms
This Japanese Taxi Has A Button To Request Slower Speeds
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
A Vending Machine Selling Farm Fresh Eggs In Japan
Everybody Lines Up Their Carts Nicely At The Food Court In Costco In Japan
I feel cheated out of living in America.... Most stores are like hell
These Fitting Room Instructions In Japan. Cover Your Face To Prevent Makeup From Getting On The Garment
I think it is the right one, when you have a make-up, so in this way clothes will stay clean
In Japan They Sell Square Watermelons To Fit Better In The Refrigerator
Toothpick At A Mall In Japan Had A Mint Coated Tip
We have the same in Greece also! And I bet other countries have it too!
This Urinal In Japan Is A Video Game You Play With Your Pee
Only In Japan Would Someone Leave These Out While They Sleep
Designated Smoking Rooms On Trains In Japan
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.
This Japanese Handrail Bends With The Steps
I don't think this would be safer or easier to use than the straight handrail.
It's funny how so many of these are both brilliant and awful. I have been many times in Tokyo and while I love the discipline, cleanliness and helpfulness of the Japanese, it can quickly get on my nerves... The reason is simple: the price to pay for this is just too absurdly high. Especially since I'm married with a Japanese woman, because now I need to follow the rules. And trust me, there are lots of them. So many that it's impossible even for a Japanese person to know all of them... And Japanese society (in Tokyo at least) can be very very stressful after a while. Impossible to compare with what we can see in western countries. But at the same time I love Japan. But I hate it... This is why I still don't clearly know if I want to leave in Japan. Part of me says "it's a fantastic country". And it is. But part of me also says "I wouldn't last more than a year in this madness". I've lived in many different countries and Japan is the only one that makes me feel this way...
I like the idea of " take the good, and leave the bad" in regards to different cultures. If it serves you keep it if not, forget it. Nice comment
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Why do so many commenters find it impossible to compliment one society without putting down another? Enjoy Japan for what it is. They have some wonderful cultural attributes, and they have their problems. Just like every other place in the world. It really is possible to appreciate their culture without putting other ones down.
Some of the solutions there are super simple and super needed everywhere. With a little effort we could make things a lot faster, nicer and easier.
I went to Japan last summer and saw most of these things. seriously Japan is super awesome. The people are so nice. The country is so clean. Everything there is so amazing. I cannot wait to go back in 2022
This is why i love Japan. I love how people behave, respect each other. I saw mom teach her 3yo son to separated trash. That surprised me. Simple thing that will change everything.
I went to Japan a couple years back, It was honestly one of the most interesting places I've been. There's a fun and controlled chaos to Tokyo and a calm and traditional beauty to the rural area's like Kyoto. I would recommend it to anyone!
One Japanese friend, who was here as a college exchange student in the US went w/ me to a place here in the US that had Japanese-style karaoke (in a small room like they show in the movie Lost In Translation). He told me that this was the better style of karaoke for Japanese people b/c they mostly really dislike standing up in front of the rest of a large group. Lol. Another Japanese person here told me she needed to see a dentist about a tooth issue she had, but wasn't sure when she could go since the dentist' office was only open during her work hours. I told her to just explain that to her boss, that I'm sure the boss would be fine with her missing a little work so she could get a dental issue fixed. She said: 'In Japanese culture we do not do things like that. We cannot ever miss work for ourselves.'
The Japanese are the politest xenophobes you'll ever visit. But try to become a citizen, or marry a native, or start a business and you'll see how quickly they become the biggest racist you'll ever meet. As to wacky idea's, it's because the Japanese as a culture are raised never to be honest with other people - so these stupid idea thrive in Japan but no where else because no one in Japan will say that a Japanese idea is bat s**t crazy.
I live in Okinawa, Japan and even though it seems to be a little more relaxed here, the courtesy and perfect facades are largely the same. I am happy to always be greeted with a welcome and thanked as I leave a store or my work place but I also see the people that carry out these greets and they have to repeat the same sentence for every customer, they work long hours for under what would be considered minimum wage in Western countries and live in crammed accommodations because that's all they can afford on a wage like that. it's a meticulous society but one that makes the people suffer in one way or another. That said, I do love it here but they need to think about the people that keeps the society functioning this way and care for them more. People are not disposables in a hamster wheel.
I was in Japan for 2 weeks on business 30+ years ago. It was immaculate BUT at that time western toilets were very rare. I should probably go back on holiday.
Japan sounds like it's from another world. Wish Australia was similar in some ways. Here you wouldn't be able to put a wallet down or phone as these days, they won't be there for long.
Japan sure is an interesting place. I would like to visit there. I don't think I would enjoy the lifestyle there as a place to live. Far to many rules and I must admit I never have been success driven or to interested in looking wonderful for everyone. Canada suits me fine.
I am success driven and I'm Canadian and Canada suits me fine because I can be that, and I can be a**l retentive, or I can be the exact opposite if I choose. I can't imagine HAVING to be certain ways just because, ya know? I'd absolutely love to visit Tokyo just to see this sort of stuff, but only as a visit. I'm too much of an individual.
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This is clearly one of those the grass looks greener in Japan but maybe we're really just pretending there's grass in the first place? I would imagine with their extremely highly populated cities, there can't be much green space available. But seeing everything in order and calm like this does feel nice.
There are dozens of lovely parks and gardens all over Japan. In Tokyo, there's green space within a ten minute walk anywhere in the city. The Japanese USE their parks as well. Even very little kids get to spend time outdoors when they're in school. You will frequently see little kids in play school walking along park paths holding a rope to stay together.
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In asian countries, the trains have a designated stopping point and the driver does nothing
My cousin live in Japan and i must say its a wonderful country and it will be my pleasure if i could visit to JAPAN n its my DREAM too.
I still have no desire to visit Japan or China...I'm sure they are great, beautiful countries, but no thank you.
Just got back from Japan on April 4th. experienced so many of these things. Oh, my gosh. Not like the USA, I felt so serene, they are a quiet culture. I too set my purse down and found it. It is very expensive. So, so lovely. I'd go back tomorrow. After living here, I like the rules. The people were so kind and helpful. The country so clean and beautiful. Of course, I was only there for 18 days.
Some River, Some Road, Some Bush, Some streets Cigarettes butts, full of unwanted rubbish. Racist, uneducated about the rest of the world,(they know some country very well )....Most of Japanese I find it nice people but nothing different than other nations. Good is good everywhere! Best things about of Japan Foods and Tools for Carpenters! Awesome.
Imagine everything the exact opposite of the photos and you'll understand what it's like here in Lithuania.
I lived in Japan for 4 years And Okinawa for 7 years,love the country,and love the people,my late wife was Japanese. Married for 46 years.
Imagine how slovenly and uncivilised Australians seem when they come and visit or arrive as a student. Four years of our filth, impatience and horrible food service.
They still slaughter endangered whales and make a delicacy & call it research. Just last week a rare whale mother that was pregnant was killed. WTF Japan?
I love that they come up with things that seem small but definitely improve people's lives and keep things running smoothly. I wish Ireland was more like this.
All this is very interesting. Their lifestyle is different, everybody has to think like a group instead of like an individual ,as we do. Probably due to gross overpopulation on very small peace of geography they have to be highly organized and disciplined. It's all strong survival instinct , they had problem with living space from beganing of their existence . In past they were known for their expansiveness and aggression toward others (Korea,China,Burma....) Now it is modern , prosperous society which some envy.
I had seen a reincarnation test in a magazine and did it to see what would I be when I come to world again in an unknown future. The test result revealed: I will born again in Japan in the year 2225 as a baby girl and I will be a traffic police when I grow up. :) I was happy with the result, but I feel happier at the moment after reading all these news and comments. :)) Congratulations Japanese people.. All the best to you.
When I was in the Navy, my family and I were stationed in Yokosuka, Japan 1980-1987. Some of these items are familiar, and others I've never seen before. Thanks for the memories.
Totally love if these happen in my country. It wouldn hurt anyone over here.
The Japanese are very honest. The opposite side to that is that they are very disciplined and do what 'authority' tells them to. My stepson - who lived in Tokyo for 10 years - said that everyone bowed etc., and was massively polite but things like spitting in the street was acceptable.
I think that despite the usual xenophobia in few cases that obviously need to work on it, and improve, it's a respectful country but like all the countries with deepest History, it needs to be studied and understood. Hi Tech is relatively surprising. The kindness and lovely manners will not surprise you once you study some non competitive martial art concepts (like the beautiful Aikido) and the core of their soul: Shintoism.
So, who's been to Japan lately? Do you all really think that Japanese mothers create this visual, pleasing, nutritious meals every day?
If you're in the US, like me, you are @ Mingi
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There are so many things on this list that could - and possibly should - be noticed and implemented more widely for sure. Some of them are just their version of things we have in many places and appeal because of their unique take on it. All of them are interesting, for sure! I would be interested to see someone create an article like this for other countries - or even an article challenging readers to submit pictures of their favorite/most interesting or helpful thing about their country!
No country seems to want to implement the best of everywhere else. Go anywhere in the world and it seems to be done "their way", which means some good, some bad. No society seems to want to take a "best of all worlds" approach and it's sad and frustrating. Government policy is at the top of the list of things born of ideology instead of following the lead of what's already been successful elsewhere.
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Please don't use these as an excuse to continue to fetishize this country and it's culture. Their are literally people who want to be Japanese because of things like this. To me there's something strange/off putting about that not because of any cultural appropriation but because you really aren't truly being yourself. You can't find any good in your own background no matter where you're from and you're upholding the Japanese as some sort of model minority. It's just not right. Japan as all countries do has it's own issues so please don't treat it like this heaven on earth. I'd love to see similar, more positive portrayals of other countries that are demonized due to politics or other reasons like China, Haiti, Russia, much of Africa, etc
Absolutely agree with your ideas, but as you know this website is escapist fun. I loved seeing all the photos and gadgets as well as reading the commentary. It's nice to dream of traveling to a place so different from the US. The apathy here is exhausting. And my home island is not a place I can return to, my family is deceased and the politics and daily life are chaotic.
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not just Japan... these things are there in other countries too like South Korea and more
Mmmmhhhh, not suuuuuure. Many of these, maybe, but Korea is far more chaotic than Japan.
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What's the difference between killing whales and killing cows?
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It's funny how so many of these are both brilliant and awful. I have been many times in Tokyo and while I love the discipline, cleanliness and helpfulness of the Japanese, it can quickly get on my nerves... The reason is simple: the price to pay for this is just too absurdly high. Especially since I'm married with a Japanese woman, because now I need to follow the rules. And trust me, there are lots of them. So many that it's impossible even for a Japanese person to know all of them... And Japanese society (in Tokyo at least) can be very very stressful after a while. Impossible to compare with what we can see in western countries. But at the same time I love Japan. But I hate it... This is why I still don't clearly know if I want to leave in Japan. Part of me says "it's a fantastic country". And it is. But part of me also says "I wouldn't last more than a year in this madness". I've lived in many different countries and Japan is the only one that makes me feel this way...
I like the idea of " take the good, and leave the bad" in regards to different cultures. If it serves you keep it if not, forget it. Nice comment
Load More Replies... Why do so many commenters find it impossible to compliment one society without putting down another? Enjoy Japan for what it is. They have some wonderful cultural attributes, and they have their problems. Just like every other place in the world. It really is possible to appreciate their culture without putting other ones down.
Some of the solutions there are super simple and super needed everywhere. With a little effort we could make things a lot faster, nicer and easier.
I went to Japan last summer and saw most of these things. seriously Japan is super awesome. The people are so nice. The country is so clean. Everything there is so amazing. I cannot wait to go back in 2022
This is why i love Japan. I love how people behave, respect each other. I saw mom teach her 3yo son to separated trash. That surprised me. Simple thing that will change everything.
I went to Japan a couple years back, It was honestly one of the most interesting places I've been. There's a fun and controlled chaos to Tokyo and a calm and traditional beauty to the rural area's like Kyoto. I would recommend it to anyone!
One Japanese friend, who was here as a college exchange student in the US went w/ me to a place here in the US that had Japanese-style karaoke (in a small room like they show in the movie Lost In Translation). He told me that this was the better style of karaoke for Japanese people b/c they mostly really dislike standing up in front of the rest of a large group. Lol. Another Japanese person here told me she needed to see a dentist about a tooth issue she had, but wasn't sure when she could go since the dentist' office was only open during her work hours. I told her to just explain that to her boss, that I'm sure the boss would be fine with her missing a little work so she could get a dental issue fixed. She said: 'In Japanese culture we do not do things like that. We cannot ever miss work for ourselves.'
The Japanese are the politest xenophobes you'll ever visit. But try to become a citizen, or marry a native, or start a business and you'll see how quickly they become the biggest racist you'll ever meet. As to wacky idea's, it's because the Japanese as a culture are raised never to be honest with other people - so these stupid idea thrive in Japan but no where else because no one in Japan will say that a Japanese idea is bat s**t crazy.
I live in Okinawa, Japan and even though it seems to be a little more relaxed here, the courtesy and perfect facades are largely the same. I am happy to always be greeted with a welcome and thanked as I leave a store or my work place but I also see the people that carry out these greets and they have to repeat the same sentence for every customer, they work long hours for under what would be considered minimum wage in Western countries and live in crammed accommodations because that's all they can afford on a wage like that. it's a meticulous society but one that makes the people suffer in one way or another. That said, I do love it here but they need to think about the people that keeps the society functioning this way and care for them more. People are not disposables in a hamster wheel.
I was in Japan for 2 weeks on business 30+ years ago. It was immaculate BUT at that time western toilets were very rare. I should probably go back on holiday.
Japan sounds like it's from another world. Wish Australia was similar in some ways. Here you wouldn't be able to put a wallet down or phone as these days, they won't be there for long.
Japan sure is an interesting place. I would like to visit there. I don't think I would enjoy the lifestyle there as a place to live. Far to many rules and I must admit I never have been success driven or to interested in looking wonderful for everyone. Canada suits me fine.
I am success driven and I'm Canadian and Canada suits me fine because I can be that, and I can be a**l retentive, or I can be the exact opposite if I choose. I can't imagine HAVING to be certain ways just because, ya know? I'd absolutely love to visit Tokyo just to see this sort of stuff, but only as a visit. I'm too much of an individual.
Load More Replies... This is clearly one of those the grass looks greener in Japan but maybe we're really just pretending there's grass in the first place? I would imagine with their extremely highly populated cities, there can't be much green space available. But seeing everything in order and calm like this does feel nice.
There are dozens of lovely parks and gardens all over Japan. In Tokyo, there's green space within a ten minute walk anywhere in the city. The Japanese USE their parks as well. Even very little kids get to spend time outdoors when they're in school. You will frequently see little kids in play school walking along park paths holding a rope to stay together.
Load More Replies... In asian countries, the trains have a designated stopping point and the driver does nothing
My cousin live in Japan and i must say its a wonderful country and it will be my pleasure if i could visit to JAPAN n its my DREAM too.
I still have no desire to visit Japan or China...I'm sure they are great, beautiful countries, but no thank you.
Just got back from Japan on April 4th. experienced so many of these things. Oh, my gosh. Not like the USA, I felt so serene, they are a quiet culture. I too set my purse down and found it. It is very expensive. So, so lovely. I'd go back tomorrow. After living here, I like the rules. The people were so kind and helpful. The country so clean and beautiful. Of course, I was only there for 18 days.
Some River, Some Road, Some Bush, Some streets Cigarettes butts, full of unwanted rubbish. Racist, uneducated about the rest of the world,(they know some country very well )....Most of Japanese I find it nice people but nothing different than other nations. Good is good everywhere! Best things about of Japan Foods and Tools for Carpenters! Awesome.
Imagine everything the exact opposite of the photos and you'll understand what it's like here in Lithuania.
I lived in Japan for 4 years And Okinawa for 7 years,love the country,and love the people,my late wife was Japanese. Married for 46 years.
Imagine how slovenly and uncivilised Australians seem when they come and visit or arrive as a student. Four years of our filth, impatience and horrible food service.
They still slaughter endangered whales and make a delicacy & call it research. Just last week a rare whale mother that was pregnant was killed. WTF Japan?
I love that they come up with things that seem small but definitely improve people's lives and keep things running smoothly. I wish Ireland was more like this.
All this is very interesting. Their lifestyle is different, everybody has to think like a group instead of like an individual ,as we do. Probably due to gross overpopulation on very small peace of geography they have to be highly organized and disciplined. It's all strong survival instinct , they had problem with living space from beganing of their existence . In past they were known for their expansiveness and aggression toward others (Korea,China,Burma....) Now it is modern , prosperous society which some envy.
I had seen a reincarnation test in a magazine and did it to see what would I be when I come to world again in an unknown future. The test result revealed: I will born again in Japan in the year 2225 as a baby girl and I will be a traffic police when I grow up. :) I was happy with the result, but I feel happier at the moment after reading all these news and comments. :)) Congratulations Japanese people.. All the best to you.
When I was in the Navy, my family and I were stationed in Yokosuka, Japan 1980-1987. Some of these items are familiar, and others I've never seen before. Thanks for the memories.
Totally love if these happen in my country. It wouldn hurt anyone over here.
The Japanese are very honest. The opposite side to that is that they are very disciplined and do what 'authority' tells them to. My stepson - who lived in Tokyo for 10 years - said that everyone bowed etc., and was massively polite but things like spitting in the street was acceptable.
I think that despite the usual xenophobia in few cases that obviously need to work on it, and improve, it's a respectful country but like all the countries with deepest History, it needs to be studied and understood. Hi Tech is relatively surprising. The kindness and lovely manners will not surprise you once you study some non competitive martial art concepts (like the beautiful Aikido) and the core of their soul: Shintoism.
So, who's been to Japan lately? Do you all really think that Japanese mothers create this visual, pleasing, nutritious meals every day?
If you're in the US, like me, you are @ Mingi
Load More Replies... There are so many things on this list that could - and possibly should - be noticed and implemented more widely for sure. Some of them are just their version of things we have in many places and appeal because of their unique take on it. All of them are interesting, for sure! I would be interested to see someone create an article like this for other countries - or even an article challenging readers to submit pictures of their favorite/most interesting or helpful thing about their country!
No country seems to want to implement the best of everywhere else. Go anywhere in the world and it seems to be done "their way", which means some good, some bad. No society seems to want to take a "best of all worlds" approach and it's sad and frustrating. Government policy is at the top of the list of things born of ideology instead of following the lead of what's already been successful elsewhere.
Load More Replies... Please don't use these as an excuse to continue to fetishize this country and it's culture. Their are literally people who want to be Japanese because of things like this. To me there's something strange/off putting about that not because of any cultural appropriation but because you really aren't truly being yourself. You can't find any good in your own background no matter where you're from and you're upholding the Japanese as some sort of model minority. It's just not right. Japan as all countries do has it's own issues so please don't treat it like this heaven on earth. I'd love to see similar, more positive portrayals of other countries that are demonized due to politics or other reasons like China, Haiti, Russia, much of Africa, etc
Absolutely agree with your ideas, but as you know this website is escapist fun. I loved seeing all the photos and gadgets as well as reading the commentary. It's nice to dream of traveling to a place so different from the US. The apathy here is exhausting. And my home island is not a place I can return to, my family is deceased and the politics and daily life are chaotic.
Load More Replies... not just Japan... these things are there in other countries too like South Korea and more
Mmmmhhhh, not suuuuuure. Many of these, maybe, but Korea is far more chaotic than Japan.
Load More Replies... What's the difference between killing whales and killing cows?
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