
“Never Change, Japan!”: 40 Interesting And Wholesome Things About Japan That Prove It’s Unlike Anywhere Else In The World Interview
With its deeply rooted culture of politeness and quirky sense of humor recalling the funniest moments of our favorite anime, it's not surprising to learn why so many people are enchanted by Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun.
From ubiquitous vending machines and bizarre game shows to maid cafes, to us westerners, Japan is like a distant parallel universe with its own set of rules and customs. So to celebrate this culture, which has been showering us with its meme-like charm unlike any other, Bored Panda has compiled some of its weirdest cultural practices to show why the internet can't get enough of it.
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When People Matter
Japan, with its wholesome and occasionally bewildering traditions (like the centuries-old ‘crying baby sumo’ festival where toddlers win by bawling their hearts out), has been at the heart of the internet for, well, as long as we remember. Sometimes comical, other times borderline crazy or simply quirky - it's not hard to see why.
One of the things the Land of the Rising Sun is quite famous for is its vending machines. While there's nothing new about the concept itself (although, the idea that one of them could origami itself into a real-life Transformer is pretty tempting!), the fact that catches almost every tourist by surprise is: they are everywhere.
That's right. According to the most recent data, there are almost 4 million vending machines sprawling all around Japan, which means there's roughly 1 machine for every 30 people living in the country. What's even more impressive, some of them sell things like soup, shrimp broth, or even live rhinoceros beetles.
Old People In Japan Clean Up Radiation So The Younger Generation Won't Have To Expose Themselves To It
If some of you have been wondering where Studio Ghibli, the beloved animation studio responsible for such classics as "My Neighbor Totoro", gets its inspiration from, part of the truth lies in Japan's deep-rooted traditions that can leave most us westerners amusingly baffled.
Take, for example, Namahage. Occasionally called 'Japanese Krampus', this century-old custom takes place in the northern region of Japan called Akita and is all about demonically-dressed men visiting homes to scare the bejeezus out of children.
While it sounds like something most people would call the police for, it's actually a beloved tradition with parents preparing special meals and waiting until evil spirits are warded off from their homes. Weirdly enough, even children are usually excited about this New Year tradition.
Mr. And Mrs. Kuroki Of Japan
This Is 95 Hirane From Japan. I Accidently Entered His Shop To Ask For Directions. So How We Got Talking And Became Good Friends. And Now He Dedicates 2 Hours Everyday To Teaching Me Japanese
Good job again, Japan! People can accidentally go to a wrong location and make friends, not have bullets sprayed at them.
Japan, Just Japan
And so it explains why more than thousands of people flock to r/neverchangejapan every week to share and enjoy the peculiarities the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer. Ranging from seriously impressive synchronized walking competitions to wacky commercials and Kit-Kat flavors you couldn't make in your wildest dreams, people gather here to appreciate Japan "for all of its funny, weird, stupid, creative and amazing moments!"
Cafe In Japan Gives An Oportunity To Paralyzed People To Feel Fulfilled
It's Japan As Always
After Their Shocking Win Against Germany, Japan Fans Stayed After The Match To Clean Up The Stadium. Respect
If you don't clean up your trash in the first place, you are the problem. Everyone should be responsible for the trash they generate.
To understand what makes this online community, which just recently celebrated its 50k users milestone, so entertaining, Bored Panda reached out to u/VanillaLoaf, who's been moderating r/neverchangejapan for 2 years and counting, with u/MaxwellIsSmall, the subreddit's founder, helping out as well.
"It's a fairly quiet sub due to the niche nature of the content," u/VanillaLoaf told us. "The vast majority of members are respectful of each other and play by the rules, so there isn't too much conflict to deal with." The only issues this subreddit, which just recently celebrated its 50k users milestone, run into, then, are pretty mild. Besides mistaking Korean/Chinese content with Japanese ones, breaching the third rule of the subreddit ("posts MUST be entirely associated with Japan," it reads), occasionally someone tries to throw some anti-Japanese sentiments ("that's very rare") that get instantly taken down by u/VanillaLoaf.
No Cap
There’s A Park In Japan That Lets You Shake Hands With Otters
In Nara, Deers Have Learned To Open The Doors Of Food Establishments And Bow To Ask For Food
"I'm not entirely sure why I'm personally drawn to Japanese life/culture", u/VanillaLoaf told us. While he's not a hardcore anime/manga or Japanese music fan, as one might suspect; this moderator is an avid gamer with a special place in his heart for Japan's beloved video game mascot Mario, who just happened to look for Japanese content on the platform at the time.
The things that u/VanillaLoaf appreciates about this one-of-a-kind culture, however, is Japan's clockwork functionality. "My time in Japan changed me as a person and made me appreciate the simple things in life that Japan does particularly well - cleanliness, politeness, things actually working, etc.," he explained, joking that his home country could learn a thing or two from it. Although, he suspects that most people are drawn to Japan because "it's a little bit mad when viewed through westerners' eyes (and people enjoy odd/crazy content)."
A Tree In Japan Being Removed (With Roots Being Painstakingly Protected) And Being Saved And Moved (Instead Of Being Cleared For Road Widening)
When Pope Francis Visted Japan Last Year, He Was Gifted A Custom Anime Robe, Which He Wore
Francis isn't like other Popes. He literally loves everyone not just Catholics. He is a good example of what a religious leader should be. Unbiased and understanding to all faiths.
This Latte Art Made Me Chuckle
While sharing the same sentiment about Japan's clockwork efficiency, Andres Zuleta, the founder of Boutique Japan, a travel company that personalizes travelers' trips to the Land of the Rising Sun, says it was the feeling of security that surprised him the most. "I'd moved from New York City, and honestly I'd never thought of NYC as dangerous, but I was used to always being hyper-aware of my surroundings," Zuleta told Bored Panda via email. "Yet, after a few weeks of living in Tokyo, I realized one day that I'd stopped the default habit of looking over my shoulder, as I just didn't feel a sense of danger anywhere I went."
Being recognized as a top travel specialist for Japan by Condé Nast Traveler magazine since 2020, Andres' fascination with this country, like most things in life, started almost accidentally. "I actually didn't know much about Japan before college, but based on a friend's recommendations, I ended up in courses on Japanese literature and the Japanese language," said Zuleta. Not only did this become a lifelong passion, but it also inspired Andres to move to the other side of the world, to Tokyo, where he got to experience the culture firsthand.
Go Go Godzilla
Im Crying Over This Old Man In Japan Who Patiently Walks His Giant Tortoise Everyday
Grandpa In Japan Makes Totoro So People Wouldn't Be Lonely At The Bus Stop
Having had the privilege of creating many custom tours for his clients (based on his exploration of the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and people's requests), Andres says the harmony between the hyper-modern and deeply traditional cultural elements never fails to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
"In some ways, Japan is far more modern (and functional!) than places like the US or Europe, but traditional culture runs incredibly deep and is very much alive in contemporary Japan," he explained. So whether you're a fan of anime or ancient tea ceremonies, there's something for everyone in this incredible country that's truly the best of both worlds.
Why Is Japan Just So Great
My Wife Was Visiting Me In Japan When She Suddenly Fell Ill On Her Birthday, When The Nurse Found Out That She Had To Celebrate Her Birthday Alone, She Gifted Her This!
Small kindnesses shown to someone alone and sick are greatly magnified in the heart of the recipient.
Kindergarten School Buses In Japan
Taking Historic Architecture Into Account When Adding Vending Machines
A Japanese Diver Has Been Entrusted To Oversee One Of Japan’s Shinto Shrines, Which Is Located Beneath The Surface Of Japan’s Tateyama Bay. Over The Decades, He Became Best Friends With One Of The Marine Creatures Who Live Around The Shrine, An Asian Sheepshead Wrasse Named Yoriko
If You Have A Cup Noodle In Japan, You’ll Get Cats On The Inside Of The Lids. However, At A 6% Chance, You’ll Get A Tibetan Fox (Middle Right)
Do You Keep The Plushie?
Japan’s Dedication To Return This Toy Is Adorably Commendable
Japan And Its Erasers
Where Do I Sign Up?
In Japan A Cat Named Coco-Chan Alerts People To Elderly Man Who Fell Into Ditch. Humans Make Him Police Chief For A Day. Coco-Chan's Thoughts: "Hooooomans Are Weirdos"
A Japan Fan At The World Cup
This Restaurant Being Wholesome
The Giant Straw Sculptures Of The Wara Art Festival In Japan
I need a giant straw mammoth, just got to convince my better half.
This Train Station In Japan
I usually don't like buildings that look like things... but this is not that bad (I still don't like it, but I could live with that).
I Bought Some Collectibles From Japan. Found This Message On The Parcel
They're really superb nice when you order stuff from there. I've gotten several thank you notes and folded paper cranes that I still have
‘Please Turn Down Your Volume’ Seibu Railway Etiquette Poster
This should be standard practice around the world. Nobody really cares what you did last weekend or that you still have a yeast infection. The image can also be easily adapted to different cultures. You are so embarrassing that even your ancestors facepalm because of your behavior.
Good For You Japan
In Hong Kong And Japan, Mcdonald’s Has A “Doors Are Always Open” Policy. People Who Have Nowhere To Stay Take Advantage Of This And “Live” In Mcdonald’s, Often Referred To As Mcrefugees
Japanese Twitter Helps Anon
*wheeze*
A Man Walked 70km In 3 Days From Kota Kinabalu Airport To Get To His Hometown Kota Marudu To Avoid Spreading Covid-19 After Returning From Japan. His Name Is Alixson Mangundok. He Also Adopted A Dog He Met During The Journey
Solving The Problem Of Eating A Burger With Dignity
Note: this post originally had 67 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.
Japan is beautiful, easily accessible once on island, and polite....during the daytime. I have been over 5 times for 2 week to month long stays and have family that live in Japan. Japanese culture is very racist. People of other races are looked down on and good luck integrating into a family. They are very vocal (per their culture) to criticize or insult those they see as ugly, fat, or different. Otaku is thrown around a lot in anime/manga circles as a badge of honor but honestly in culture they are considered the creeps and cringe. Japan is so institutionalized racist that my Hispanic friends who moved for work were advised and eventually relented to just allow their Japanese realtor go to showings for an apartment bc they were being denied over and over. These things I state aren't new or small instances, read forums that show the image of Japan behind the mask and many many people share these same experiences. I also didn't bring up how they treat mixed citizens.
I call the way Japanese treat foreigners polite hostility. The racism, hive mind/voluntary communism and not open but still very apparent superiority complex makes me uncomfortable there. Some admirable traits like cleaning up after themselves and low criminality are not going to overwrite that.
I'd also like to add that they have problems with homophobia as well as sever issues with bulling and suicide and things like stalking and SA are largely ignored.
Also their work culture is horrible.
It's also a very misogynistic culture.
I'm sorry you've had negative experiences. I've lived in Japan for 25 years, but my experience has been mostly positive.
You undoubtedly aren't a person of color.
Japan is not perfect but many (most?) other countries have similar problems. Immigrants often have difficulties renting accommodation unless they are well paid expats.
The difference is the out right acceptance by the entire culture. Take the USA for example, there are states that are historically known to have problems with minorities but others that are known to accept openly. What I have seen and experienced in Japan is they feel and believe this to be the right way and it's universally accepted by all ages. Jason is tiny compared to USA but the fact the entire country openly supports or at least ignores the racism has soured my disposition more over the years until I stopped going. It does suck to not travel there anymore because the food is the absolute best from the street stalls to the popular restaurants....soooooo good.
What about the fact that they need to have separate subway cars for women so that they aren't groped? No country is perfect.
Better than countries that ignore the problem entirely.
Are you sure this isn't just a problem that exists everywhere and Japan being one of the few to take active steps to stop it?
Personally, I would love to have that everywhere. You can always decide to sit in a mixed car, but when it's super crowded, I would prefer using a single-sex one.
Maybe we should try making water fountains for certain races too, so they feel safer. Wait… This is a joke, please don’t downvote.
A lot of males would prefer a single sex one too, if it's crowded, I bet. It is definitely uncomfortable being squished up against a woman who may (rightly) be nervous about being groped. A knock off balance or a clumsy movement could easily spark a real situation. Very uncomfortable.
My personal favourite is involuntary erection. I get that it's crowded, the carriage is moving and it's involuntary. But as an assault survivor, it can still give me a panic attack. And panic attacks and crowds are a recipe for disaster. Hence why I walk whenever possible.
Have u even been to japan? I havent seen any separated subway cars. What are u talking about? Those are in Dubai mate.
Please Google it. There are Guardian articles, YouTube videos, academic studies, etc. Probably most likely you just didn't run into one.
In Tokyo. There are female only cars on trains, sections on busses, etc. Have YOU ever been to Japan?
lived in japan. can confirm they do have separate carriages after 10pm for females.
Probably because I'm usually home before or around 10pm then. Also - separate carriages after 10pm is absolutely brilliant & way more civilised way to ensure increased security for females, given there's increased amount of dodge/drunk people at that time.
I would actually consider that a plus rather than a negative point about Japan. It's not like people in the west don't grope women, heckle, or otherwise harass women - it does happen A LOT, the difference is that those women aren't protected by way of having single sex carriages at evening times as an option to choose if they need it.
World’s largest tug of war, an annual event in Naha City, Okinawa Island, Japan. The rope (with dozens of smaller ropes extending off it) is 200 meters long and weighs about 40 tons. Japanese nationals on one team. American military and foreign tourists on the other team. About 15,000 total people for both teams and another 250,000 people watching. Tug-644841...b-jpeg.jpg
Japan is beautiful, easily accessible once on island, and polite....during the daytime. I have been over 5 times for 2 week to month long stays and have family that live in Japan. Japanese culture is very racist. People of other races are looked down on and good luck integrating into a family. They are very vocal (per their culture) to criticize or insult those they see as ugly, fat, or different. Otaku is thrown around a lot in anime/manga circles as a badge of honor but honestly in culture they are considered the creeps and cringe. Japan is so institutionalized racist that my Hispanic friends who moved for work were advised and eventually relented to just allow their Japanese realtor go to showings for an apartment bc they were being denied over and over. These things I state aren't new or small instances, read forums that show the image of Japan behind the mask and many many people share these same experiences. I also didn't bring up how they treat mixed citizens.
I call the way Japanese treat foreigners polite hostility. The racism, hive mind/voluntary communism and not open but still very apparent superiority complex makes me uncomfortable there. Some admirable traits like cleaning up after themselves and low criminality are not going to overwrite that.
I'd also like to add that they have problems with homophobia as well as sever issues with bulling and suicide and things like stalking and SA are largely ignored.
Also their work culture is horrible.
It's also a very misogynistic culture.
I'm sorry you've had negative experiences. I've lived in Japan for 25 years, but my experience has been mostly positive.
You undoubtedly aren't a person of color.
Japan is not perfect but many (most?) other countries have similar problems. Immigrants often have difficulties renting accommodation unless they are well paid expats.
The difference is the out right acceptance by the entire culture. Take the USA for example, there are states that are historically known to have problems with minorities but others that are known to accept openly. What I have seen and experienced in Japan is they feel and believe this to be the right way and it's universally accepted by all ages. Jason is tiny compared to USA but the fact the entire country openly supports or at least ignores the racism has soured my disposition more over the years until I stopped going. It does suck to not travel there anymore because the food is the absolute best from the street stalls to the popular restaurants....soooooo good.
What about the fact that they need to have separate subway cars for women so that they aren't groped? No country is perfect.