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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.

#1

When People Matter

When People Matter

cheeseter78 Report

karl briggs
Community Member
3 years ago

All these other protesters should take notes.

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    #2

    Old People In Japan Clean Up Radiation So The Younger Generation Won't Have To Expose Themselves To It

    Old People In Japan Clean Up Radiation So The Younger Generation Won't Have To Expose Themselves To It

    Bob9865 Report

    karl briggs
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Making the ultimate sacrifice.

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    #3

    Mr. And Mrs. Kuroki Of Japan

    Mr. And Mrs. Kuroki Of Japan

    nickfrik Report

    karl briggs
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Adorable.

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    #4

    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

    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

    Sellatra Report

    Weasel Wise
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Good job again, Japan! People can accidentally go to a wrong location and make friends, not have bullets sprayed at them.

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    #5

    Japan, Just Japan

    Japan, Just Japan

    esberat Report

    LuLikesGoats They/them
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Thats AMAZING!

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    #6

    Cafe In Japan Gives An Oportunity To Paralyzed People To Feel Fulfilled

    Cafe In Japan Gives An Oportunity To Paralyzed People To Feel Fulfilled

    smildon13 Report

    Nea
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This is what science and innovation should be about. Bravo!

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    #7

    It's Japan As Always

    It's Japan As Always

    Bmchris44 Report

    Ryan Winters
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    So what if her last year a first year student starts using it?

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    #8

    After Their Shocking Win Against Germany, Japan Fans Stayed After The Match To Clean Up The Stadium. Respect

    After Their Shocking Win Against Germany, Japan Fans Stayed After The Match To Clean Up The Stadium. Respect

    rosseepoo Report

    NickTheDuck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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.

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    #9

    No Cap

    No Cap

    medalwinner16 Report

    NickTheDuck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    That would certainly be nice.

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    #10

    There’s A Park In Japan That Lets You Shake Hands With Otters

    There’s A Park In Japan That Lets You Shake Hands With Otters

    RODROGAX Report

    Katie Andrews
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I MUST GO! Otters are my favorites. I don't think I'd move and no one else would get a turn! (I'd move... just would go straight back to HOLDING HANDS WITH AN OTTER!) SWOON!

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    #11

    In Nara, Deers Have Learned To Open The Doors Of Food Establishments And Bow To Ask For Food

    In Nara, Deers Have Learned To Open The Doors Of Food Establishments And Bow To Ask For Food

    offender_defender_ Report

    Remi (He/Him)
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    In Nara you can also buy special deer cookies and the deer ask for them by bowing

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    #12

    A Tree In Japan Being Removed (With Roots Being Painstakingly Protected) And Being Saved And Moved (Instead Of Being Cleared For Road Widening)

    A Tree In Japan Being Removed (With Roots Being Painstakingly Protected) And Being Saved And Moved (Instead Of Being Cleared For Road Widening)

    Ineedunderscoreadvic Report

    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Rootballing trees to move them isn't that uncommon across the world, we even have specific rootballing machines for the purpose. This is some lovely rootballing though.

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    #13

    When Pope Francis Visted Japan Last Year, He Was Gifted A Custom Anime Robe, Which He Wore

    When Pope Francis Visted Japan Last Year, He Was Gifted A Custom Anime Robe, Which He Wore

    Palana Report

    EarthGrowl
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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.

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    #14

    This Latte Art Made Me Chuckle

    This Latte Art Made Me Chuckle

    Gainsborough-Smythe Report

    Meow purr
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    i am NOT drinking those cuties!!!

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    #15

    Go Go Godzilla

    Go Go Godzilla

    oarngebean Report

    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I think that is perfectly well figured out

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Im Crying Over This Old Man In Japan Who Patiently Walks His Giant Tortoise Everyday

    Im Crying Over This Old Man In Japan Who Patiently Walks His Giant Tortoise Everyday

    Wholesomepost Report

    Angela B
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    The helmet! ❤️

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    #17

    Grandpa In Japan Makes Totoro So People Wouldn't Be Lonely At The Bus Stop

    Grandpa In Japan Makes Totoro So People Wouldn't Be Lonely At The Bus Stop

    bulletooftony Report

    Fraxinus excelsior
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I want a Totoro, just got to convince my better half.

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    #18

    Why Is Japan Just So Great

    Why Is Japan Just So Great

    WeGotEm42069 Report

    Angela B
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Although it does not really compare, a new Bypass Rd near where I live has possum/lizard bridges, so they don't get squooshed trying to cross.

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    #19

    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!

    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!

    A_C_A__B Report

    Sue Wade-Walters
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Small kindnesses shown to someone alone and sick are greatly magnified in the heart of the recipient.

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    #20

    Kindergarten School Buses In Japan

    Kindergarten School Buses In Japan

    plywood747 Report

    Nea
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited)

    The one that takes my nephew to school is more like a van that takes prisoners to and from courts

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    #21

    Taking Historic Architecture Into Account When Adding Vending Machines

    Taking Historic Architecture Into Account When Adding Vending Machines

    VanillaLoaf Report

    NickTheDuck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    this is the right way to do it.

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    #22

    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

    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

    modianos Report

    Joshua David
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I'm looking around for Cher and those who know will know.

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    #23

    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)

    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)

    sinmantky Report

    OutspokenHBW
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited)

    Waaaaah! I want this in the States! So fun!

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    #24

    Do You Keep The Plushie?

    Do You Keep The Plushie?

    feemcbee Report

    Fraxinus excelsior
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Loved the moomin cartoons

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    #25

    Japan’s Dedication To Return This Toy Is Adorably Commendable

    Japan’s Dedication To Return This Toy Is Adorably Commendable

    Sbutle Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    My friend works in a medical university in Japan, and the students have just opened a "clinic" for stuffed animals. It's mostly for pediatric patients whose stuff toys need repairing, but anyone can use it.

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    #26

    Japan And Its Erasers

    Japan And Its Erasers

    ararararagi_koyomi Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    One of several styles

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    #27

    Where Do I Sign Up?

    Where Do I Sign Up?

    jhaji09 Report

    CT
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    It's cool! After years of work to get a diploma, it's deserved to have a little fun! I went to my graduation in pajamas, dressing gown, teddy bear and pillow under my arm, all the other students were classy, suits etc., it was funny.

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    #28

    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"

    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"

    kervokian Report

    Meow purr
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    i dont care what u say. coco-chan... YOUR SOOO DAMN KAWAII!!!!!!

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    #29

    A Japan Fan At The World Cup

    A Japan Fan At The World Cup

    orangetmofficial Report

    NickTheDuck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    W boss

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    #30

    This Restaurant Being Wholesome

    This Restaurant Being Wholesome

    JonnTheBig Report

    Miocha
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I'm not sure... but isn't that Chinese?

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    #31

    The Giant Straw Sculptures Of The Wara Art Festival In Japan

    The Giant Straw Sculptures Of The Wara Art Festival In Japan

    CYBERSson Report

    Fraxinus excelsior
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I need a giant straw mammoth, just got to convince my better half.

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    #32

    This Train Station In Japan

    This Train Station In Japan

    That-Row-3038 Report

    Marcos Valencia
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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).

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    #33

    I Bought Some Collectibles From Japan. Found This Message On The Parcel

    I Bought Some Collectibles From Japan. Found This Message On The Parcel

    VladimirCognoscenti Report

    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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

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    #34

    ‘Please Turn Down Your Volume’ Seibu Railway Etiquette Poster

    ‘Please Turn Down Your Volume’ Seibu Railway Etiquette Poster

    Public_esko Report

    LillieMean
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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.

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    #35

    Good For You Japan

    Good For You Japan

    memezzer , mondomascots Report

    Kevin the Manager
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    The only Pokemon you DON'T wanna catch!

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    #36

    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

    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

    9w_lf9 Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Not in my part of Japan. All close at 9 or 10 pm.

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    #37

    Japanese Twitter Helps Anon

    Japanese Twitter Helps Anon

    Mello115935 Report

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Yay! :D

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    #38

    *wheeze*

    *wheeze*

    mondomascots Report

    GayPenguin
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Looks tasty

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    #39

    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

    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

    obviouslythisnotme Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited)

    It’s a cool story, but it isn’t Japan, it’s Malaysia.

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    #40

    Solving The Problem Of Eating A Burger With Dignity

    Solving The Problem Of Eating A Burger With Dignity

    VanillaLoaf Report

    OutspokenHBW
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I killed my dignity long ago.

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    #41

    A Retro Game Group In Japan Donated 100 Super Nintendos To Families With Kids Sheltered In Place

    A Retro Game Group In Japan Donated 100 Super Nintendos To Families With Kids Sheltered In Place

    RelaxRelapse Report

    NickTheDuck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Im only 14, but the SNES was my first gaming system. I remember when I was about 3 or 4, my dad got out his old system. I spent hours playing mario world with him.

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    #42

    Japanese Manhole Covers

    Japanese Manhole Covers

    VanillaLoaf Report

    El Cucuy
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Upvote for Gundam!

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    #43

    Study Buddy

    Study Buddy

    wi5hbone Report

    Miocha
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    of course I need it

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    #44

    Meet The Samurai Litter Pickers Of Japan

    Meet The Samurai Litter Pickers Of Japan

    JeanettaPiano Report

    Sara Dee
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    bro on the right looks like one of the characters from lookism (webtoon), head of hnh or h group i mix them up

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    #45

    On My Way Home, Someone Tied A Lost Jacket To A Pole To Keep It From Getting Dirty On The Street. Love Japan

    On My Way Home, Someone Tied A Lost Jacket To A Pole To Keep It From Getting Dirty On The Street. Love Japan

    CoffeeBard Report

    Fat Harry
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This one does happen around here. If an item of clothing is found, someone will put it over a wall or gate so it doesn't get dirty and so the person who lost it might have a chance of finding it.

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    #46

    Thanks, I Hate Spider-Lamps

    Thanks, I Hate Spider-Lamps

    Dramoriga Report

    Remi (He/Him)
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Spider-lamp, Spider-lamp, Does whatever a spider can

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    #47

    Japan Manager Hajime Moriyasu Bowed In Appreciation To The Fans Who Traveled All The Way To Support Their Team

    Japan Manager Hajime Moriyasu Bowed In Appreciation To The Fans Who Traveled All The Way To Support Their Team

    Knight_TheRider Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Players and managers do this for literally every game, home or away.

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    #48

    Fujisawa Satsuki's (Olympic Curler) Motivational Message To Herself

    Fujisawa Satsuki's (Olympic Curler) Motivational Message To Herself

    VanillaLoaf Report

    NickTheDuck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Yes!! sports should be about having fun and not too competitive.

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    #49

    A Package Arrived From Japan, And Upon Opening The Package I Found This Little Origami With A Thank You Note. It May Not Be Much, But It Sure Made My Day

    A Package Arrived From Japan, And Upon Opening The Package I Found This Little Origami With A Thank You Note. It May Not Be Much, But It Sure Made My Day

    sgtjuju776 Report

    Monday
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This is the correct way to beg for a good review xD

    #50

    Yukako Fukushima, Who Makes Prosthetic Small Fingers For Reformed Japanese Gangsters, At Her Workshop In Osaka, Japan

    Yukako Fukushima, Who Makes Prosthetic Small Fingers For Reformed Japanese Gangsters, At Her Workshop In Osaka, Japan

    finemenyak Report

    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Why do japanese gangsters miss their fingers in the first place? Like, honestly, do their enemies cut them off?

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    #51

    A Coffee Shop In Japan That Allows You To Pick Any Image For Your Coffee

    A Coffee Shop In Japan That Allows You To Pick Any Image For Your Coffee

    Wheyprotein200 Report

    NickTheDuck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    LEVI ACKERMANN!!! FROM THE GREATEST ANIME OF ALL TIME!!!

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    #52

    Chachamaru, A Green Tea Rabbit Mascot In Ikeda, Helping To Pick Tea Leaves

    Chachamaru, A Green Tea Rabbit Mascot In Ikeda, Helping To Pick Tea Leaves

    VanillaLoaf Report

    Snake Queen
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Imagine how hot that would be to pick tea leaves under the blazing sun in a giant mascot costume

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    #53

    I Teach English In Japan, One Of My Kids Gave Me This Today

    I Teach English In Japan, One Of My Kids Gave Me This Today

    MrFreeloader Report

    Monday
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    And so Ben's motivation levels skyrocketed!

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    #54

    Outside My Bank In Japan, Carers Had Brought A Disabled Child Out On The School Route So He Could High Five All The School Children On Their Way Home. They All Stopped To Do It

    Outside My Bank In Japan, Carers Had Brought A Disabled Child Out On The School Route So He Could High Five All The School Children On Their Way Home. They All Stopped To Do It

    Maybe_Im_Really_DVA Report

    Snake Queen
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Aww 🥰

    #55

    It Wokrs!

    It Wokrs!

    synonymsanonymous Report

    Snake Queen
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    They’re really expensive tho (understandable for something that complex)

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    #56

    Traveling Alone In Japan, Wasn't Having The Best Day And And Was Sitting Alone At The Lounge Area Of Where I Stay… The Barista Walked Over And Passed Me This

    Traveling Alone In Japan, Wasn't Having The Best Day And And Was Sitting Alone At The Lounge Area Of Where I Stay… The Barista Walked Over And Passed Me This

    jumpingsquirrels Report

    NickTheDuck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Oh how I wish I knew Japanese so I could visit japan like the little weeb I am.

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    #57

    Japanese Grandma Manually Runs A Vending Machine With A Kappa Puppet

    Japanese Grandma Manually Runs A Vending Machine With A Kappa Puppet

    VanillaLoaf Report

    Anime dude101
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    that's it, I am going to japan!

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    #58

    Spotted At A Japan Rail Station

    Spotted At A Japan Rail Station

    If you drop something on the rail track, a station employee will help you retrieve it.

    JoWiWa Report

    Rosie Red
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Japan is on a whole other level.

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    #59

    Traffic Officer Protects Mother Duck And Her Ducklings Crossing The Road In Tokyo

    Traffic Officer Protects Mother Duck And Her Ducklings Crossing The Road In Tokyo

    ichigomashimaro Report

    tired sandwich
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    AWW

    #60

    So I Lost My Wallet In Japan Where I Live, But Luckily It Was Found (With Almost Everything Inside!), And On The Notice I Got Via Mail Someone Wrote A Greeting In Polish, My Native Language!

    So I Lost My Wallet In Japan Where I Live, But Luckily It Was Found (With Almost Everything Inside!), And On The Notice I Got Via Mail Someone Wrote A Greeting In Polish, My Native Language!

    ChibaCookie Report

    Joanna
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Aaahaha, super!

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    #61

    Love Hotel In Shibuya

    Love Hotel In Shibuya

    VanillaLoaf Report

    Tamra
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I'd be the idiot walking in and asking for a donut.

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    #62

    Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am

    Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am

    MakeYourMarks Report

    Nizumi
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Memories of standing at a train platform in some tiny mountain town and my boyfriend laughing as he listened to an announcement. When I asked him why he was laughing he said they were apologizing *profusely* that the train was going to be 2 minutes late. And sure enough, it was precisely two minutes late.

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    #63

    Japan’s Uncle Fist Loses Money Every Week Selling Takoyaki To Kids For Just 10 Yen, Doesn’t Care

    Japan’s Uncle Fist Loses Money Every Week Selling Takoyaki To Kids For Just 10 Yen, Doesn’t Care

    Exastiken Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Looks yummy. I wonder what it is?

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    #64

    Walking In Japan, Dark, Freezing Cold, And Snowing. We Got Lost And Asked A Car Traveling Past Us How To Get Back To The Main Road. Sure Enough, He Offered Us A Ride Back To Our Hotel, Saving Us From The Menacing Conditions Outside. Thank You, Adam!

    Walking In Japan, Dark, Freezing Cold, And Snowing. We Got Lost And Asked A Car Traveling Past Us How To Get Back To The Main Road. Sure Enough, He Offered Us A Ride Back To Our Hotel, Saving Us From The Menacing Conditions Outside. Thank You, Adam!

    reddit.com Report

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Lots of people do that lots of places…

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    #65

    Blessing A Toyota Previa

    Blessing A Toyota Previa

    BillyWhizz09 Report

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Blessed be thy carburetor…..

    #66

    I Am An International Student Studying In Japan. Our University Gave Free Thermometers To Everyone Living In The Dorm! 324 Is My Room No :)

    I Am An International Student Studying In Japan. Our University Gave Free Thermometers To Everyone Living In The Dorm! 324 Is My Room No :)

    grumpyi Report

    Seymoura Butts
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    My college brain would think they were monitoring the temp. My adult brain thinks that a little, too.

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    #67

    I Want It

    I Want It

    YaBoiErr_Sk1nnYP3n15 Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    "Thank you. I'll use these to eat almost anything *except* your food!"

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