Unique & Fascinating aspects of Japanese culture!
List of 29 Japanese Cultures
By Ishrath mohammedPublished 3 years ago • 5 min read

That's quite an interesting list of unique and fascinating aspects of Japanese culture! Someone indeed known Japan for its distinctive customs and quirks. Here's I mention a brief comment on each of the points:
- Square watermelons: they created the square watermelons as a novelty item for easy storage and display. While they are not commonly consumed as food because of their higher price, they have become a popular decorative item in Japan.
- Ramen noodle bath: The idea of bathing in a ramen noodle broth might sound unusual to many, but it's believed to have beneficial effects on the skin because of the collagen-rich pork broth. This concept is unique to certain spa resorts in Japan.
- Bizarre flavors of Kit-Kat: Japan is famous for its wide variety of Kit-Kat flavors that go beyond the traditional chocolate. Some flavors include chili pepper, wasabi, green tea, and more. It's a fun and adventurous experience to try these unique Kit-Kat flavors.
- Fake food: The realistic-looking fake food displays in restaurant windows are a common sight in Japan. They serve as a visual representation of the dishes available and can help attract customers. They often made these replicas with great attention to detail and can be quite expensive.
- Rabbit Island: Okinoshima Island, also known as "Rabbit Island," is home to a large population of rabbits. Originally brought to the island for testing, the rabbits multiplied and now draw tourists who come to observe and interact with them.
- Puaikura machines: Puaikura machines, or photo booths, offer a unique experience where users can take photos and customize them by adding backgrounds, stickers, and text. These machines also allow users to print and share the photos.
- People pushers: In crowded subway stations during rush hour, staff members help fit as many passengers as possible onto trains before the doors close. While it may seem unusual, it's done to ensure efficiency and safety during peak travel times.
- Umbrella parking lot: Some buildings in Japan provide umbrella parking racks near their entrances. This allows visitors to safely store their wet umbrellas and prevent water from dripping inside the building.
- Millions of vending machines: Vending machines are widespread in Japan and offer a wide range of products, including beverages, snacks, toiletries, and even unusual items like live lobsters and underwear. They are convenient for people with busy schedules or for purchasing items when other stores are closed.
- Tokyo's biggest resident: In a playful gesture, the city of Tokyo granted Godzilla honorary citizenship and made him the tourism ambassador. They did this to celebrate the iconic monster's role in Japanese pop culture.
- Train delays make headlines: Punctuality is highly valued in Japan, and train delays are taken seriously. Delays of a few minutes may cause delay certificates for affected passengers, while longer delays may prompt official apologies from the railway company.
- "Silent" Karaoke": The silent karaoke concept involves using a special microphone that covers the mouth, reducing the volume of singing. It caters to those who want to enjoy karaoke without disturbing others or feeling self-conscious about singing aloud in public.
- Polite slurping: In Japanese culture, slurping while they considered eating noodles is a way to express appreciation for the dish. It shows that the food is enjoyed and is not considered impolite.
- Face napkins: Some fast-food restaurants in Japan provide special napkins that cover the face while eating messy foods like burgers. This can help guests feel less self-conscious about their appearance while enjoying their meals.
- Water-saving sinks: Water-saving sinks in Japan reuse the water used for handwashing by directing it to flush the toilet. This helps conserve water resources.
- Strange mayo usage: While Japanese mayo itself is not unusual, its usage as a topping for ice cream or pancakes is a unique twist. It showcases the creativity and willingness to experiment with flavors in Japanese cuisine.
- Naps at work: Inemuri, or dozing off at work, is sometimes seen as a sign of dedication and hard work in Japanese culture. It is accepted in certain situations and viewed because of employees' commitment to their jobs.
- World's shortest escalator: The world's shortest escalator, consisting of only five steps, can be found in the basement of More's Department Store in Kawasaki, Japan.
- Canned food restaurant: Japan has a chain of restaurants that only serve canned food. With a wide variety of canned dishes from around the world, these restaurants have gained popularity among diners.
- Doll village: Nagoro village is known for its population of life-size dolls created by artist Tsukumi Ayano. They displayed these dolls in various locations and positions, depicting the former residents of the village.
- Avoidance of the number 4: In Japanese culture, the number 4 is unlucky because its pronunciation is like the word for "death." Therefore, it is common to see buildings skip the 4th floor or events avoiding the number 4.
- Blue traffic light: Traffic lights in Japan can sometimes appear blue rather than green. This is because of historical linguistic reasons, where the same word was used to describe both colors. To avoid confusion, a distinct shade of blue-green is used for traffic lights.
- Cleaning classes: Cleaning is often part of the curriculum in Japanese schools, as it is believed to instill a sense of responsibility and discipline in students. Students take part in various cleaning activities within their school premises.
- Footbath train: The Tsudoi tourist train in Japan offers footbaths made of aromatic cypress wood and filled with warm spring water. Passengers can relax and enjoy the scenic views while soaking their feet.
- Futuristic toilets: Japan is known for its advanced toilet technology. These high-tech toilets often include features such as heated seats, bidets, water sprays for cleaning, and even built-in music players.
- Crazy ice-cream flavors: Japanese ice cream flavors can be quite unconventional, featuring unique combinations like horse meat, cactus, charcoal, squid ink, garlic, and chicken wings. It's an opportunity for adventurous eaters to try something new.
- Space-saving parking lots: because of limited space in urban areas, Japan uses multi-level parking garages to maximize parking efficiency.
- Robot-run hotel: The Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki incorporates robots as part of its staff. These humanoid robots perform tasks such as greeting guests, cleaning rooms, carrying luggage, and making coffee. Human employees supervise and maintain the robots.
- Café companion: In certain cafes in Japan, plush Moomin characters are provided as companions for solo diners, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
Japan's unique cultural practices and innovations continue to captivate people around the world. These examples shared are just a glimpse of the country's fascinating traditions and modern inventions.



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