Fact 1: The Land of Vending Machines
Japan has the highest density of vending machines in the world. You will never be far from a vending machine in Japan—they are virtually everywhere, offering everything from drinks and snacks to cigarettes, alcohol, and even umbrellas!
Fact 2: The Birthplace of Lifesaving Ramen
Instant ramen, the savior of many a late-night hunger pangs and budget-conscious meals, originated from Japan. Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen, also created the first-ever space ramen, designed specifically for astronauts.
Fact 3: The Country That Loves Raw Horse Meat
Sashimi is not just about seafood in Japan. Basashi, or horse meat sashimi, is a uniquely Japanese dish and is popular particularly in the Kyushu region. It's often served with soy sauce, garlic, and wasabi.
Fact 4: Japan’s Train Obsession
Japan runs its railroads like clockwork. The average delay on the Tokyo Metro is a shockingly low 18 seconds. The Japan Railways Group even issues a 'Delay Certificate' for passengers affected by delays to show to their employers.
Fact 5: World’s Oldest Company Resided in Japan
The world's oldest company was a Japanese one—Kongo Gumi, a temple-building company, was in business for over 1,400 years until it was absorbed by Takamatsu in 2006.
Fact 6: Japanese Sleeping Art
In Japan, it's acceptable to sleep on the job. It's deemed as a sign of hard work. The Japanese even have a term for it, 'Inemuri', which translates to 'present while sleeping'.
Fact 7: Square Watermelons Exist
Japan is known for creating square watermelons. They're not genetically modified, but grown in boxes for easier stack and store.
Fact 8: Mealtime: A Sacred Event
In Japan, it's polite to say 'itadakimasu' (I humbly receive) before eating a meal. It's seen as a display of gratitude towards all who played a role in preparing the meal.
Fact 9: The Land of Love Hotels
Japan boasts a distinctive kind of accommodation known as 'Love Hotels.' These rentable rooms are often used by couples seeking privacy and typically charge hourly rates.
Fact 10: Modern Day Hermit: The Hikikomori Phenomenon
Japan has up to a million individuals who have locked themselves in their rooms for years. Known as Hikikomori, these individuals often have minimal social interactions for extended periods.
Fact 11: Paradise for Cat Lovers
Japan has several "cat islands," with the most famous being Aoshima Island where cats outnumber humans six to one.
Fact 12: Elder Respect and Longevity
Japan celebrates 'Respect for the Aged Day,' a national holiday honoring its elderly citizens. Furthermore, Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
Fact 13: Home to the World's Shortest Escalator
At just 33.5 inches high, the world's shortest escalator is located in the basement of the More's Department Store in Kawasaki, Japan.
Fact 14: The Rabbit Island
Okunoshima is an island filled with friendly rabbits. During World War II, it was a top-secret chemical warfare production facility. Now, the rabbits have taken over.
Fact 15: Japan’s Festival for the Belly Button
The city of Shibukawa, located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, is famous for its Heso Matsuri or Belly Button Festival, where participants paint faces on their stomachs and dance in the streets.
Fact 16: Dancing Ban Lifted Only Recently
Up until 2015, a law, the so-called "Dancing Ban", enacted after World War II, prohibited dancing in nightclubs and bars after midnight in Japan.
Fact 17: Surviving Three Times the Atomic Disaster
Tsutomu Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima when the first atomic bomb dropped, then arrived in Nagasaki just in time for the second. Miraculously, he survived both and lived to age 93.
Fact 18: The Country with Mysterious Self-filling Water Bodies
Lake Mashu, one of the clearest and most beautiful lakes in Japan, has no rivers flowing into it. Yet, the water level remains constant throughout the year.
Fact 19: Tokyo: The World’s Most Populated City
Tokyo is not only the capital city of Japan but also the world's most populous metropolitan area, with over 37 million people.
Fact 20: Ghosts with No Legs?
In Japanese folklore, many ghosts are depicted as having no legs, "floating" instead. Another unique feature is that they often have triangular heads or headgear.