Japan is on the prime of everybody’s journey bucket checklist, and for good cause. We’ve visited Japan on a number of events and all the time appear to study one thing in regards to the nation after we are there. Positioned in East Asia within the Sea of Japan, the archipelago of Japan is an unimaginable nation to go to. Most individuals already know in regards to the incredible Japanese delicacies and its function in World Battle II, however there may be a lot extra to the nation that we cowl right here.
Enjoyable Information About Japan
Do you know that Japan is understood to have the world’s second-highest life expectancy, subsequent to Hong Kong? In 2024, there have been 2.31 million Japanese folks over the age of 90, with over 71,000 of them being over 100! So, have the Japanese found the key to perpetual life?
Japan is a rustic with a posh and historical cultural heritage, but in the present day, it is without doubt one of the most superior nations in expertise and innovation since 1950. Japan’s type of authorities is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary authorities. The foreign money utilized in Japan is the Japanese yen.
Japan offers a substantial amount of consideration to schooling, and the nation is without doubt one of the most literate on the planet. A particular consciousness of pure magnificence and curiosity in form and stability are apparent.
A few of these cool information about Japan and its habits could shock you. I do know it did that to us. For instance, Japan’s nationwide sport, sumo wrestling, has its roots in historical rituals to entertain deities, and the disciplined lives of sumo wrestlers present how essential the game is. I believe we are able to study lots from their lifestyle. Additionally, pure sizzling springs, referred to as onsen, are a giant a part of Japanese tradition, not only for leisure and rejuvenation but additionally for ceremonial functions in Shintoism and Buddhism.
There may be much more to Japan than meets the attention, so let’s get into the Information about Japan that we actually discovered fascinating.
1. Japan is Extraordinarily Clear
Streets in Japan are immaculate; even in Tokyo, the capital and an enormous megacity, all streets are spotless and litter-free. That being mentioned, how does Japan accomplish this? It’s all about their mindset. The Japanese folks very seldom go away trash on the streets. Moreover, volunteers of all ages clear the streets for the straightforward cause that they need to reside in a tidy metropolis.
2. Tokyo is the World’s Most Populated Metropolis
The better Tokyo metropolitan space encompasses three areas and is dwelling to Japan’s capital, Tokyo. Tokyo is estimated to have 38.14 million, rendering it the world’s most populous megacity.
3. Japan has the world’s largest fish market in Tokyo
The world’s greatest fish market is the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan. It’s monumental and busy. Having been working since 1935, Tsukiji is a world icon of the Japanese seafood trade. It covers a substantial space and handles over 2,000 tons of seafood a day. It’s well-known not just for its measurement but additionally for its tuna auctions, the place consumers and sellers go head-to-head in high-stakes bidding wars for the perfect catches.
Though the interior wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji remains to be a must-visit. The outer market remains to be going robust with recent seafood, road meals, and all kinds of culinary goodies. That is Japan’s potential to stability custom with modernity, to maintain the outdated whereas embracing the brand new.
4. Japan’s inhabitants is 98.5 % Japanese.
This will likely appear absurd, however the trendy world is turning into more and more multicultural. Nevertheless, this isn’t the case in Japan. That’s largely attributable to stringent visa necessities and a cultural mindset maintaining its distinctive and historical tradition steeped in outdated traditions.
5. Japan Has Canned Meals Eating places
Japan can be an excellent vacation spot for canned meals followers, as quite a few eating places and bars specialize on this meals tradition. Mr. Kanso is the preferred chain of such eating places. The cabinets of those eating places have a various array of canned meals from all over the world. The variability on the cabinets ensures that even essentially the most discerning visitor will discover one thing new to attempt.
And talking of canned meals, Japan is full of merchandising machines. You’ll discover them in all places on the streets, promoting every part from sake and beer to tea and meals.
6. Japan Has a Excessive Life Expectancy
Japan is nearly tied with Hong Kong when it comes to common life expectancy, at 83.6 years and 84 years. Financial stability and the usage of Japanese cash, particularly the Japanese yen, additionally contribute to longevity. Quite a few folks attribute Japan’s lengthy life expectancy to the nation’s traditionally more healthy weight loss program than Western nations. Their weight loss program features a better quantity of fish, much less purple meat and extra greens, and smaller parts.
The Japanese sizzling springs in all probability have lots to do with the lengthy lives in Japan. These sizzling springs, referred to as Onsens, are frequented by the Japanese for his or her therapeutic properties. We visited a number of on our completely different journeys and you may learn extra about them right here: Japanese Ryokan – Our Keep in a Conventional Inn
7. Japan Has Many Energetic Volcanoes
There’s a whole sum of 110 energetic volcanoes in Japan! Scientists monitor 47 of those energetic volcanoes attributable to current eruptions or an eruption risk.
8. Every Yr There Are Over 1,500 Earthquakes
That’s appropriate! Japan is positioned on prime of or adjoining to a few tectonic plates. The Eurasian, North American, and Filipino plates are the tectonic plates. Greater than a thousand earthquakes hit Japan every year attributable to its place close to the convergence of those plates. (Facet observe: I used to be really in an earthquake in Japan whereas working years in the past in Yokohama. It was scary)
Japan is without doubt one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. Most of those earthquakes are minor and unnoticeable, however massive and harmful earthquakes do happen on occasion.
9. Forests Cowl 67 % of Japan
While you consider Japan, you’re in all probability considering of the nation’s quite a few cities or its foremost islands. Surprisingly, 67 % of Japan is roofed in forest.
It isn’t unusual to see indicators on forest trails warning to look out for black bears. Actually? Black bears in Japan?
10. The Japanese are Extraordinarily Hooked up to Nature and Their Tradition
You’ll find that almost all Japanese have a profound appreciation and love of nature. That’s as a result of ingrained spirituality of the traditional Shinto faith, which attributes spirits to pure options reminiscent of rivers, mountains, and rocks. That’s one in every of many Japanese information that we realized on our final journey to the nation.
11. Japan Is Dwelling to the Deepest Underwater Postbox
A cool Japan reality is that Susami is dwelling to the world’s deepest underwater postbox. Susami is a widely known fishing city in Wakayama Province. The Guinness World Information acknowledged the city’s deepest underwater postbox in 2002. The postbox is 30 ft underwater and has collected over 32,000 items of mail since 1999.
12. Mount Fuji is a Holy Web site
Mount Fuji isn’t solely Japan’s highest mountain; it has been a sacred website for the Shinto faith because the seventh century. The cool factor is that Princess Konohanasakuya is the Kami (divine particular person) of Mount Fuji within the Shinto faith. The cherry blossom is her image.
Even if you’re not a follower of the Shinto faith, it’s mentioned that you could sense the world’s tranquillity and eerie ambiance.
13. Japan Has Ice Cream That Does Not Soften
This is without doubt one of the Japan information for youths!
The title is a bit deceptive as a result of the ice cream will finally soften. The non-melting ice cream will apparently take a number of hours to soften. Think about that youngsters, that is undoubtedly the perfect one of many children Japan information! Yummy!
The invention occurred accidentally whereas scientists had been experimenting with the chemistry of strawberries. That was to assist farmers impacted by the 2011 earthquake.
14. Portugal Was the First European Nation to Go to Japan
The Portuguese had been the primary European nation to go to Japan in 1543 once they arrived at Nagasaki’s port. This preliminary Portuguese go to signaled the beginning of the Nanban commerce interval, which spanned from 1543 to 1614.
Throughout this time interval, the Japanese and Portuguese traded freely. Japan was launched to new applied sciences and cultural practices, reminiscent of European weapons, European armor, and European ships.
One other surprising revelation from this period is that the Portuguese launched tempura to Japan. Tempura has since grown to be one in every of its hottest dishes.
15. Japan Was Locked Down for a Complete Interval When the Shogun Closed Japan
After the large impression of European tradition on Japan since 1543, Tokugawa Lemitsu, the Shogun of Japan, closed Japan to all foreigners in 1635. The Shogun closed Japan by implementing a coverage of isolation, forbidding foreigners to enter and Japanese residents to journey overseas.
Anybody caught with European items can be punished. This was the Sakoku Edict of 1635.
16. Japan Has a Freeway that Passes By means of a Constructing
That’s appropriate! In Osaka, the Hanshin Expressway runs immediately by way of the fifth, sixth, and seventh flooring of the Gate Tower Constructing.
In actuality, the constructing’s staff are unaware of the freeway because the partitions and flooring are soundproof. Additionally, the freeway doesn’t bodily contact the constructing.
17. Japanese Comply with a Wholesome Weight loss program
The Japanese weight loss program is broadly considered one of many healthiest diets on the planet. The weight loss program consists of conventional meals objects reminiscent of rice, fish, and greens.
Folks in Japan eat much less fatty meals which are larger in minerals and nutritional vitamins. One of many components contributing to Japan’s lengthy life expectancy is its weight loss program. Uncover our favourite Japanese meals earlier than your subsequent journey.
18. The Final Emperor within the World
Japan is the world’s solely nation with an Emperor. Although the Emperor of Japan wields little energy and primarily serves as a symbolic determine, they continue to be an integral a part of Japanese custom.
Naruhito is the present Emperor of Japan. He ascended to the throne on Might 1, 2019, following his father, Emperor Akihito’s abdication on April 30, 2019.
19. Japan is a Hiker’s Paradise
Whereas mountaineering is definitely not the very first thing that involves thoughts for most individuals once they go to Japan, the nation has an honest provide of mountains and mountaineering trails. Moreover, as a result of nation’s geographical variety, there are a lot of several types of hikes to select from.
You may put your bodily and psychological stamina to the take a look at by mountaineering up the majestic Mount Fuji. There’s a UNESCO-recognized route for trekking by way of the Japanese Alps on the biggest island of Honshu.
20. Japan Has the World’s Sixth-Longest Shoreline
Japan has the world’s sixth-longest shoreline. It narrowly beats Australia, the USA, and Antarctica into the highest ten.
Japan’s shoreline totals 18,486 miles. It’s dwelling to mountaineering trails, cliffs, mountaineering trails, quiet coastal cities, and among the world’s greatest fishing ports. Examine this beautiful seaside city 2 hours north of Tokyo Kamakura, Japan – The Final Seaside Escape
21. The Well-known Kitayamazaki Cliffs
Kitayamazaki Cliffs is a 5-mile stretch of the Rikuchu Shoreline within the Northern Iwate area, that includes 650-foot cliffs. The world is known as a result of it received first place within the “natural resource: coast” class in 1999.
The Kitayamazaki Observatory gives the perfect view of the shoreline. The Observatory options three distinct statement decks at various elevations. These decks enable for varied views of the coast from a single location.
22. Distinctive Customs and Traditions in Japan
Japan is a rustic filled with wealthy customs and traditions. Some of the noticeable is bowing. In Japan, you bow if you greet or say goodbye, and the depth and period depend upon the state of affairs and the particular person’s standing. It’s an indication of respect and is deeply ingrained in Japanese tradition.
The Japanese have an excellent respect for nature, and that is proven in lots of their traditions. A kind of is cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, in spring. Throughout this time folks collect below blooming cherry bushes to admire the fantastic thing about the blossoms, it’s an emblem of the impermanence of life.
Japanese meals is one other reflection of this respect for nature, with a giant emphasis on seasonality and freshness. Many dishes function substances which are solely accessible throughout sure instances of the 12 months, so the meals is all the time recent and in sync with the seasons.
The normal Japanese tea ceremony, chanoyu, sado, or ocha, is a extremely ritualistic follow the place inexperienced tea is ready and served to company in a specifically designed room. It’s not nearly ingesting tea however a religious and philosophical expertise that embodies concord, respect, purity, and tranquility.
Present giving is a giant a part of Japanese tradition, items are fastidiously chosen and wrapped to point out respect and appreciation to the recipient. That is seen in lots of features of life, from enterprise to private relationships.
Respect for elders is one other massive a part of Japanese tradition. Many customs and traditions are centered across the care and reverence of older generations; they’re extremely revered.
In Japan, you take away your sneakers earlier than coming into a house or conventional constructing. Slippers or socks are sometimes offered for company to maintain the place clear and respectful.
Japan additionally has many festivals and celebrations, every with its personal customs and traditions. Oshogatsu and Tanabata are celebrated with nice enthusiasm and are deeply ingrained in Japanese tradition.
Politeness and respect are extremely valued in Japanese society. It exhibits in the usage of honorific language and respectful habits in each day life. The normal Japanese artwork of calligraphy, shodou, can be extremely revered, and plenty of artists have devoted their lives to mastering this historical artwork.
Japan An Fascinating Nation
There you have got some fascinating information about Japan! In fact, there is no such thing as a finish to those fascinating information, and there are a lot of extra to disclose! Japan is a 2,000-year-old nation with an enthralling historical past and traditions. If something, we hope this text makes you understand simply how fascinating Japan actually is, encompassing so many various layers to this tradition.
