22 Facts about Japan You Didn’t Know (Updated 2024)

Japan is on the prime of everybody’s journey bucket checklist, and for good purpose. We now have visited Japan on a number of events and at all times appear to study one thing concerning the nation after we are there. Situated in East Asia within the Sea of Japan, the archipelago of Japan is an unbelievable nation to go to. Most individuals already know concerning the improbable Japanese delicacies and its position in World Conflict II, however there may be a lot extra to the nation that we cowl right here.

Enjoyable Details About Japan

Do you know that Japan is thought 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 fancy and historical cultural heritage, but at this time, it is among the most superior international locations in expertise and innovation since 1950. Japan’s type of authorities is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary authorities. The forex utilized in Japan is the Japanese yen.

Japan offers a substantial amount of consideration to schooling, and the nation is among the most literate on this planet. A particular consciousness of pure magnificence and curiosity in form and steadiness are apparent.

A few of these cool info about Japan and its habits might 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 vital the game is. I feel we will study loads from their lifestyle. Additionally, pure scorching springs, generally known as onsen, are an enormous 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 Details about Japan that we actually discovered attention-grabbing.

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 stated, how does Japan accomplish this? It’s all about their mindset. The Japanese folks very seldom depart trash on the streets. Moreover, volunteers of all ages clear the streets for the easy purpose that they wish to reside in a tidy metropolis.

2. Tokyo is the World’s Most Populated Metropolis

The greater Tokyo metropolitan space encompasses three areas and is house 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 largest 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 business. 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 internal wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji continues to be a must-visit. The outer market continues to be going sturdy with contemporary seafood, road meals, and all types of culinary goodies. That is Japan’s capacity to steadiness custom with modernity, to maintain the outdated whereas embracing the brand new.

4. Japan’s inhabitants is 98.5 % Japanese.

This may occasionally appear absurd, however the trendy world is changing into more and more multicultural. Nonetheless, this isn’t the case in Japan. That’s largely on account of stringent visa necessities and a cultural mindset preserving its distinctive and ancient culture steeped in outdated traditions.

5. Japan Has Canned Meals Eating places

Japan can be an excellent vacation spot for canned food fans, as quite a few eating places and bars specialize on this meals tradition. Mr. Kanso is the most well-liked chain of such eating places. The cabinets of those eating places have a various array of canned meals from all over the world. The range 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 crammed with merchandising machines. You’ll discover them all over the place on the streets, promoting the whole lot from sake and beer to tea and meals.

6. Japan Has a Excessive Life Expectancy

Japan is just about tied with Hong Kong by way of 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 food plan than Western international locations. Their food plan features a larger quantity of fish, much less pink meat and extra greens, and smaller parts.

The Japanese scorching springs in all probability have loads to do with the lengthy lives in Japan. These scorching springs, generally known as Onsens, are frequented by the Japanese for his or her therapeutic properties. We visited a couple of on our completely different journeys and you may learn extra about them right here: Japanese Ryokan – Our Stay in a Traditional Inn

7. Japan Has Many Lively Volcanoes

There’s a whole sum of 110 active volcanoes in Japan! Scientists observe 47 of those energetic volcanoes on account of current eruptions or an eruption risk.

8. Every Yr There Are Over 1,500 Earthquakes

That’s right! 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 on account of its place close to the convergence of those plates. (Aspect notice: I used to be truly in an earthquake in Japan whereas working years in the past in Yokohama. It was scary)

Japan is among the world’s most earthquake-prone international locations. Most of those earthquakes are minor and unnoticeable, however giant and harmful earthquakes do happen on occasion.

9. Forests Cowl 67 % of Japan

If you consider Japan, you’re in all probability pondering of the nation’s quite a few cities or its fundamental islands. Surprisingly, 67 percent of Japan is roofed in forest. 

It’s not 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 will see 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 akin to rivers, mountains, and rocks. That’s considered one of many Japanese info that we discovered on our final journey to the nation.

11. Japan Is Residence to the Deepest Underwater Postbox

A cool Japan truth is that Susami is house to the world’s deepest underwater postbox. Susami is a well known fishing city in Wakayama Province. The Guinness World Information acknowledged the city’s deepest underwater postbox in 2002. The postbox is 30 toes underwater and has collected over 32,000 items of mail since 1999.

12. Mount Fuji is a Holy Web site

Mount Fuji will not be solely Japan’s highest mountain; it has been a sacred website for the Shinto faith for the reason that 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 in case you are not a follower of the Shinto faith, it’s stated you could sense the realm’s tranquillity and eerie environment.

13. Japan Has Ice Cream That Does Not Soften

This is among the Japan info for teenagers!

The title is slightly deceptive as a result of the ice cream will ultimately soften. The non-melting ice cream will apparently take a number of hours to soften. Think about that youngsters, that is positively the perfect one of many youngsters Japan info! 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 visit 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, akin to 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 considered one of its hottest dishes.

15. Japan Was Locked Down for a Entire Interval When the Shogun Closed Japan

After the huge 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 could be punished. This was the Sakoku Edict of 1635.

16. Japan Has a Freeway that Passes Via a Constructing

That’s right! In Osaka, the Hanshin Expressway runs instantly by 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 Observe a Wholesome Eating regimen

The Japanese food plan is extensively thought to be one of many healthiest diets on this planet. The food plan consists of conventional meals objects akin to rice, fish, and greens. 

Folks in Japan eat much less fatty meals which are increased in minerals and nutritional vitamins. One of many components contributing to Japan’s lengthy life expectancy is its food plan. Uncover our favourite Japanese food earlier than your subsequent journey.

18. The Final Emperor within the World

Japan is the world’s solely nation with an Emperor. Regardless that 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 climbing is actually 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 climbing trails. Moreover, as a result of nation’s geographical variety, there are a lot of various kinds of hikes to select from. 

You possibly can put your bodily and psychological stamina to the check by climbing up the majestic Mount Fuji. There’s a UNESCO-recognized route for trekking by 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, america, and Antarctica into the highest ten.

Japan’s shoreline totals 18,486 miles. It’s house to climbing trails, cliffs, climbing trails, quiet coastal cities, and a few of the world’s largest fishing ports. Examine this beautiful seaside city 2 hours north of Tokyo Kamakura, Japan – The Ultimate 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 legendary as a result of it received first place within the “pure useful resource: coast” class in 1999.

The Kitayamazaki Observatory offers the perfect view of the shoreline. The Observatory options three distinct remark decks at various elevations. These decks permit 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 while you greet or say goodbye, and the depth and period rely upon the scenario 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 a lot of their traditions. A type of is cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, in spring. Throughout this time folks collect beneath blooming cherry timber 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 an enormous emphasis on seasonality and freshness. Many dishes function substances which are solely accessible throughout sure occasions of the 12 months, so the meals is at all times contemporary and in sync with the seasons.

The standard Japanese tea ceremony, chanoyu, sado, or ocha, is a extremely ritualistic apply the place inexperienced tea is ready and served to friends in a specifically designed room. It’s not nearly consuming tea however a non secular and philosophical expertise that embodies concord, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Reward giving is an enormous a part of Japanese tradition, presents are fastidiously chosen and wrapped to point out respect and appreciation to the recipient. That is seen in lots of elements of life, from enterprise to non-public 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 supplied for friends 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 conduct in every day life. The standard Japanese artwork of calligraphy, shodou, can be extremely revered, and plenty of artists have devoted their lives to mastering this historical artwork.

Japan An Attention-grabbing Nation

There you could have some attention-grabbing info about Japan! In fact, there isn’t any finish to those attention-grabbing info, 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 notice simply how attention-grabbing Japan actually is, encompassing so many alternative layers to this tradition.