Japan is a beautiful country. The culture is different and unique and offers plenty of interesting facts to get yourself immersed in the amazing world of Japan. There are differences in cultures in every country but countries do have their weird habits as well. We have prepared a list of 10 weird facts about Japan that will blow your mind.
1. Avoid Number 4
People are scared of number 4 in Japan! It is often avoided by everyone just like the world avoids number 3. This is because 4 sounds very similar to the word used for death. Buildings and house numbers do not have the 4th floor. Number of guests invited are never 4.
2. Naps On Jobs
This one is the envy of the world. You can take a short nap to calm your nerves and improve your workflow. This was introduced to reduce the workload and stress among the office workers. It makes them more dedicated and makes you want to be in an organization longer. Truly Japanese are one of a kind.
3. Vending Machines Have Everything
Japanese love their vending machines. Every thing that you might think can be dispensed in a vending machine, they have got it. Be it ramen, eggs, cars and even underwear. There are so many vending machines that the ratio to one person is 24 vending machines! Now that is what we call a real love for vending machines.
4. Frequent Earthquakes
We all have an idea about the high intensity of earthquakes. We have often heard of big disasters caused due to them. It is often due to the fact that its an island nation and there are disturbances in the ocean bed which cause tsunamis and earthquakes. Earthquakes are very common in Japan and the country gets approx. 1500 earthquakes every year. It is thanks to the amazing infrastructure of the country that is manages to evade disasters.
5. Suicide Forest
It is somewhat creepy and weird. Japan has a suicide forest (Aokigahara Forest). It is also called the perfect place to die. It takes the second place in the world’s most popular place to die. There are number of suicide victims found in the forest every single day! Japan has high suicide rate as well due to its stressful work environment and societal pressures. Mental health has been a neglected topic that has only come in the forefront in the recent future.
6. Square Watermelon
They have square watermelon in Japan! We know it’s a shocker but its true. They are grown in this way for decoration purposes and sold for high prices. They can be sold for as far as 100 dollars! After all who doesn’t want to eat square watermelons.
7. More Pets Than Children
Japanese love their animals. It is evident by the fact that there are more Japanese willing to adopt and live with pets than children. Japan has a greater number of pets than children. It is also because of the individualistic life Japanese tend to live especially in urban cities.
8. Gambling Is Illegal
An interesting thing about Japan is that Gambling is illegal there. You will not find any parlors offering gambling stations anywhere in Japan. However, people do find a way out for themselves through tricking different games in the pretense of gambling.
9. Adult Adoption
Most of us think of adoption in terms of little children. However, adult adoption is a pretty common tactic in Japan. Many businessmen and powerful people with no heirs adopt adults to take their company or business forward in their names as their children.
10. Students Clean Their Classrooms
Japanese students are considered very polite and well behaved and its very accurate as well. Japanese students are taught to be self-serving and helpful. They clean their own classrooms and schools in order to have a sense of responsibility toward their institution.
