Surprising Facts About Japan You Likely Don't Know
Japan is a country steeped in tradition, as we know it. It also possesses a rich and fascinating culture. Yet when we think of Japan
Japan is a country steeped in tradition, as we know it. It also possesses a rich and fascinating culture. Yet when we think of Japan, we often imagine a futuristic nation where technology reigns supreme. However, there are certain facts we simply don't know about—ones that can be quite surprising.
Japan and Tea
The tea ceremony is a true cultural practice and deeply respected custom in Japan. Given its significance and all that's said about Japan and its tea production, this beverage clearly holds a special place. And yet, it doesn't—Japanese people actually consume more coffee than tea, particularly Jamaican coffee.
Blowing Your Nose in Japan
Watch out if you catch a cold while in Japan. Signs prohibit anyone on Japanese soil from blowing their nose in public. Such an act is considered impolite.
Earthquakes
Japan is one of the countries with the best earthquake detection and protection systems. Yet it remains the most affected by the phenomenon and, ironically, is consistently struck hard. More than 1,500 earthquakes have been recorded there.
The "Slurp"
Japan is soup country—we know all that. What you likely don't know is that in Japan, "slurping" while eating soup is not rude at all. Quite the opposite—it's a way of showing that the dish is delicious.
Rice
Dining etiquette in Japan is quite strict. When eating rice, you must avoid mixing it with other foods. You should taste everything on your plate, including the rice, without ever mixing them the way people do in other countries.
Education in Japan
In Japan, almost everyone is literate. The literacy rate approaches 100%. Perhaps this remarkable achievement is due to their rather strict education system.
Japan and Nuclear Weapons
All countries fear nuclear weapons. Japan didn't just experience that fear—it also felt the power of this weapon firsthand. Unfortunately, it is the only country to have been bombed by nuclear weapons.
Horse Meat
Horse meat is consumable—we all know that. But in Japan, it is consumed raw. The Japanese proudly call it "sakuraniku."
Economically Speaking
Japan is the world's second-largest car manufacturer. Its GDP is among the highest in the world, ranking third. Japanese people are among the populations with the highest purchasing power.
Homicides
Japan is one of the countries with very few homicide cases in the world. Out of 100,000 people, only a rate of 0.50 percent commits such acts.
Pay Attention at First Meeting
If you're used to introducing yourself at a first meeting, forget that approach in Japan. You should wait to be properly introduced or positioned.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, despite the renown of the Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese people actually consume more coffee than tea in their daily lives. Jamaican coffee is particularly appreciated in the country.
Yes, blowing your nose in public is considered impolite in Japan. It is preferable to withdraw to a private space to do so, in order to respect local social norms.
In Japan, making noise while eating soup (the 'slurp') is not considered rude. On the contrary, it is a way of expressing that the dish is delicious and of complimenting the chef.
'Sakuraniku' is the Japanese name given to horse meat. The word literally means 'cherry blossom meat.' It is often consumed raw in Japan, in a preparation called basashi.
Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic activity. Despite having some of the world's most advanced detection and prevention systems, the frequency and intensity of earthquakes remain very high, with more than 1,500 tremors recorded.
In Japan, it is important not to introduce yourself too spontaneously at a first meeting. You should wait to be introduced or properly positioned, often by a third party, in accordance with Japanese codes of politeness.
