Fun Facts About Japan | Things You Didn't Know!

When you think of Japan, you probably think of sushi, advanced technology, and maybe the iconic Mount Fuji. But the Land of the Rising Sun has so much more to offer.

We’ve visited Japan multiple times and keep discovering new fun facts. This time, we’ve compiled all the interesting tidbits about Japan for you.

Waterproof Phones: Yep, almost all mobile phones in Japan are waterproof. Why? Because the Japanese can’t even bear to be without their phones in the shower.
Power Naps at Work: In Japan, it’s totally normal to take a quick nap during work hours for up to half an hour. They call it ‘inemuri’, which means “sleeping while present”. Even in dreamland, they’re still dedicated to their work.
Train Stations: Every train station has its own unique melody. A little tune that greets you, reassures you, a small musical nod of recognition in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Train Delays: Speaking of trains, the average delay? Just 18 seconds. Can you imagine? Even the Tokaido Shinkansen averages only a 30-second delay per year.
Cleaning in Schools: Kids in Japan clean their own schools. No janitors, just a collective effort. This way, they learn responsibility and appreciation for their environment.
Sumo Wrestling: The national pride, sumo wrestling, has a history of over a thousand years. These colossal athletes represent not only strength but also a deeply rooted tradition.
Hanami and Sakura: The cherry blossoms, or ‘sakura’, are not just flowers. They are a symbol of transience and beauty. Every year, people gather under the blooming trees for Hanami, the admiration of the flowers.
Rice Consumption: Japan may be famous for its rice, but with 119 grams per person per day, it ranks only 50th worldwide.

Karaoke: Did you know that the word karaoke literally means ’empty orchestra’ in Japanese?
Outlets: The outlets are type A and B. So, you don’t need a travel adapter for Japan.
Black Cats: In Japan, black cats bring good luck. So if a black cat crosses your path, consider it a good omen.
Kit-Kats: Kit-Kats are seen as good luck charms here. With over 300 different flavors, there’s always a Kit-Kat to bring you luck.
Sakura Blossoms: The delicate sakura blossoms symbolize happiness, love, and new beginnings. But also the inevitable transience of life.
Crying Sumo Competitions: Yep, they really exist. Crying sumo competitions where sumo wrestlers try to make a baby cry. Bizarre? Definitely. Fascinating? Absolutely.
Tattoos in Bathhouses: Tattoos are often a taboo in Japanese bathhouses due to their association with the yakuza. A piece of skin art can deny you access to relaxation.
Chopsticks: Japan produces about 24 billion chopsticks each year. They may seem like simple utensils, but they’re an essential part of the Japanese dining experience.

More than 6800 Islands: Japan is an archipelago of over 6800 islands. From the largest, like Honshu, to the smallest, each island has its own story.
Earthquakes: Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences an average of 1500 earthquakes per year. Many of these quakes are barely noticeable, but they remind us that the earth here is always in motion.
Population Density: With 337 people per square kilometer, Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Tokyo: Tokyo isn’t just a city but a metropolitan region consisting of 23 wards and several cities. With a total of 37 million residents, it’s a dynamic mix of modernity and tradition.
Four Writing Systems: Japanese has four different writing systems: Romaji, Katakana, Hiragana, and Kanji. Each script has its own function and charm.
Blowing Your Nose: It’s considered impolite to blow your nose in front of others in Japan. Blowing your nose in the bathroom is more appropriate.

Japan is a country that constantly balances between the old and the new, the traditional and the futuristic. These fun facts offer just a glimpse of the complexity and beauty of this fascinating land.

Do you know any other fun facts about Japan? Let us know!