Japan is often called the Land of the Rising Sun, but it could also be known for its singing toilets and blue traffic lights! There are so many unique things about Japan that make it feel like a whole different world. Let’s dive into some of these fascinating features!
In the 1970s, a graphic designer came up with the idea of square watermelons. These watermelons are grown in special containers to make them square-shaped, which helps them fit better in the fridge and makes them easier to cut. However, they are quite expensive, so people usually buy them as decorations rather than food.
At the Yunessun Spa Resort in Hakone, you can take a bath in pork soup and ramen noodles! While it might sound strange, the Japanese believe that the collagen in pork broth is good for the skin.
Japan offers a wide variety of Kit-Kat flavors, including chili pepper, wasabi, sweet potato, and even grilled corn. Which one would you like to try?
Many restaurants in Japan use fake food made from plastic or wax to show off their popular dishes. These replicas look just like the real thing and help attract hungry customers. Surprisingly, these fake foods often cost more than the actual dishes!
Okunoshima Island is home to many rabbits. Originally brought there for scientific tests in the 1940s, the rabbits were later set free and have since multiplied. Now, the island is a popular tourist destination.
Japan has put a fun twist on photo booths with purikura machines. These booths let you edit your photos by adding backgrounds, stickers, and text. You can even send the pictures to your phone!
During rush hour, train stations in Japan can get very crowded. To help fit as many people as possible onto the trains, station staff and part-time workers, known as “people pushers,” gently push passengers inside before the doors close.
Before entering a building, you can “park” your umbrella in a special rack, just like you would with a bike. This keeps your umbrella safe and prevents wet floors inside.
Japan has over 5 million vending machines! They offer more than just snacks and drinks; you can buy anything from live lobsters to underwear.
In 2015, Godzilla was made an official resident of Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward. He even became a tourism ambassador, and a giant Godzilla head was installed at the Toho movie studio.
In Japan, trains are expected to be on time. If a train is just 5 minutes late, the railway company might issue a delay certificate. Longer delays could lead to official apologies in newspapers.
For those who love singing but don’t want to disturb others, Japan offers “silent” karaoke. This involves a special microphone that muffles your singing, so you can enjoy karaoke without worrying about noise.
In Japan, slurping your noodles is a way to show appreciation for the food. If you don’t slurp, the chef might think you didn’t enjoy the meal!
Eating a burger can be messy, but some Japanese fast-food restaurants provide special napkins to cover your face, so you don’t have to worry about looking messy.
Japanese toilets often have sinks on top of the tanks. After washing your hands, the water goes into the tank for flushing, saving water by using it twice.
In Japan, mayonnaise isn’t just for salads and sandwiches. People use it as a topping for ice cream and pancakes!
In Japan, taking a nap at work, known as “inemuri,” is seen as a sign of being a hard worker. Some people even pretend to nap to show their dedication!
Located in Kawasaki’s More’s Department Store, this tiny escalator has only 5 steps and is just 33 inches tall.
Japan has restaurants that serve only canned food, offering over 300 varieties from around the world. These places are quite popular!
The village of Nagoro has more dolls than people. A local artist created over 300 life-size dolls to represent former residents, and they can be found all over the village.
In Japan, the number 4 is considered unlucky. Some buildings skip the 4th floor, and you won’t find sets of four cutlery items in stores.
Japanese traffic lights use a blue color instead of green. This is because, historically, there was only one word for both colors in the Japanese language.
In many Japanese schools, students learn to clean their classrooms and hallways. This helps teach responsibility and teamwork.
The Tsudoi tourist train offers a unique experience with footbaths made of cypress wood. You can soak your feet in warm water while enjoying the scenic views.
Japanese toilets are high-tech, with buttons for heating the seat, spraying water, and even playing music.
Japan is known for its unusual ice-cream flavors, such as horse meat, cactus, and squid ink. Would you dare to try one?
To save space, Japan uses multi-level parking garages, making the most of their limited land.
In Nagasaki, there’s a hotel where robots help with tasks like cleaning rooms and carrying luggage. Real people are still there to supervise and recharge the robots.
If you’re dining alone in a Japanese café, you might get a plush Moomin toy to keep you company, so you never have to eat alone.
Japan is full of amazing and unique experiences. Which one would you like to try the most?
Imagine you are a chef in Japan! Use clay or playdough to create your own fake food display. Think about what dish you want to showcase and how you can make it look as realistic as possible. Share your creation with the class and explain why you chose that dish.
Japan is known for its unusual Kit-Kat flavors. Design your own unique flavor by drawing the packaging and describing the taste. Would it be sweet, spicy, or something else? Present your idea to the class and see if they would try it!
Imagine you are planning a trip to Okunoshima Island, also known as Rabbit Island. Research what you would need to bring and what activities you could do there. Create a travel brochure or poster to share with the class, highlighting why it’s a must-visit destination.
Japanese toilets are known for their high-tech features. Invent your own feature that could be added to a toilet. Draw a diagram and explain how it works. Would it play music, have a special cleaning function, or something else? Share your invention with the class.
Write a short story about a day in Japan, incorporating at least three unique features mentioned in the article, such as square watermelons, people pushers, or silent karaoke. Be creative and imagine how these features would affect your day. Share your story with the class.
Japan – A country in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean, known for its rich culture and advanced technology. – Japan is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and historic temples.
Watermelons – A large fruit with a hard green rind and sweet, juicy, red or pink flesh, often eaten in summer. – In Japan, square watermelons are grown as a novelty and are quite expensive.
Ramen – A Japanese noodle soup dish that typically includes broth, noodles, and various toppings like meat and vegetables. – Ramen is a popular dish in Japan, and each region has its own unique style.
Rabbits – Small mammals with long ears, often found in various habitats around the world, including Japan. – The island of Ōkunoshima in Japan is known as “Rabbit Island” because of the large population of wild rabbits living there.
Vending – The act of selling goods, often through machines that dispense items like snacks and drinks. – Japan is famous for its vending machines, which sell everything from hot coffee to fresh eggs.
Toilets – Sanitary fixtures used for the disposal of human waste, often featuring advanced technology in Japan. – Japanese toilets are known for their high-tech features, such as heated seats and bidet functions.
Trains – Railway vehicles used for transporting people and goods, an essential part of public transportation in Japan. – The Shinkansen, or bullet train, in Japan is famous for its speed and punctuality.
Karaoke – A form of entertainment where people sing along to recorded music using a microphone, popular in Japan. – Many people in Japan enjoy going to karaoke bars to sing their favorite songs with friends.
Cleaning – The process of removing dirt and impurities, often emphasized in Japanese culture as part of daily life and rituals. – In Japan, students participate in cleaning their classrooms every day as part of their school routine.
Flavors – Distinctive tastes of food or drink, often used to describe the variety of tastes available in Japanese cuisine. – Japanese cuisine offers a wide range of flavors, from the savory taste of soy sauce to the sweet flavor of mochi.
