Amazing facts about Japan

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

Japan never ceases to delight Europeans with its customs and way of life. The inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun skillfully combine progressive ideas and ancient traditions. There are some things we should learn from the Japanese.

1. Caring for the environment

Garbage collection in Japan.

At the FIFA World Cup, which was held in Russia this year, Japanese fans amazed everyone by leaving the stadium to clean up after the match. It is worth noting that their actions are not window dressing, not edification and not a demonstration of their own superiority, but a banal concern for cleanliness. In Japan, waste is very sensitive. In this country, children are taught from an early age to sort waste, and the Japanese waste recycling system is one of the most developed in the world.

2. "Shisa Kanko"

Perfect organization of workers.

Shisa Kanko is a system of repetitive actions that employees must perform daily, several times a day. Each action is accompanied by a cry, so from the outside it may look like a mysterious ritual, but in fact, this is an example of an enviable workflow organization. You can watch the Shisa Kanko system on the Japanese railway, which, by the way, is the most organized in the world.

3. Laws

Compliance with laws.

The Japanese are very scrupulous and always follow the established rules and procedures. In this country, you are unlikely to see the hustle and bustle and chaos. The Japanese keep their distance, do not run and do not rush, even in a crowded subway, they line up and calmly wait.

4. Politeness

Manners and rules of etiquette.

Politeness is in the blood of the Japanese. In the Land of the Rising Sun, etiquette plays a very important role. Their behavior at the table, at work and in companionship is simply impeccable. Entering the store, do not be surprised if the seller bows to you, and in expensive hotels there are girls on duty in the elevators who will smile at you, press the button for the required floor and wish you a good day. And this is not surprising, because the Japanese sincerely believe that their status in society directly depends on manners and upbringing.

5. Favorite thing

Time for hobbies and interests.

According to kaizen philosophy, in order to achieve success towards a goal, you need to walk regularly, but slowly. That is why the Japanese devote a little time to their hobbies every day. They are confident that even a few minutes of study or training will pay off over time. The main thing is regularity and a sincere desire to learn.

1. Harmony and balance

The principle of harmony in everything.

WA is the principle of harmony that all Japanese people have tried to adhere to since time immemorial. This principle formed the basis of the Japanese language, art and etiquette. Business relations in the Land of the Rising Sun are also built on harmony, which the people put even higher than benefit. In a work environment, WA manifests itself in the exchange of information, face-to-face meetings, politeness, and even intonation. Harmony in the interior is no less important for the Japanese. The inhabitants of the country are sure that external harmony also gives rise to internal balance.

7. Quality rest

Rest without rules and boundaries.

Everyone knows that in Japan people work like damned people. That is why this country has a very special attitude to rest. In the Land of the Rising Sun there are no taboos on entertainment. You can dress up in the most incredible clothes, sing out loud at karaoke, dance your way, and much more. In doing so, you will not become an outcast and will not attract too much attention. It's simple, those who work hard have the right to relieve stress in any way.

8. Beauty is everywhere

Seeing beauty in flaws.

Wabi-sabi is a popular Japanese principle that teaches you to find and see beauty in everything. This philosophy teaches us to see beauty even in imperfections. For example, many Japanese people glue cracked or broken dishes together with a special solution based on glittering powder, turning the chips into true works of art.

9. Taking care of animals

Cafe with cats.

In Japan, caring for animals has also become a means of earning money. It was in this country that cafes with cats were the first to appear. Animals for such establishments were taken from the street, given all the necessary vaccinations, washed and combed out. Such cafes quickly gained popularity, and this is not surprising, because the always busy Japanese do not have the opportunity to keep animals at home, and many gladly began to come to the cafe to have a cup of coffee and chat with cute pussies.

10. Advanced technology

Technologies that can make life easier.

Thousands of the most unusual gadgets appear in Japan every year, most of which are designed to make life easier. It is this country that is ahead of all others in the number of robotics and gadgets for the home. New inventions are actively used in everyday life. Many establishments in Japan have smart toilets and robot assistants work in stores.

11. Respect for elders

Respect for the elderly.

Guardianship of elderly relatives is an obligatory part of every Japanese person's life. In this developed country, old people can always count on outside help, wherever they are: in a store, in the subway, on the railroad or just on the street. Annually, at the end of September, in the Land of the Rising Sun they celebrate the Day of Honoring the Elders. On this day, it is customary to give gifts to older relatives as a sign of gratitude and respect.

12. Healthy eating

Healthy lifestyle.

According to statistics, most centenarians live in Japan. And this is not surprising, an active lifestyle and a healthy diet are doing their job. It is worth noting that, unlike residents of other countries, the Japanese practically do not eat fast food. The basis of the average Japanese diet is rice, vegetables and seafood.

13. Tradition

A large number of traditions and rituals.

There are many traditions and rituals in Japan. And often ordinary daily actions turn into these same rituals. For example, with a cup of green tea, you will definitely be served the traditional wagashi dessert stuffed with bean cream.

14. Celebration of life

Appreciate every moment of life.

Wise Japanese know that life is fleeting, and they try to appreciate every day. Hanami is held annually in Japan, better known in the world as the festival of flowering. Sakura and plum trees only bloom for a few days, reminding people of life and death, of beauty that quickly fades, and moments of life that should not be missed.