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Interesting Facts About Japan – Texts on Walls, Floors, and Canvases.

10 Top Fascinating Facts About Japan

1. Japan Has Companies That Are Over 1,000 Years Old

The world's oldest continuously operating company was the Japanese construction firm Kongō Gumi, founded in 578 AD. It built Buddhist temples for more than 1,400 years.
Even today, Japan has thousands of companies that are over 200 years old—far more than any other country.

2. The Japanese Have a Word for "Death from Overwork"

The term karōshi (過労死) literally means "death from overwork." It is not just an expression—the Japanese government officially recognizes such cases.
Some employees die from heart attacks, strokes, or even suicide due to extreme workplace stress.

3. Garbage Trucks Play Melodies Instead of Sirens

In many Japanese cities, garbage trucks don't use loud sirens. Instead, they play gentle melodies that sound like music-box tunes, making the experience less stressful for residents.

4. There Are "Crying Hotels"

Some hotels and cafés offer special crying rooms where people watch emotional movies, have a good cry, and relieve emotional stress.
These rooms often include tissues, eye masks, and calming tea.

5. Many Japanese Homes Don't Have Central Heating

Many traditional Japanese houses are surprisingly poorly insulated. During winter, the inside temperature can be almost as cold as outdoors.
Instead of heating the whole house, people commonly use

• Kotatsu (heated tables)
• Electric blankets
• Portable space heaters

As a result, many Japanese people wear jackets indoors during winter.

6. Japan Has Professional "Apology Services"

Some companies offer services where someone apologizes on your behalf. They can:

• Call your partner
• Apologize to your boss
• Deliver a breakup message
• Handle an awkward situation for you

These services are sometimes called Dairi Shazai Services (代理謝罪サービス), meaning proxy apology services.

7. Some Schools Have No Janitors

In many Japanese schools, students clean:

• Classrooms
• Hallways
• Toilets
• Cafeterias

The goal isn't to save money but to teach respect for shared spaces and collective responsibility.

8. Japan Has an Island Full of Rabbits and Another Full of Cats

Two famous islands are:

• Ōkunoshima – the "Rabbit Island"
• Aoshima – the "Cat Island"

On some of these islands, animals outnumber people.

9. Japan Has Elevator Etiquette

In many companies, there are unwritten rules about:

• Who stands by the buttons
• Who enters first
• Who exits last
• Who holds the doors

The youngest employee often automatically operates the elevator for everyone else.
Even in everyday life, whoever enters first is expected to control the elevator. If that person gets off, the next passenger naturally takes over.

10. The "Johatsu" Phenomenon – People Who Voluntarily Disappear

Every year, thousands of people in Japan abandon their old lives, change their identities, and disappear without a trace.
They are known as johatsu (蒸発), meaning "the evaporated people."
Common reasons include:

• Debt
• Workplace pressure
• Divorce
• Social shame

There are even companies that help people "disappear overnight."

10 Bizarre Laws and Rules in Japan

1. You Can't Be "Too Fat"

The so-called Metabo Law sets recommended maximum waist measurements.
Many companies and public institutions regularly measure their employees' waistlines.

2. Tattoos Can Be a Problem

For decades, tattoos were strongly associated with the Yakuza.
Even today, some places may refuse entry if you have tattoos, including:

• Hot springs (onsen)
• Swimming pools
• Fitness centers

Even a small tattoo can sometimes be an issue.

3. People Rarely Talk on the Phone on Trains

Talking on the phone while riding a train is considered rude.
Most passengers:

• Text
• Sleep
• Browse their phones

But loud phone conversations are generally frowned upon.

4. Escalators Have a "Correct Side"

In Tokyo, people stand on the left.

In Osaka, they stand on the right.

And nobody really knows why.

5. Blowing Your Nose in Public Is Considered Gross

Sniffling is generally seen as more socially acceptable than loudly blowing your nose.
Many Europeans find this surprising.

6. Pouring Your Own Drink Is Considered Impolite

When drinking together, you're expected to refill other people's glasses—not your own.
Pouring yourself a drink can appear selfish or antisocial.

7. Some Restaurants Don't Accept Foreigners

A small number of restaurants operate as "Japanese Only."
The most common reasons include:

• Language barriers
• Concerns about cultural misunderstandings

8. Public Trash Bins Are Rare

After the terrorist attacks of the 1990s, many public trash cans were removed.
As a result, people often carry their trash home.

9. Sleeping at Work Can Be Seen as a Good Thing

The phenomenon known as inemuri—dozing off at work—can actually signal:
"This person works very hard."

10. People Rarely Say "No" Directly

Instead of saying "no," Japanese people often use phrases like:

• "That may be difficult."
• "We'll consider it."
• "Maybe another time."

In many cases, they actually mean no.

10 Japanese Traditions That Surprise Europeans

1. Slurping Noodles Loudly Is Polite

When eating ramen, loud slurping means:

"I'm really enjoying this."

In many European countries, it would be considered bad manners.

2. Gifts Are Often Politely Refused Several Times

Out of courtesy, people often refuse a gift once or twice before finally accepting it.

3. People Bathe Naked in Hot Springs

Traditional onsen etiquette includes:

• No swimsuits
• Men and women are often separated
• Washing thoroughly before entering the bath

4. Bowing Is a Complex Social System

Different bowing angles are used depending on:

• Social status
• Apologies
• Respect
• Business relationships

5. Christmas Means KFC

Thanks to a famous advertising campaign, KFC has become a traditional Christmas meal in Japan.

Many families reserve their meals weeks in advance.

6. People Rarely Eat While Walking

Eating while walking down the street is often considered impolite.

7. Face Masks Were Common Long Before COVID

Wearing a mask could mean:

• Being considerate of others
• Protecting people from illness
• Simply saying, "I don't feel like socializing today."

8. Trains Are Remarkably Quiet

Even crowded train cars are often almost silent.

Many Europeans find the level of quietness almost unbelievable.

9. Hugging and Handshakes Are Less Common

Physical contact is generally much more limited than in many European cultures.

10. The Number 4 Is Considered Unlucky

The Japanese pronunciation of the number 4 ("shi") sounds the same as the word for death.

As a result, you may sometimes notice the absence of:

• A fourth floor
• Room number 4
• Gift sets containing four items