20 Exciting Facts About Japan
Most of us have tried sushi at some stage, others have watched movies about ninjas. Many folks worldwide practice martial arts, that started in this country. There are so many things, associated with it because of its rich culture. Foreigners often refer to this country as the land of the rising sun.
At the same time it is called ‘Nippon’ by the local people. Japan! This time I’ll share 20 exciting facts about this amazing country, you might be unaware of some of them. No.1 Japanese monarchy Japanese monarchy is one of the oldest continuous monarchies in the world. The current Emperor
Naruhito is the 126th emperor in a line, that extends back to the country’s founding in 6oo B.C. by the Emperor Jimmu. According to the Constitution of Japan the Emperor is defined as the symbol of the Japanese state and the unity of the Japanese people.
He is also the highest authority of the Shinto religion. It has been historically intertwined with the Japanese monarchy. After World War 2 Emperor Hirohito publicly renounced his divine status and helped lend legitimacy to Japan’s new 1947 constitution. It established the emperor as a symbolic figure with no political authority.
The Japanese calendar designates years with era names, based on the reign of the emperor. For example, the current era is the Reiwa era, which began on May 1st, 2019 with the Ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the throne. No.2 Steven Seagal had lived and worked in Japan before he became an actor
Steven Seagal began his adult life as an Aikido instructor in this country. He became the first foreigner to operate an aikido dojo in Japan after teaching martial arts in Japan. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he continued his profession. This eventually led to his acting debut in 1988 in the film
‘Above the law’ It’s important to tell that his first wife is from Japan. Steven Seagal met her after she moved to California. According to Miyako Fujitani they met in California in the fall of 1974 and she returned to Japan in October. They had two children together: a son named Kentaro Segall,
Who was born in 1975 and a daughter named Ayako Fujitani, who was born in 1979. However, their marriage did not last very long and they got divorced in 1987. No.3 Law about rest and Karoshi In Japan there are laws and regulations, aimed at preventing karoshi, which refers to death or injury from overwork.
The Act Promoting Measures to Prevent Death and injury from overwork commonly known as the Work Style Reform Law. Was passed in 2018 to address this issue this law generally limits overtime work to 45 hours per month with a maximum of 360 hours in a year. Despite these legal measures
There have been criticisms of the judicial system’s handling of karoshi cases with concerns raised about the low acceptance rate of workplace injury compensation applications and the reduction of compensation in some cases. The issue of karoshi and the effectiveness of related laws and regulations continue to be topics of debate and concern in Japan.
No. 4 Japanese toilets Japanese toilets have a long history with some of the earliest known toilets, dating back about 1,300 years. Traditional Japanese toilets consisted of a hole or basin in the floor and were designed for squatting rather than sitting. Over time western style toilets began to spread in the country.
Toilets in Japan are sometimes designed more elaborately 98 00:03:59,100 –> 00:04:01,466. than those in other developed nations They often incorporate advanced features, such as electronic bidets, heated seats and various washing options. The current trend in Japanese toilets is shifting towards elongated seats with built in bidet functions, offering multiple ways to wash
No. 5 UTSU incident This incident, known as the Otsu Incident, was an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Nicholas Alexandrovich (later Emperor Nicholas the II of Russia) 114 00:04:31,566 –> 00:04:34,000 on May 11th, 1891. It happened while he was returning to Kyoto after a day trip to Lake Biwa in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture.
He was attacked by Suda Sanzo, one of his escorting policemen, who swung at the Ceservich’s face with a sabre. The quick action of Nicholas’s cousin Prince George of Greece and Denmark, who parried the second blow with his cane, saved his life. The second incident occurred in 1891 when Nicholas visited Japan,
As part of a goodwill tour. During his visit a young seamstress named Yuko Hatakiyama slit her throat with a razor in front of the Russian Embassy in Tokyo after Nicholas cut his trip to Japan short in spite of Emperor Meiji’s Apology. No.6 Unusual food Japanese foods may seem strange
To those unfamiliar with local cuisine, but they are part of the rich and varied culinary tradition of the country. While some of these foods may have unusual textures or flavors, they are considered delicacies in Japanese culture and are worth trying for those who are adventurous with their food choices.
Here are some interesting Japanese dishes: Natto is a popular fermented soybean dish in Japan, known for its gooey texture and strong smell, despite its divisive taste, it is considered one of the healthiest Japanese foods. Raw horse meat known as Basashi is a traditional dish in Japan, particularly in Kumamoto and Nagano prefectures.
It is often served thinly sliced and is considered a delicacy. Raw chicken or Torisashi is consumed in certain regions. It is prepared carefully to ensure safety and is enjoyed for its unique taste and texture. Shirako or fish milt is a delicacy in Japan. Often served as a sushi topping
It is the sperm sack of fish and is prized for its creamy texture and subtle flavor. Sea Urchin known as Uni is a popular delicacy in this country, appreciated for its unique taste and texture. It is commonly enjoyed as sashimi or sushi No.7 Samurais were more than just warriors
Samurais adhered to a strict moral code known as Bushido, which held bravery, honor and personal loyalty above life itself. As the essential nobility of their era the majority of samurais were extremely well educated. Bushido dictated that a samurai strives to better himself in a multitude of ways, including outside combat.
Samurai were generally highly literate and skilled in mathematics. Their influence on literature, art and the development of modern Japan is significant. There are some famous Japanese poets, who were also samurais include: Minamoto no Yorimasa, Miyamoto Musashi, Yoshida Shoin. These samurais not only excelled in martial arts, but also left behind a
Legacy of poetry, that reflects their thoughts emotions and experiences. No.8 Karaoke Karaoke is a type of interactive entertainment, where people sing along to recorded music, using a microphone. The word ‘Karaoke’ means ‘empty orchestra’ in Japanese. The first karaoke machine was invented in 1971 by a Japanese musician called Daisuke Inoue.
It happened in a bar in a small Japanese town, called Kobe, when a band failed to show up for their gig and the owner, not wanting revelers to miss out on entertainment, put on some music and invited customers to sing. Karaoke has become a favorite pastime across the globe
And for people of all ages. It has been associated with numerous health benefits, including stress relief, mood boosting and lowering blood pressure. No.9 Japan consists of over 6,800 islands Japan is the world’s fourth largest island nation with a surface area of 378,000 square kilometers. It is a bit larger than Germany.
Japan lies east of the Asian mainland on roughly the same longitude as North and South Korea. Its other neighbors are China, Taiwan and Russia. Japan consists of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu Shikoku and Kyushu. Honshu occupies 61% of the country’s total land area. Hokkaido 22% Kyushu 11% and Shikoku 5%. Besides these,
There are over 6,800 smaller islands. No.10 Anime is a huge and well developed industry in Japan The anime industry in Japan is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The total market size of the anime industry in Japan is worth around 2.4 trillion yen,
Which is more than $16 billion. Japan has over 430 major anime production studios, spread all over the country. The first full length anime feature film was released in 1945. The movie Umi no Shinpei or Momotaro Was funded by the Japanese Navi in the final year of World War 2, as a propaganda film. The most expensive anime film ever made was The Tale of Princess Kaguya with a budget of $49.3 million. The studio’s Ghibli film is the most expensive Japanese film to date. Released in 2013,
The movie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards. The Tale of Princess Kaguya was the final film directed by Studio Ghibli, co-founder Isao Takahata No. 11 Anti- Ninja Floors Anti-ninja floors, also known as Nightingale floors were used in Japan during the feudal period.
To deter ninjas from sneaking into residences undetected. These floors are designed to make a chirping sound, when walked upon, which served as a sort of alarm system to alert occupants or any trespassers. The most famous example of nightingale floors is in Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan. A metal clamp is affixed to
The bottom of each plank, oriented so that when the plank moves, it rubs a nail against the clamp, creating the distinctive squeaking sound. It is unclear if the design was intentional, but legend has it that the squeaking floors were used as a security device No. 12 Hiroshima and Nagasaki today
Hiroshima and Nagasaki – the two Japanese cities that were devastated by atomic bombings in 1945 have since undergone significant recovery and development despite the lasting impact of the bombings. Both cities have made remarkable progress. The radiation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki today is comparable to the extremely low levels of background radiation,
Found naturally on earth. With no adverse effects on human health most of the radiation, released during the bombings, never reached the ground and any residual radiation decayed shortly after the explosions. The survivors of the atomic bombings, known as ‘Habakusha’ have faced long term health effects with an increase in leukemia,
Being one of the most significant consequences. However, both cities have recovered into bustling urban centres with Hiroshima now a prosperous manufacturing hub with a population of over 1.1 million people. Both cities hold annual ceremonies to remember the victims of the bombings. In Hiroshima church bells ring at 8:15 am,
The exact moment the bomb was dropped, marking the beginning of a day of remembrance ceremonies No.13 Fast trains Japan’s high speed trains, known as Shinkansen are renowned for their speed, safety and efficiency. The Shinkansen can travel at remarkable speeds. The world’s first Shinkansen launched in 1964 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics,
Could reach a maximum speed of 320 kilometers a hour. Japan’s bullet trains are considered the safest way to travel with an impeccable safety record. More than 10 billion passengers have ridden on Japan’s high speed rails alone and none of them have ever died in a crash. The Shinkansen is not only fast,
But also extremely reliable, according to data released by Japan Rail. The average delay of a Shinkanson train was just 54 seconds across all routes for the entire year. Japan continues to push the boundaries of high speed rail travel. By 2027 manned magnetic levitation trains are expected to run on the Chuo Shinkansen line,
Linking Tokyo and Nagoya in just 40 minutes No.14 The oldest company in the world Kongō Gumi Co., Ltd is a Japanese construction company founded in 578 AD, making it the world’s oldest company. The company mainly works on the design, construction, restoration and repair of shrines, temples castles and cultural heritage buildings.
It was a family owned construction company for over 1,400 years and a three meter long 17th century scroll traces the 40 generations back to the company’s start. The company fell on hard times and went into liquidation in January 2006 and was purchased by the Takamatsu Construction Group. Before its liquidation
It had as few as 100 employees and had annual revenue of $70 million in 2005. As of February 2023 Kongō Gumi Co., Ltd continues to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Takamatsu Construction Group. No.15 Japanese macaque Japan is home to the Japanese macaque or snow monkey, which lives in colder climates
Than other primates. The Nagano Prefecture is known for its macaques, who bathe in hot springs in the winter. Japanese macaques art diurnal and spend time both: arboreali in trees and terrestrially on the ground. Japanese macaques are opportunistic omnivores, consuming fruit seeds, young leaves, flowers insects and invertebrates, such as snails. Japanese macaques
Are protected under the convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which means there are protective measures in place to ensure the species does not decline. Legal bans on hunting and Protection in wildlife parks throughout Japan contribute to their conservation. No. 16 Sumo wrestlers Sumo wrestling is an ancient form of wrestling
And the national sport of Japan. It was born as a Shinto ritual to entertain gods and the sumo stage Doyo has been considered very sacred. An average sumo wrestler is about 185 cm tall and weighs around 150 kg. Sumo wrestlers lead a highly regimented and disciplined life, possibly the most rigid of any
Athletes in the world. They are required to live in communal sumo training stables, dress in traditional Japanese clothing and adhere to strict rules, that dictate every aspect of their lives. There are no weight divisions in professional sumo. So every wrestler aims to get as big as possible to use their weight
In the ring. They consume a high calorie dish, called ‘Chanko nabe’, a beef stew and vegetable hot pot, and young sumo wrestlers consume around 20,000 calories of food a day. However, when sumo wrestlers retire, they quickly lose weight by changing their diet. Sumo wrestlers are not allowed to drive cars
Due to a serious car accident, involving a sumo wrestler in the past. The Sumo Association believes that wrestlers need to be respected and loved by the people. So there must be no negative publicity caused by traffic accidents. No.17 Everyone has their own seal in Japan People don’t have signatures,
They have their own seal, known as ‘Hanko’. The seal is typically your name, translated into Kanji characters and are made from silk or plant based paste. Adults will often have three hankos: one for signing off letters and personal matters, a bank seal and an identity seal. They’re not necessary for tourists, but foreigners
Living in Japan can have one hand made in small local shops. No.18 Christmas traditions The majority of Japanese people traditionally following Shinto or Buddhism, but Christmas is so popular in Japan. Christmas Eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day and it is considered a romantic day for couples to spend
Together and exchange presents. The traditional Japanese Christmas food is a sponge cake, decorated with strawberries and whipped cream, known as ‘Christmas cake’ Another unique tradition in Japan is to have Kentucky Fried Chicken. KFC for Christmas dinner it is estimated that around 3.6 million Japanese families celebrate Christmas with KFC.
And the average KFC increases its daily sales by 10 times during the Christmas period. Christmas markets in Japan, based on a European version, are open throughout the holiday season in some parts of Japan. Different embassies from other countries host their own Christmas markets, offering items
That shoppers from other countries may be looking for. No.19 The Mongol Empire failed to conquer Japan The Mongols attempted to invade Japan twice: in the late 13th century in 1274 and 1281, but both invasions were unsuccessful. The invasions were led by Kublai Khan, the leader of the Mongol Empire
And were thwarted due to a combination of factors, including the Japanese defenders use of superior tactics and the intervention of typhoons, that destroyed the Mongol fleets. The invasions were one of the earliest cases of gunpowder warfare outside of China, one of the most notable technological innovations during the war
Was the use of explosive hand thrown bombs. The defeated Mongol Empire lost most of its naval power and its naval defense capability declined significantly No.20 Japan has its own Disneyland Tokyo Disneyland is a 115 acre theme park, located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. It was the first Disney
Park to be built outside the United States and it opened on April 15th, 1983. The park was constructed by WED Enterprises in the same style as Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland in California. The Tokyo Disneyland parking lot was the smallest built for a Disney theme park at that time
Due to the popularity of Japan’s public transportation. Cinderella Castle displays the Disney character and story plot yet presents the story through the Japanese view. Tokyo Disneyland has been adding attractions with distinctly Japanese qualities to diversify from the limits of the domestic Disney parks. These facts provide a glimpse into the history
And unique features of Tokyo Disneyland, showcasing its significance as a cultural icon and a beloved destination for millions of visitors. Congratulations! Your knowledge of Japan has increased. Are you interested in visiting this country& What will be your initial destinations there? Let’s leave a comment. Have a nice day
And best of luck to you!
Nippon, the Land of the Rising Sun…this country has many names, but it is commonly known as Japan. Since 1853 when it opened up to international trade, the country has been captivating travelers. Today, Japanese culture is really spread across the globe and has a serious influence on many aspects of modern life.
Time codes:
00:00 Begining
00:33 Japanese monarchy
01:37 Steven Seagal
02:38 Karoshi
03:33 Japanese toilets
04:18 Otsu incident
05:18 Unusual food
06:45 Samurais
07:42 Karaoke
08:33 6,800 islands
09:15 Anime
10:29 Anti-Ninja floors
11:15 Hiroshima and Nagasaki
12:33 Bullet train
13:38 The oldest company
14:38 Japanese macaque
15:29 Sumo wrestlers
16:52 Seal
17:25 Christmas traditions
18:26 Kublai Khan
19:15 Disneyland Tokyo
20:18 Ending
In this video I will tell you some interesting facts about Japan:
– What did Steven Seagal do there and at what time.
– How Hiroshima & Nagasaki live after 78 years since atomic bombing.
– What are the advantages of the Shinkansen (bullet train).
– What else did Samurai do aside from training and fighting.
– How much do Japanese studios earn by making anime.
– What happened to Russian Emperor Nicolas II during his trip to Japan.
– Who was the creator of Karaoke.
– What rules do sumo wrestlers adhere to in everyday life.
And yeah, you’ll also learn that Japanese cuisine is more than just Sushi and Sake.
Credit videos: https://www.pexels.com (Authors: Hu Huynh, DLKR, Yaroslav Shuraev, Hiro Nakamura, Mathew Liang, Adrien JACTA, Deborah Windham, Ronald Hayward, Karolina Grabowska, Taka Soyama, Alan W, The Instagrapher, Mikhail Nilov, Alex Knight, RDNE Stock project, Dada Kawano, ITO JUNICHI, Evgeny Tchebotarev, Kyle Kroeger, Leon Huang, Dex Planet, Hugh Mitton, Pixabay, Kylieneko, Pavel Danilyuk, cottonbro studio, Tima Miroshnichenko, SuperEVG, Kampus Production, Jake Heinemann, Dom Le Roy, Zane Holmes, Polina Tankilevitch) and other open sources).
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