16/05/2024
Here are some lesser-known facts about Japan:
1. **Vending Machines Everywhere**: Japan has one of the highest densities of vending machines in the world, with about one machine for every 23 people. These machines sell a variety of items, including beverages, snacks, toys, and even fresh eggs and flowers.
2. **Island Count**: Japan consists of over 6,800 islands, with the four main ones being Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
3. **Longest Reigning Monarch**: Emperor Hirohito, also known as Emperor Showa, reigned for 62 years, from 1926 to 1989, making him the longest-reigning monarch in Japanese history.
4. **Eel Consumption**: Japan consumes about 70% of the world's eel catch. Eel, or "unagi," is a popular dish, especially during the summer.
5. **Unusual Kit Kat Flavors**: Japan is famous for its wide variety of Kit Kat flavors, including matcha green tea, wasabi, and sweet potato, among many others.
6. **Napping at Work**: Inemuri, or napping at work, is socially acceptable in Japan as it is often seen as a sign of hard work and dedication.
7. **Noodle Slurping**: It's considered polite and a sign of enjoyment to slurp your noodles loudly in Japan.
8. **Blue Traffic Lights**: In Japan, some traffic lights use blue instead of green. This is due to historical language usage where blue and green were often referred to by the same word, "ao."
9. **Square Watermelons**: Farmers in Japan grow square watermelons to make them easier to stack and store. These watermelons are often sold as novelty items and can be quite expensive.
10. **Tipping Culture**: Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude. Exceptional service is expected and included in the price.
11. **Oldest Company**: The world's oldest continuously operating company, Kongo Gumi, is a Japanese construction company founded in 578 AD.
12. **Cultural Etiquette**: Bowing is an important part of Japanese culture and can convey different meanings based on the depth and duration of the bow.
13. **Hot Springs**: Japan has over 27,000 natural hot springs, or "onsen," which are popular for their relaxing and therapeutic properties.
14. **Capsule Hotels**: Japan is known for its capsule hotels, which offer small, pod-like accommodations for travelers seeking budget-friendly and efficient lodging.
15. **High Literacy Rate**: Japan has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, with nearly 100% of the population being literate.
