Japan’s unique culture and customs often surprise visitors. I can explain why.If you read this article, you will understand a little more about the strange sights you find in Japan.
Too many vending machines?
Vending machine robberies rarely happen in Japan. Besides, it’s convenient because it doesn’t require manpower.
Whether downtown or in a residential area, vending machines are what you see when you walk around Japan. Many of them sell not only beverages, but also frozen foods. The increase in the number of machines selling food was triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.
Many of the beverage vending machines are prepared for disasters. In the event of a major disaster, drinks are offered free of charge.
There are no garbage cans in the city! What do Japanese people do with their garbage?
They carry it around until they find a trash can or take it home.
If there are trash cans in the city, trash will collect there, which will lead to polluting the city. That is the main reason for not placing trash cans in the city.
In recent years, even train stations do not have trash cans. This is because of the cost of maintaining them and the need to guard against terrorism. It is possible to maintain a beautiful city without trash cans.
Do students go out in their uniforms? Don’t they change their clothes?
Because it is proof that they are teenagers and also because they enjoy it as a fashion statement.
In Japan, most junior high and high schools, whether private or public, require students to wear uniforms. Wearing a school uniform is a clear sign that a person is a teenager. It’s easy to find friends if you can tell at a glance that you’re part of that generation.
But some people think uniforms are just a fashion statement. In some cases, having fashionable uniforms helps schools keep more students.Kids who don’t go to schools with uniforms sometimes go out of their way to buy fake uniforms. For many Japanese high school students, “wearing a uniform to Disneyland” has become an important rite of passage.
Drunks are sleeping on the streets and no one cares!
Japan is so safe that you can get drunk anywhere. Drunks sleeping on the streets are a common sight in Japan.
On weekends in the city center, you might see people drunk in the street or at train stations. They might lose their stuff or have it taken from them, but they’re not in any danger. This is something you can only see in peaceful Japan. Peace is good, but it’s never good to see people like that.
Eating on the street is bad manners, right?
It depends on the location and situation. Not all are not allowed.
For some reason, it is sometimes written that eating or drinking on the street is not good etiquette in Japan. For example, it is not considered bad manners to walk around with a cup of coffee in your hand. Eating on the street is actually encouraged in many tourist areas. Many people eat on the street where one-handed snacks are sold. Judge by the situation around you. Japan is not that intolerant!
Many people sleep on trains!
It is rare to have your belongings taken from you while you sleep. Proof that Japan is safe.
Another reason may be that Japanese people sleep the least of anyone in the world. I think Japanese people should get a good night’s sleep instead of taking a train to sleep.
Is it true that Japanese people make noise when slurping noodles?
This is true! In Japan, this is not bad manners.
The reason we make noise when slurping noodles is because we think it makes them taste better. Making noise and mixing with the air improves the taste. To find out for yourself, try eating noodles while making noise like the Japanese do!