16 crazy things that are only possible in Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun is like a whole world full of incredible phenomena and strange traditions.

Pictolic has collected some fascinating stories that shed light on the everyday life of ordinary Japanese people.

16 PHOTOS

1. Pushers of people in the subway.

There are so many passengers on the Japanese subway during peak hours that there are special employees who push people onto the trains.

2. $24,000 for a pair of melons.

Even Japanese square watermelons are not as expensive as Yubari King melons. At an auction in 2008, two melons were sold for $24,000. The reason for such a high price is the rarity of the fruit: these melons are grown in small quantities on the island of Hokkaido.

3. Kit Kat with aromas and flavors of sake, wasabi, sweet potato or chili.

The name of Kit Kat candy in Japanese is similar to kitto katsu, or "you will surely win." This is why they are often given to students as a good luck gift before exams. Japanese Kit Kats have the most bizarre aromas and flavors, from chili and wasabi to green tea and pear.

4. A cafe that sells tenderness.

For an additional fee, men are allowed to lie with the waitresses, hug them or stroke their hair - but no more! In Japan, much attention is paid to the visual side of things. For example, cafes where waitresses are dressed as beautiful maids are very popular nowadays.

5. Trains.

The trains that run on Japanese soil are very diverse: vintage, super fast, unmanned, and even trains reminiscent of cartoon characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine.

6. Vending machines that can sell anything.

Vending machines are so popular in this country that you can buy the most incredible things from them.

7. Spa center where you can bathe in wine, sake or coffee.

An unusual place where you can not only swim in huge puddles of wine, coffee, sake or even broth, but also drink them on the spot.

8. Home robots for kids.

Pets in Japan are very expensive and their purchase is equivalent to buying a new car. Because of this, children are increasingly given toy robots that mimic pets.

9. Sakura is beautiful and edible.

Sakura is the national flower of Japan and also a delicacy used to decorate desserts.

10. Street fashion.

Japanese street fashion is all about bright colors and crazy outfits. It is sometimes called a separate branch of contemporary art, where everyone can express themselves by combining seemingly incompatible colors and accessories.

11. Models of dishes.

This is a whole art: experts make artificial dishes that are indistinguishable from real ones. They serve as models for restaurants and shops.

12. Nothing makes your smile more charming than protruding fangs.

"Hollywood smile" in Japan is a separate concept.

13. Landing a plane is easier than dealing with a toilet.

The panel next to the toilet looks like a control panel on a spaceship. There are dozens of buttons on it that serve to turn on the bidet or shower, heat the seat, and even adjust the volume of the music.

14. The strangest museum.

The Toilet Museum has a fairly large collection.

15. Ice cream flavored with noodles, meat or beer.

Tastes differ, but gourmets should definitely try Japanese ice cream in all its variety. Surprisingly, it is sold on every corner and is in great demand.

16. Bikini jeans.

This provocative hybrid of bikini and ultra-low jeans is made in Brazil but finds its customers mainly in Japan.