33 interesting facts about Japan that prove that this country is not like others

Japan is the 62nd largest country in the world by area, the 11th largest by population, the third largest economy in the world, and the country with the longest life expectancy at 84.3 years. This country has always stood out among others for its peculiarities and culture. Let's get acquainted with some facts about Japan that you may not have known about!

After class, Japanese students stay to clean up their classrooms. This is a mandatory traditional measure, which, according to teachers, teaches children personal responsibility.

It is also an opportunity to interact with other students and teachers in a less formal setting. In Japan, students value cleanliness – they won't make a mess because they know they'll have to clean it up themselves.

A well-known fact that surprised many at the 2018 World Cup – the Japanese stayed after the match and helped the stadium workers to restore order.

They did it regardless of whether Japan won or lost. It's part of their culture.

Due to the volcanic activity of Mount Unzen in 1792, an earthquake and tsunami occurred in the city of Shimabara on the Japanese island of Kyushu, and fresh water appeared right on the streets.

The water was so clear that in 1978 the authorities released koi carp into the canals. These fish can only survive in clean water – the fact that they still live there quietly proves the quality of the water.

In Japan, many toilets have built-in sinks like this.

This is done to save water – the water that washed your hands goes to flush the toilet.

While the parent does his business, the baby sits quietly in a safe structure

The Japanese can turn boring and everyday things into beauty. There are more than 6,000 manholes in the country, which are made as works of art.

Different municipalities have their own unique manhole designs and designs.

Cleanliness on the streets, in buildings and on public transport may surprise the unaccustomed person, but in Japan, cleanliness is a way of life.

At the same time, the premises are kept clean not by hiring more staff, but at the expense of the residents themselves.

The stands show which booths are occupied – so that you don't frantically check all the doors, especially if they are closed

Researchers in Japan have discovered an ingredient that helps ice cream not melt quickly.

The ice cream is called Kanazawa, and its secret ingredient is a polyphenolic liquid made from strawberries. The dessert can retain its shape for up to several hours.

In the country there is a rule – to park a car only in the back, and to leave in front. Parking in the photo is standard for Japan.

This is done for convenience due to the densely populated and large number of cars, as well as for a better view for the driver. In addition, due to the limited space, drivers carefully park their cars between the marked lines.

While you are withdrawing money, you can put the drink in the cup holder.

Cane holders are a frequent convenience for the elderly in Japan, as almost a third of its population is over 65.

In Japanese hotels, each guest can adjust the necessary brightness of the light

Staff at Japanese airports often wave to passengers until the plane takes off

The small island of Okunoshima in Japan is called Usagi Shima, which means "rabbit island" – it is inhabited in large numbers by rabbits.

Here they are strictly forbidden to hunt, and you can not bring other animals. It is believed that rabbits that escaped from the former laboratories on the island began to breed here.

The Japanese are known for their discipline – this also applies to queues. To buy something or get a service, the Japanese line up, and can safely stand in it even for a long time.

In many places, there are even signs that show how to line up – residents patiently follow them to maintain order.

Japan has the most vending machines in the world. You can buy anything from drinks and sweets to hot food and alcohol in them.

The advantages of vending machines, according to the Japanese: there is no need to hire staff, no huge sums for rent, low crime and vandalism.

Capsule hotels are often used in Japan – they are especially popular among businessmen.

These are cheap and compact hotels, usually located close to train stations and airports. The first capsule hotel was opened in 1979 in Osaka.

Sleeping during the working day is a normal and acceptable practice in Japan.

If in other countries they can get fired for this, in Japan it is viewed in a positive way – this indicates that the employee worked extremely hard, so he is dedicated to the work. The Japanese, in principle, do not forbid daytime sleep in public places and transport. There is even a term for this phenomenon – inemuri.

In Japan, various pedestrian crossings are common, including diagonal ones.

The largest crossing is located in Tokyo, at Shibuya Train Station. As long as the green light is on, more than 3,000 pedestrians can cross the road at once.

In Japanese stores, they sell square watermelons-they are specially grown in boxes so that they take this shape

At Tokyo's Narita airport, there are special wipes for cleaning smartphones – because they can accumulate even more bacteria than on the toilet seat

From early June to mid-July, Japan has a rainy season, so many people carry umbrellas.

In most public places, there are holders for wet umbrellas-you can leave it at the entrance and go about your business.

Copies of dishes may cost more than the dishes themselves, but they save food and look as similar as possible to real dishes. Previously, dummies were made of wax, and now-from polyvinyl chloride

Every year, 3.6 million Japanese families purchase wings from KFC for Christmas. In Japan, fast food is considered a traditional Christmas dinner. This has been going on since about 1974.

In Japan, there are many hot foot baths – sometimes they are found right on the streets, and often free of charge

If you are not yet convinced that the Japanese love cleanliness, here is another fact – they have separate slippers designed exclusively for the bathroom. They are used in the toilet, so as not to spread germs throughout the house.

In Japan, there is a whole etiquette of stairs and escalators. All residents stand on the left side, leaving the right side for those who are in a hurry

Some toilets in public places have Sega Toylet video games built in, which can only be played with a jet. This again calls on the Japanese to be clean

There are many unique and themed restaurants in Japan. One of them is the Mr. Kanso bar, which serves 300 different types of canned food from around the world.

Prices here vary depending on how rare the canned food you want to order. Canned dishes include egg omelette, bacon and potatoes, rice, tuna, Japanese curry, or egg tarts.

This is due to the fact that almost a third of the population is over 65, as well as a low birth rate

Robot restaurants are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo.

In such institutions, they arrange various shows with robots – with music, bright costumes and interesting topics. Rather, it is a spectacular action, rather than something traditional.

Smoking is not allowed in most open public places in Tokyo – there are always designated smoking areas.

Recently, local trains have made special passenger cars designed for smoking.

A feature of Japanese Meido cafes – the clothes of waitresses resemble the uniforms of maids in medieval English estates.

They can greet you with words:

The menu in such establishments is not distinguished by delicacies – all the salt is in the unique design and service.