Location and Borders: Japan is an island nation located in East Asia. It is situated in the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
Square: Japan covers an area of approximately 377,975 square kilometers.
National Currency: The currency of Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY).
Interesting Facts about Japan:
Heating System: Japan does not have central heating systems. Instead, in northern cities, the sidewalks are heated during winter to prevent snow accumulation, eliminating the need for snow removal.
Dolphin Meat: Dolphin meat is considered a delicacy in Japan and is said to taste different from typical fish meat. It is prepared in various dishes, including soups and barbecue.
Living Conditions: Some Japanese individuals cannot afford apartments or capsule hotel rooms and instead live in internet cafes, where space is extremely limited.
Snowman Tradition: In Japan, snowmen are traditionally made with only two snowballs, unlike the three commonly used in other countries.
Tipping Culture: Tipping is not practiced in Japan. It is believed that paying the agreed price for a service establishes an equal relationship between the customer and the service provider.
School Year: The Japanese academic year starts on April 1 and is divided into several semesters.
Police Honesty: Japanese police are known for their high levels of honesty and integrity. They are renowned for never accepting bribes, contributing to Tokyo’s status as one of the safest cities in the world.
Tourism Growth: In 2018, Japan welcomed 31.2 million international visitors. The number of foreign tourists continues to rise, with a government target of 40 million by 2021.
Karoshi: The term “karoshi” in Japanese refers to death from overwork. On average, 10,000 people die from this condition annually.
Tokyo Metro: Tokyo’s metro system is extremely crowded, and special staff are employed to pack passengers into trains. The metro is privately operated, with different companies managing various lines.
Traffic Fatalities: In 2018, Japan achieved a record low in traffic-related deaths. However, further improvements are needed to meet the government’s target of fewer than 2,500 deaths by 2021.
Internet Use: Japanese youth are increasingly using the internet, with even elementary school students spending an average of two hours online each day.
Cancer Survival Rates: The National Cancer Center of Japan reported a 71.3% survival rate for cancer patients over the past three years.
Food Waste: Despite Japan’s food self-sufficiency being only 40%, the average Japanese person throws away about one cup of food daily.
Female Doctors: In 2016, only 21.1% of doctors in Japan were women, the lowest proportion among OECD countries.
Traffic Accidents: Although traffic fatalities are decreasing, the involvement of elderly people in traffic accidents is increasing.
Beer Consumption: Beer consumption in Japan peaked in 1994 and has since declined, while sales of other similar beverages have risen.
Aging Workforce: Over 8 million elderly people are currently working in Japan. Companies are actively seeking older workers to address the labor shortage.
Unique Snowmen: Japanese snowmen, or “yuki-dōrō,” are often simpler in design, reflecting cultural preferences for minimalism.
Cherry Blossom Festivals: Japan is famous for its cherry blossom festivals, which attract millions of visitors each spring to view the stunning pink and white blossoms.
Cultural Heritage: Japan has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional arts like tea ceremonies, kimono wearing, and martial arts.
Technological Innovations: Japan is known for its technological advancements, including robotics, electronics, and high-speed trains.
High-Speed Rail: Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet trains, are renowned for their speed and punctuality, with some trains reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).
Ghibli Museum: The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, is dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, featuring exhibits and short films from the beloved animation studio.