Joanna James
Japan as a country is certainly unique in its own way – boasting of fascinating cultural and social paradigms that cannot be found anywhere in the world. And while the country remains one of the most technologically advanced in the world – it also comes with its own eccentric cultural norms waiting to be discovered. Read on to learn more.
In Japan vending machines dispensing practically everything can be found at every street corner! Did you know that there are vending machines even on the summit of Mount Fuji? Interestingly Japan boasts the highest density of vending machines – with a machine allocated for every 23 people. Here vending machines sell everything from fresh flowers, magazines, umbrellas, and sweets to complete meals. In Japan vending machines almost demonstrate the country’s fascination with automation!
Simply put - the Japanese absolutely adore their Frensch pastries and embrace this cultural quirk with complete gusto. Visiting foodies can indulge in the most delicious pastries you can find outside of France in Japan – be it in their many coffee shops, department store food halls or artisan bakeries! They have even put their own twist on these classic pastry items. For example, many Japanese pastry chefs prepare the Mont Blac with purple yam instead of the traditional chestnut. A fantastic range of patisseries in Hokkaido can be accessed easily from hotels such as Travelodge Sapporo Suskino which can booked via the Sapporo hotel booking option.
An important thing to remember when visiting Japan is that gambling is banned. Instead, the Japanese relish playing a game called Pachinko. This pinball-like game is generally played in huge bright spaces known in Japan as Parlors. In Pachinko - a player has to purchase tiny metal balls that are slotted into a machine. The balls that win are then traded for prizes or tokens – which in turn are exchanged for money.
In the Japanese culture, it's considered impolite to say ‘NO’ directly! The word carries negative emotion in Japanese and is thought to show anger and rudeness. Instead, graciously saying no is considered to be an art form of sorts! Plus, the country’s cultural norms and the rather indirect nature of the language make refusing someone or something rather difficult.
Japan has gained a reputation for being a very hard-working country encouraging a strict work ethic. Part of this has to do with the expectations of Japanese companies where putting in long hours still tends to be seen as a sign of hard work and devotion. And while Japanese law only calls for 40 hours of work a week – it’s very common for the average Japanese office worker to put in over 60 hours a week! So, expect to see the trains packed even at midnight with hard-working employees making their way home after a long day at the office.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
