Japan is known for having some of the most unique and quirky traditions and culture in the world, so with that in mind we take you through a list of the best weird and wonderful facts about Japan, from ‘teeth blackening’ practices, to an island covered in bunnies.
Here are 10 weird and wonderful things you probably didn’t know about Japan...
1. It has a ‘Ghost Island’
Close to Nagasaki, the island of Hashima is a bona fide ‘ghost island’ that once used to be a thriving community and is now deserted. From the 1800s until the 1970s, the island was used for coal mining, before the mines closed and the population moved on, leaving behind houses, shops, and the mines themselves. Nowadays you can still visit the island to see how things have been eerily preserved, and it may even seem slightly familiar to you in places. If so, this is because it was used as a filming location for the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’, and parts of Hashima became the hiding place of villain Raoul Silva.
2. The People Love Coffee
When people think of Japan they often think of it as a tea drinking nation, but actually many visitors don’t realize that Japan is one of the largest importers of coffee in the world. To that end, much of the coffee produced in Jamaica ends up in Japan (some quotes say as much as 85%). As such, you can expect to find coffee shops dotted all over this country as people enjoy a cup of the strong stuff at all times of the day and night.
3. Japanese Women Used to Dye Their Teeth Black
Back in the days of old, Japanese women used to dye their teeth black in a practice known as ‘ohaguro’. This was done by applying a kind of black lacquer to the teeth that was made from iron filings and vinegar. The reason for this is that white teeth were not considered beautiful, and it was thought that the lacquer would prevent tooth decay. Happily, the trend did not really take off in the long term and was abandoned when it was prohibited by the authorities in the 1800s.
4. People use ‘Toilet Slippers’
Toilet slippers have not really taken off in other parts of the world, but they are a mainstay item in Japan. The floor of a bathroom or toilet is considered very unclean in Japanese society, and as such shoes are worn at all times. In order to avoid cross contamination however, these need to be different shoes that you would wear in other places, so a special pair of toilet slippers are provided. These are placed outside the toilet and you need to put them on before you enter and take them off when you leave.
5. It Takes 11 years to Become a Fugu Chef
Fugu is a kind of poisonous fish that is also meant to be a delicious delicacy. Get it wrong however, and eating parts of the fish can kill you. That is why it takes chefs around 11 years to train to prepare the fish properly, and only certified chefs are allowed to serve it. As an incentive not to make a mistake, part of the training involves the chef eating their own fish to prove that they have prepared it correctly.
6. There is a Special Etiquette When Accepting a Gift
It is considered very impolite in Japan to refuse a gift from someone, but you should at least pretend that you are going to first. Japan is a big gift giving culture, and it is considered impolite for example to visit someone’s house without taking something along with you for your host. When someone offers you a present in Japan (which will probably happen a lot) then it is considered good manners to strenuously refuse it a few times before accepting.
7. There is an Island Dedicated to Rabbits
Not only does Japan have a ‘ghost island’ but it also has a Rabbit Island. Okunoshima is known in the country as the place to come if you love these cuddly furry friends. It is thought that the rabbits first came here for animal testing purposes, although now, happily, they have reclaimed their freedom and run wild all over the island. If you want to spend your day communing with bunnies, then this is definitely the place to do it.
8. The Number 4 is Considered Unlucky
In Japanese language, the way the number 4 is pronounced sounds similar to the word for ‘death’. As such, it is considered to be unlucky and people go out of their way to avoid it. This means that you may notice that elevators will not have a 4th floor in Japan, and it is considered unlucky to give a gift that features the number 4 in some way, such as a set of 4 items.
9. Being a ‘Pusher’ is a Real Job
In Japan you can actually work as a ‘pusher’, also known as an ‘oshiya’. The job involves working at a train or subway station and pushing people into trains and subway carriages during rush hour. The purpose of the ‘oshiya’ is to make sure that people don’t get trapped in the doors.
10. Melons are Very
Fruit in general is very expensive in Japan which is also said to have some of the most delicious kinds on earth. Of these fruits, Musk melons can be some of the most expensive and it is not uncommon for a small melon to cost over $100. Melons that have few outward flaws on the skin and a perfectly round shape are considered the most prized and sell for the highest prices.
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