10 Japanese Culture Facts Travelers Should Know

The land of the rising sun always knows how to draw the hearts of tourists by interesting and strange things. Besides various attractive destinations, Japan is also famous for its massive and diverse culture. Known to be a country with the fastest modern life in Asia, but not so that Japan lost its long-standing traditional values. Let’s take a look at the interesting Japanese culture facts with 10 points below!

Japanese Culture Faces: Don’t Miss The Special Things

1. Watching Sumo

One of the most outstanding points in Japanese culture facts is Sumo. It is considered as the national sport in Japan. From the 8th century, Sumo started out as a wish for a fertile harvest, and then grew into a common game in which two people compete in a circular ring. The victory will belong to the one who knock the contestant out of the arena, or any portion of his body reached the floor apart from his foot. Sumo is an old tradition of Japanese, involving ancient customs and clothing.

2. Meeting Geisha

Among the facts about Japanese culture, it can’t help to mention another famous symbol which is Geisha. Few people know that the origin of a Geisha was artists who first appeared in major cities in Japan around the 17th century and they were all male. Gradually, women became involved in becoming a Geisha. Around 1750, a female-identified herself as a Geisha at Fukugawa. This woman with a singing and virtuoso performance were quite successful in her role as the first Geisha in Japan. Since then, more and more women want to become a Geisha. So far, Geisha culture has been deeply rooted in Japanese society and nowadays, geisha are still a much-loved part of Japanese culture.

Geishas are performing on the stage

3. Wearing Kimono

The Kimono is the national costume of Japan and perhaps people almost know about its style. However, not everyone cognizes how to wear Kimono properly. On the outside, Kimono seems to be very easy to wear with a few simple steps like wearing a long dress, tying a belt and then wearing the slippers? Well, 5 points for this homework. In fact, the kimono types you can wear are vastly different in styles for formal and casual events, or for women who are married or unmarried. But you don’t need to know all of the specifics.

That would contain a lot of information, but here is a key point: kimonos fold left over right for both women and men – precisely the opposite of women’s clothing in the US. You can put the wrong part on top when wearing some types of kimonos, because it will interrupt the pattern. Never mind: left over right, no matter what!

A Woman in a traditional Japanese Kimono

4. Being A Fan Of Manga And Anime

It is said that Hollywood has a universe of Marvel movies, or Disneyland has a world of magic fairies, then in Asia, the Japanese culture fact is renowned for the Universe of Anime and Manga. Manga is a collection of comic books, with interesting concepts and unique plots. In those stories, the author integrates the cultural values ​​and spirit of Fusang.
Anime is a variant of Manga. Japanese filmmakers put Manga materials into movies, making the characters come alive with movement and sound. The anime may have more episodes than that of manga depending on the author’s adjustment.
Even though Japanese anime accounted for 60% of the world’s animation in 2016, they have had the greatest influence on contemporary Japanese society. If you’re visiting Japan, you can see many anime characters appeared on their statues; or theme of the snacks package; advertising based on character.

One Piece – top best seller of Japanese Manga in the world

5. Slurping Noodles

There are many interesting facts about Japanese culture in eating traditions, but one of the most fun is slurping noodles. It isn’t just a custom in Japanese society, it’s a nice way to show that you’re enjoying your meals. Regardless of whether you drink a bowl of soup or eat noodles by chopstick, slurpping noodles is quite normal in a fair amount. You can always notice how quickly (or silently) everyone else is dining if you are concerned about being too noisy.
Obviously there is still limited for burping and loud crunch. The Japanese dinner is seen as both a sign of pleasure and a compliment to the chef when customers slurp their noodles. So if you have a chance to try Yakisoba or Ramen in Japan, you can feel free to enjoy your meal from the bottom of your heart.

Slurpping noodles is a very interesting facts about Japanese culture

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6. Falling In Love With Sushi

Sushi is not only the most famous dish in Japan but also is adored throughout the world. It’s worth understanding how to enjoy Sushi if you want to reach out of Japanese culture. The traditional way to eat Maki and Nigiri sushi is by using your finger, but you need to hold chopsticks to eat sashimi. Also, it is worth noting that only fish should touch the sauce when dipping sushi in soy sauce. Japanese try to avoid soaking the rice part in the sauce because it makes Sushi piece be salty. When eating Sashimi, people can mix soy sauce and wasabi together.

There are different types of Sushi.

7. Learning How To Make Mochi Cake

Mochi has existed for a long time and is an indispensable dish in Japanese holidays and family reunion. In the early days of the new year, Mochi is an irreplaceable spiritual offering in every family. It symbolizes the desire for a life full of luck and prosperity. It is also believed that eating Mochi cakes on the first days of the new year will bring them a year of good health and longevity.

In the traditional way, people will steam the mixture of glutinous rice and a little sugar; Then, using a pestle to take turns beating, crushing and crashing as soon as the rice still emits thin, hot smoke to obtain a block of white, smooth powder. Finally, depending on the preferences of each family, the dough will be cooked, wrapped or baked to produce different types of Mochi. One more fact about Japanese culture you can note down when visiting this country.

8. Bowing

One of the most special facts about Japanese culture is bowing when greeting each other. Unlike Westerners, when they meet each other they often shake hands or embrace, instead, Japanese show hospitality, polite with humble bowing. This is also a typical cultural feature of the country of cherry blossoms, but how much do you understand about this beautiful act?

Japanese bowing action also depends on who you greet, you are male or female. Accordingly, the Japanese have 3 types of bows showing 3 different levels as follows:

• 15-degree bow: This type of bow is usually applied in daily communication to people who are friends, colleagues, etc.
• 30-degree bow: This type shows the formal, polite attitude and often applied in the first meet.
• 45-degree bow: when you are showing gratitude to the person who greeted you with all their heart.

9. Drinking Coffee

Tea is a major beauty of the Japanese culture, however, this country renowned for its affection for high-quality Jamaican coffee. Approximately 70% of Blue Mountain coffee imported to Japan.

Japanese manga Detective Conan in a cup of coffee

10. Tipping

When you are in the other nation, tipping is always something to adapt to, as it seems everyone is distinct. This is simpler in the Japanese culture: you don’t need to do math quickly, or even when you forget certain percentages to pay your bills because tipping is unusual. Although tips are not usual or expected, exceptions to this regulation may exist when staying in large hotel chains or more Americanized attractions or restaurants.

In short, 10 Japanese culture facts above are very important. Tourists definitely need to put in the pocket when traveling to Fusang. But the interesting point in Japanese culture will be helpful if you want to get closer to Japanese culture, to truly understand how special and beautiful they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are The Four Largest Islands In Japan?

1. Honshu.
2. Kyushu.
3. Shikoku.
4. Hokkaido.

2. Who Is The Most Powerful Japanese God?

Amerasu is the most famous deity in Japanese mythology, and Amerasu is considered as the strongest sun goddess of Japan.

3. What Language Does Japanese Speak?

Japanese is the most commonly spoken languages in Japan. It is divided into many varieties word of the Tokyo dialect as Japanese standard. Besides Japanese, Ryukyuan is not just spoken in Okinawa, but also in the Ryukyu Islands sections of Kagoshima.