Top 10 Unique Aspects of Japanese Culture

Nude bathing in public may seem unusual to people from Western countries, but it's a completely normal activity in Japan, especially in communal baths. Onsen, natural hot springs with therapeutic properties, and Sento, public bathhouses with regular water, have been part of Japanese tradition for centuries. People bathe together in the nude, and the practice has deep cultural significance. The tradition of public bathing is ingrained in Japan’s history, with its own set of customs and rules.

For the Japanese, few pleasures compare to soaking in a hot bath. While technology evolves, the tradition of bathing remains strong. When not at home in their private baths, people often visit large public bathhouses or Japanese bathhouses, where it's common to go without clothes, a stark contrast to Western practices.

Dating back to the 1950s, comics have become an essential part of life in Japan. Known as manga, it’s a daily read for people from all walks of life, not just otaku (enthusiasts). It’s common to see commuters reading manga on their phones during their journey or browsing the latest manga releases at convenience stores. Many seinen manga (targeted at adult males) explore themes such as teaching, cooking, and workplace intrigue.

While most people don't read Shonen Jump, Seinen manga (which literally means 'youth' but is aimed at adult men) is widely read on long commutes by train or bus. Adult women also have their own genre, called josei manga, though it’s less popular. Despite the differences, it can be hard to distinguish between seinen and shonen manga since their themes often overlap.

It’s well-known that Japan is a major hub for global gaming companies. Home to giants like Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation, Japan has introduced some of the most iconic video games to the West, including Mario, Zelda, and of course, Pokemon. Mobile gaming has also become a big trend, and it’s common to see people playing the latest games on their smartphones. People of all ages enjoy video games for various reasons, with each game serving a different purpose for the player.

The novelty or variety in gaming makes life exciting, fun, and engaging. Video games offer the chance to try something new. With over a million games online, the opportunities for new gaming experiences are endless. Whether you’re playing multiplayer online role-playing games or battle arena games, the sense of control and mastery that video games offer is what makes them so popular.

Another popular game across Japan is pachinko, a cultural phenomenon that serves as a unique form of gambling. Similar to pinball, pachinko is played in large, bright rooms known as pachinko parlors. The game revolves around small metal balls, and the more balls you get, the more you win. After playing, the balls can be exchanged for cash at a separate location, creating a legal loophole that allows gambling to persist.

The easiest way to describe pachinko is as a vertical pinball machine. These machines are slightly smaller than their horizontal counterparts, and the metal balls are also smaller. The balls are loaded into the machine and then shot inside. As the balls bounce off pins, players aim to get them into special spots on the board. These spots award more pachinko balls, allowing players to keep playing.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable aspects of Japanese culture is the culture of bowing – or ojigi – which plays a crucial role in daily life. This gesture is used by everyone, whether it's a simple nod to a convenience store clerk or a deep bow to a superior at work. The frequency and depth of your bow reflect the level of respect you have for the person you're addressing. Even friends bow to each other!

Unlike in Western cultures, bowing in Japan is a deeply ingrained ritual, taught from a young age. Depending on the situation, a bow can range from a small nod to a deep bend at the waist. A deeper, longer bow signals greater respect, while a smaller bow is generally less formal. Bowing in Japan is a way to express various emotions, including gratitude, respect, regret, or appreciation. There are two main types of bows: kneeling (zarei) and standing (ritsurei). In both, it’s essential to bend only at the waist and keep your back straight throughout.

If you're riding a train in Japan, one thing you'll quickly notice is the quiet. People generally speak in hushed tones, if they speak at all. It's rare for anyone to take a phone call on the train (an important fact to keep in mind when in Japan). In such a confined space, it's not only polite to keep to yourself, it's the most sensible thing you can do. It's all about maintaining harmony.

Even when it's crowded, very few people engage in conversation. Most seem focused on their smartphones, listening to music, reading, or napping. In major cities like Tokyo, during rush hour, congestion can reach up to 200% of the standard capacity according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Many people endure this daily discomfort while commuting to work or school. To help manage the stress, people take care not to do anything that might disturb others, and this unspoken rule is part of the culture in Japan.

Whenever you step into a shop or restaurant in Japan, you’ll immediately notice the short curtains hanging over the entrance. These are called noren, one of Japan's most iconic design symbols, seen throughout cities, villages, and homes. The noren curtains you often see hanging at the doors of Japanese restaurants, cafes, and bars may look decorative, but they serve a practical purpose. They’re called Noren.

In public spaces, noren are typically used by izakayas (Japanese pubs), sushi counters, ramen shops, stores, and onsens. They often display the name of the business they represent, making them a part of the brand identity. When they’re raised, they signal that the shop is open, similar to an 'open' sign. If the curtains aren’t pulled up, there’s no dinner for you!

While only about 40% of Japanese people are officially registered in an organized religion, around 80% participate in Shinto rituals, and about 34% identify as Buddhist. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are often found at the same location, a result of centuries of blending the two religions, a practice known as shinbutsu. Shintoism and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Shintoism is as ancient as Japanese culture itself, while Buddhism was introduced from the mainland in the 6th century.

Since then, these two religions have coexisted in relative harmony and even supplemented each other in many ways. Most Japanese people consider themselves either Shinto, Buddhist, or both. Religion doesn't play a major role in the daily lives of most Japanese today. Ordinary people usually observe religious rituals for occasions such as births, weddings, and funerals, visit shrines on New Year's, and take part in local festivals (matsuri), most of which have religious roots.

Shinto shrines, known as 'jinja' in Japanese, have played a significant role throughout Japan's history and continue to be an integral part of daily life. To pray at a shrine, one typically passes through a torii gate, which marks the entrance, and then prays at the main hall, seeking a blessing or wish from the kami (Shinto gods). Similar to the cleansing rituals, the act of worship is conducted with specific rituals. A general procedure for visiting a shrine includes bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once more.

One interesting aspect of Japanese culture is the ritual of praying at these shrines. First, you bow, make a small monetary offering, bow deeply twice, ring the bell (to alert the gods of your presence), then clap twice, offer your prayers and gratitude in your mind, bow deeply once more, and then leave. Shrine rituals are a living tradition in Japanese culture!

This might sound like a crazy fact about Japanese culture, but it's true. In the 19th century, Emperor Meiji lifted the ban on eating meat, ushering in a more open Japan influenced by Western ideals. Before that, a Buddhist law passed in the 7th century banned meat consumption (though birds and fish were allowed). For religious and practical reasons, the Japanese avoided eating meat for over 12 centuries, with beef being particularly taboo. In fact, some temples required followers to fast for over 100 days to atone for eating it.

At one point, a group of Japanese Buddhist monks stormed the Imperial Palace to protest. In the ensuing battle with guards, half of the monks were killed. The monks viewed this as a spiritual crisis for their country. Just weeks before, Emperor Meiji had eaten beef and lifted the ban on consuming animals, which had been in place for 1,200 years. The monks believed that the new meat-eating trend was 'destroying the soul of the Japanese people.'