Top 15 Fascinating Aspects of Japanese Culture

Japanese daily rice consumption bears resemblance to Vietnamese habits. Both Japanese and Vietnamese cannot do without rice in their daily meals. Tourists in Japan might not notice this, as the locals often eat rice at home rather than in restaurants. If Italians have a penchant for pasta and the French cannot live without baguettes, the Japanese cannot go without rice. They have rice in all three meals and never skip any.

2. Japanese Fondness for Manga

We are no strangers to captivating comic series like Doraemon, Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, Conan, and more. Originating from Japanese authors, these comic series are voted as the best and renowned worldwide. Perhaps that's why the Japanese love reading comics.

Isn't it interesting? Whether young or old, the majority of Japanese people enjoy reading comics. They are fascinated and can spend hours in comic libraries. Hence, when you visit Japan, you'll often see comic advertisements hanging along the streets.

3. Always Polite and Respectful

Being polite and showing respect to others is an integral part of Japanese culture. They often bow low when greeting to express gratitude or convey an apology. However, politeness may not always be perceived positively by tourists who might feel the Japanese are overly formal, creating a sense of unfamiliarity. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful aspect showcasing Japanese courtesy in their interactions.

4. Not Big on Drinking

Japanese people highly value their health and sobriety. Consequently, many Japanese individuals do not consume a lot of beer or alcohol, and they are not particularly fond of it. Instead, they often prefer drinking tea. However, this is not a universal trait, and you may still encounter some red faces stumbling into bars and restaurants in this country.

5. Fond of Watching Animated Movies

In other countries, animated movies are usually a favorite mental treat for children. However, in Japan, there is a distinct difference in this way of life. The Japanese not only love comic books but also have a fondness for animated movies. Many animated movies have been adapted from comic books such as Doraemon, Conan, and more. Animated movies feature beautiful, lively images that are easy to understand yet carry profound values and meanings in life. These movies also help people feel less stressed and more joyful.

Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, is renowned for its high life expectancy, attributed to the country's culinary culture that prioritizes health. Japanese people emphasize the preparation of wholesome food, promoting the well-being and maintaining their physique. When it comes to the world's longest-living individuals, Japan takes the lead in this regard.

Obon is a traditional lantern festival in Japan held annually in spring or fall. It's a time to visit the graves of ancestors, expressing reverence for those who have passed away... The types of lanterns at the festival are diverse: floating lanterns, handheld lanterns, hanging lanterns, stone lanterns, and more.

Initially, the Obon festival was organized to commemorate departed loved ones. Today, it is also an occasion for families to reunite, visit their hometowns, and pay respects to ancestral graves. Additionally, Japanese people annually organize events to commemorate the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing in Hiroshima.

When it comes to fascinating and respectful cultural traits, we must highlight the art of bowing in Japan. It is a beautiful aspect of Japanese culture and its people. For them, bowing is of great importance, signifying humility, respect, and politeness.

Therefore, no matter where or whom they meet, Japanese individuals bow their heads and smile. This cultural attitude might be simple, yet it has played a significant role in the tremendous success of the people here.

In the tradition of Japan, on the first day of the new year, the Japanese wake up early to welcome the sunrise. This is one of the intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, as they believe that with the sunrise, the deity Toshigamisama appears. People wish for happiness, luck, and prosperity for themselves and their families in the coming year.

On the first day of the year, Japanese families have the custom of preparing a traditional and abundant breakfast together. This day also witnesses numerous religious and entertainment activities.

Seiza is the traditional way of sitting on tatami mats in Japan. Many find this traditional sitting style in Japan quite challenging. The posture is well-defined: The big toes of both feet are stacked on top of each other, with a distance of 10 to 15 cm between the knees for men; for women, they can be closer together. The back should be straight, hands resting on the thighs, head facing forward, mouth closed, and eyes looking straight ahead. To sit in Seiza, you first kneel down and then adjust the big toes stacked on top of each other. Next, lower the center of gravity of the body (you can use your hands to support and maintain balance) to adjust the knees correctly.

For men, the specified distance between knees is 10–15 cm, but in reality, no one measures it precisely. Just estimate, and with a few tries, you'll know how to adjust the distance properly.

For women, there is no specific requirement for the distance, and it's easiest to keep the knees close together. After adjusting the feet, sit up straight, hands resting on the thighs, for women, hands stacked on top of each other, for men, hands on the thighs, palms straight, or slightly clenched.

When sitting in this posture, you may feel confined, knee pain, and numbness if you sit for an extended period. However, this is the most recognized sitting style in Japan. Essentially, it combines elements of meditation and worship from the Edo period. This way of sitting implies that individuals must live with grace, humility, self-discipline, and especially know how to control themselves in any situation that may arise.

Kimono, meaning 'thing to wear' or 'traditional Japanese clothing,' has been worn by the people of Japan for centuries. Today, kimonos are primarily reserved for festive occasions. Women in Japan more commonly wear kimonos, often adorned with vibrant colors and patterns. Men, on the other hand, wear kimonos mainly during weddings and tea ceremonies, with simpler designs and darker colors.

Women's kimonos come in one size, requiring the wearer to adjust it to fit. There are two types: long sleeves and short sleeves. Married women typically avoid the long-sleeved type as it can be cumbersome for daily tasks. Wearing a kimono involves putting on a juban, an under-kimono to protect the kimono, then wrapping the right side over the left and securing it with an expensive silk obi belt. If wrapped left over right, it signifies mourning. Donning a kimono is time-consuming and nearly impossible to do alone. Kimono wearers also wear wooden geta sandals and white tabi socks.