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Japanese culture is filled with many bizarre phenomena that you would never imagine. Here are 10 of the most characteristic phenomena highlighting the strangeness of the Japanese people.
Many people remark that Japan is a peculiar country, no other nation in the world has experienced the intersection of traditional culture and technological development with nerve-wracking scenarios to such an extent. Despite being a developed country with a strong economy, Japanese culture makes foreigners feel... headaches due to its mysteriousness with countless bizarre things! Below are the top 10 of the strangest aspects of Japanese culture, from eating habits to matters of intimacy and death.
1. Japanese Culture and KFC
Although Japan has an extremely low crime rate, it holds the unfortunate title of having the highest suicide rate in the world. Traditional culture views suicide as an honorable act, a way to demonstrate loyalty, preserve honor, and protect the family's reputation.
In the past, samurais often committed suicide by disemboweling themselves. Today, one of the most gruesome methods of ending one's life (and quite common in Japan) is by jumping in front of a moving train. Railway companies in Japan even receive compensation from the families of those who commit suicide in this 'superman' style!!! If you ever visit Japan, also remember that the Aokigahara forest near Mount Fuji is a 'favorite' spot for those who have decided to end their lives earlier than nature intended!
Traditional Japanese culture considers suicide to be perfectly normal
3. Japanese culture believes crooked teeth to be beautiful
While in many countries women believe that white and straight teeth are the beauty standard, the majority of Japanese people prefer girls with crooked teeth. Girls with crooked teeth will make their smiles attract attention and admiration from many. That's why quite a few adult film actresses have charming crooked teeth.
Japanese culture favors girls with crooked teeth
4. Pachinko Gambling
This is a type of gambling machine that combines Pinball fun with gambling. Although gambling is considered illegal in Japan, Pachinko winners are often given tokens based on the points they earn, and these tokens can be exchanged for cash in some places. It is estimated that the revenue from this gaming industry reaches nearly $10 billion annually, nearly double that of the gambling capital Las Vegas in the United States.
Pachinko gambling machines have become a...modern Japanese cultural feature
5. Adult Films
Japan is often seen as an extremely strict and conservative society, but pornography is a completely legal form of entertainment here. However, there is a law stipulating that sensitive parts of actors must be covered or blurred to uphold moral standards. To circumvent the law, Japanese adult film directors have created a trend called 'bukkake' to illustrate...fluid flowing as evidence of real relationships between actors. One thing you may not know is: there are many Japanese young men who admit they have no interest in sex at all. Such people are called 'soshoku Danshi' or 'herbivores'.
Although traditional Japanese culture is very strict and conservative, the adult entertainment industry is legal and thriving in this country
6. Dying Alone
The average lifespan of Japanese people is very high, with 1 in 5 being over 65, and many surpassing 80, 90. However, Japanese people marry late and have a very low birth rate. This leads to the consequence that many elderly people have 'ascended' in their own homes without anyone knowing...until social welfare workers arrive and discover. (It sounds chilling, very much like a horror movie plot, doesn't it!!!)
Many social workers are haunted by the task of cleaning up the homes of the elderly
7. Blindly Sacrificing for Work
The whole world must tip its hat to the diligence and tireless work ethic of the Japanese. There have even been numerous cases of employees working and then collapsing...dying on the spot due to overwhelming pressure.
The environment and culture of Japan create diligent worker bees, but blind sacrifice and fierce competition lead to unfortunate consequences
8. Green Tea Kit Kat
Kit Kat is a very popular chocolate treat in Japan, naturally attracting the young with its irresistibly enticing flavor. Moreover, the term 'Kit Kat' sounds quite similar to the phrase 'kitto katsu' - which in Japanese is a wish for good luck. Therefore, Japanese students often eat Kit Kat before every exam.
Eating KitKat chocolates is a rather 'adorable' cultural trait of Japanese students
9. Crime
Although thrilling stories about Yakuza crime gangs in Japan are widely spread around the world, the actual crime rate in this country is very low. Japan has the second lowest homicide rate in the world, only after the tiny country of Monaco. Even when people want to own katana swords (symbolic items of traditional Japanese culture) to decorate their homes, they must register with the police.
A typical day for a gang in Japan
Unlike many countries, death row inmates in Japan are only notified a few hours before they are executed by hanging.
10. Hikikomori
Hikikomori is a term referring to young people who prefer to live completely isolated from society and family. The increasing number of Hikikomori is also a major cause of the high elderly population in Japan, and the alarming decline in birth rates. Unlike in other countries where recluses often suffer from neurological disorders, depression, or agoraphobia. In Japan, hikikomori are all young adults, in the prime of their lives. There is still no explanation for this bizarre phenomenon, but many speculate that the internet and pressure in academics, or finding a decent job have 'spawned' hikikomori.
Hikikomori
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