With their ancient culture, the Japanese are a unique people in the world. Discovering the (strange) Japanese customs
The most fascinating thing about Japan? Without a doubt the Japanese.
With its ancient customs and culture, Japan is undoubtedly a unique town in the world, although it is a bit difficult for Westerners to fully understand its (strange) customs.
English, this unknown
Most Japanese He does not speak English. This represents a serious problem for tourists, an inconvenience that, however, can be easily overcome thanks to the kindness of the Japanese. The courtesy of local citizens, especially outside of Tokyo, can sometimes be cloying and waste a lot of your time. When asked for information by a tourist, the Japanese are genetically incapable of saying "I don't know": so you may spend dozens of minutes trying to communicate, but you will get the information in the end. However, their courtesy is also useful, in fact it may happen that you are stopped on the street, map in hand, by a Japanese who wants to help you.
The shoes
Walking through the streets of large or small cities you may notice something quite strange. Citizens, especially women, are used to it. wearing shoes much larger than your footi. The explanations are very varied. According to some, there are only 3 sizes (M-L-XL), according to others, Japanese feet are too small to wear Western size shoes. We don't know the real explanation, but it's still fascinating to sit back and watch how a professional woman can lose her shoes at any moment, assuming she has nothing better to do.
Smoke
As has been said many times, the Japanese are a strange people. If you are a smoker, their habits may seem strange to you. In Japan you cannot smoke outdoors, but there are special ones You have a dedicated area. And so far everything is normal. The strangest thing is that smoking is allowed in most places, even restaurants.
Il Wc-Washlet
The Japanese cabinet deserves a separate chapter. These toilets are known throughout the world for the characteristics that make them unique. He the tablets are heated, while on the side of the cup you will notice numerous buttons. Don't worry: it's not a spaceship, but a "simple" toilet. Here is a brief description of the buttons:
Red: stop button usable for each of the following functions
Blue: spray function
Purple: bidet function (water jet)
Green: soundtrack function (to cover any noise)
Black: choice of “Musical Jingles”
the label
What seems normal to us can be rude to the Japanese, and vice versa. As if it were enough Blowing your nose in public is prohibited., or enjoy loving outpourings. They won't fine you for a kiss, but they will look down on you.
The Japanese avoid eating on the street, while it is very normal to eat something brought from home on board the train. Don't be surprised or discouraged if you hear it in your carriage. Smells like fish, anytime.
For Japanese people, then, it is completely normal to make noise while eating hot broth, which in our country is considered a rude gesture.
The Japanese are precise, meticulous in their work, they do not make mistakes but they are not very fast. Arm yourself with patience, even the simple act of buying a metro ticket can cost you a lot of time.
In Japan, if you feel a sudden desire to eat snacks or carbonated drinks, you can cure it in a few minutes. In fact, every 200 meters there is a vending machine. Essential.
Know that, in general, clichés about Japan and the Japanese are mostly true.
Men are not exactly gentlemen. If you are a woman, it may happen, for example on the subway, that a Japanese man steals your seat or starts pushing you to get space. Don't pay attention, it seems normal to them.
The Japanese are precise and polite, but as you may have guessed, Eastern education is very different from ours. In Japan, in fact, people spit calmly, even outside clubs and on public transportation, just as it is honorable to sweat a lot, which is a sign of commitment and sacrifice.
Health insurance
Japanese healthcare works a bit like American healthcare: you pay for it in practice. In case of health problems, accidents or injuries, the health card used in Italy is not recognized in Japan and the costs are the responsibility of the patient. It is best to take out insurance in Italy, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Not just sushi
If raw fish is not one of your favorite dishes, don't worry, Japan doesn't just eat sushi. There are many dishes, all delicious, typical of the Japanese culinary tradition.
Japanese food, as we know it in restaurants in our area, has little to do with local cuisine.
In this country, steamed rice is used as a base for many recipes. Among the ingredients that accompany this dish, always present on Japanese tables, there are many vegetables. Udon, rice noodles, are one of the most popular dishes. Okonomiyaki, a type of omelet, are also very popular, especially in some areas of the country. A tasty and substantial dish, and above all very economical. Know that rice is also often used as an ingredient in desserts that, to be honest, are very different from Western ones.
