What do we know about Japan? First of all, that this is the eastern archipelago. A densely populated group of islands where high-quality industry and legendary cars are closely intertwined with stupid inventions (chindogu) and cola-style chips (the gastronomic delights of the Japanese deserve a separate story). In general, the state is quite distinctive. By the way, not even a state, but an empire. We suggest that you expand your understanding of the land of the Rising Sun and familiarize yourself with the ten most interesting facts about Japan and the Japanese.
10. About 1,400 earthquakes per year
And indeed it is. On average, in Japan, the earth shakes about 4 times a day, and this is quite common there. 1930 is considered a record year when over 4,000 tremors were recorded. This kind of natural disaster occurs in the country of the Rising Sun due to the fact that the islands on which Japan lies are part of the Pacific volcanic ring. About 10 percent of world seismological activity falls on Japan. Due to frequent earthquakes, it was in this country that the most advanced technologies for predicting the activity of earth plates appeared. We also had to improve construction technology, because there are a lot of skyscrapers in Japan.
9. Has no right to declare war on anyone first
This is not someone’s fiction, but an official extract from the Japanese constitution. Thus, the Japanese armed forces can take action (and only of a defensive nature) only when someone declares war and the enemy invades the territory of the country. The story goes back to 1945, when after the end of World War II, the Japanese emperor signed an international agreement stating that this country is forbidden to have an army as such. However, this does not negate the fact that the United States of America is actually engaged in the defense of Japan (this was already stipulated in a separate agreement and is strictly adhered to until today).
8. Snowmen are made of two snow balls, not three
There are various legends regarding this statement. For example, that the third ball is corny lacking snow. They say that Japanese children are just too lazy to roll another ball for a snowman. Do not forget to mention the fact that the Japanese are low people, as a result of which it is difficult for them to throw a third snowball from above. In fact, the Japanese simply sculpt a sedentary snowman, they even have a special name for such a snow doll - "Yuki-Daruma." If you believe the giving, then Yuki-Daruma is a doll of desires and brings happiness to the one who blinded her. Agree that, despite the missing element, Japanese snowmen look very cute and neat.
7. Tokyo recognized as the safest city in the world
At least, this was decided by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which annually compiles a rating of the most favorable megalopolises in terms of security. A large city assessment program includes 49 criteria, including definitions such as personal security of citizens, digital security, infrastructure security and health security. Points are awarded for meeting each criterion (maximum number 100), and Tokyo scored 89.8 points during the preparation of the next rating, becoming the safest city in the world. Moscow, by the way, is located only in the fifth dozen of the list.
6. You can smoke almost anywhere
While we have in recent years more and more restrictions and obstacles have been created for smokers, in Japan people who smoke are treated with extreme loyalty. No, of course, you cannot use a lighter at gas stations, as well as inside the airport and on rail. But the above enterprises are actually the only places where smoking is not allowed in Japan. The rest - no restrictions, you can safely smoke wherever you want. By the way, in Japan there are few ballot boxes, so almost every smoker has a pocket ashtray.
5. The sixth part is covered with forests
It would seem that this is in this simple fact, because somewhere in the sixth part of the country is covered with mountains, somewhere in the steppes, and all of Japan is hardly enough to fill the sixth part of Russia. Nevertheless, it is precisely the territory of the country of the Rising Sun that consists of forests for 17 percent. And this will continue for a long time, since deforestation is prohibited in Japan for commercial purposes. At the same time, the Japanese themselves consume a huge amount of wood, using literally every centimeter of wood. So here it is more likely not about the thrift of the world's tree resources, but about the advantageous position of Japan, in which its forests can remain intact.
4. Grow square watermelons
Well, how to say grow. Rather, they squash watermelons during their growth. The required configuration is achieved by placing the watermelon fruit just starting to grow in a special vessel made of metal and glass. The result is a truly impressive and unusual phenomenon - a perfectly square watermelon. The whole problem is that it can not be eaten, the fruit is simply immature. However, the Japanese are not going to eat their creations. Watermelons, as a rule, act as gifts and souvenirs, while they cost significantly more than traditional berries.
3. It is customary to sleep at the workplace
Here it should start with the fact that the Japanese are workaholics, which are no longer in the world. The attitude to work in this country is not respectful, not responsible, it is simply fanatical. The Japanese are ready to work day and night, but sometimes they remember that they are still people who even need to sleep sometimes. Since there is a lot of time at the workplace (in most cases it is 12 hours), it is not considered shameful to snooze right there. It is clear that it is not worth falling apart before the eyes of senior management, while colleagues and small bosses will treat the dream with understanding. In addition, at any enterprise there are beds where the worker can spend the night if desired.
2. Dolphins are eaten
In general, in Japan, a lot of things are eaten, which even the hungry European will not fall into. Agree, you would rather prefer a hamburger than a delicacy of poisonous fish. Dolphin meat, by the way, is also toxic and contains mercury, but this does not bother the Japanese a bit. Various dolphin soups and kebabs here are considered chic and status dishes. Also, the meat of these marine inhabitants can be found in free sale in supermarkets. Some dishonest sellers put dolphin meat on the counter under the guise of a more expensive whale. As for us, both of these are dubious delicacies, but they are Japan.
1. There are heated sidewalks
Remember, in the preface, we mentioned that Japan is a fairly distinctive country? At the end of our list there is overwhelming evidence of this. You see, in Japan there are sidewalks with heating, but there is no central heating in any city! How to warm housing in the cold is a problem for every resident, but not for the state, apparently. As for the amazing sidewalks, Japan’s automobile and pedestrian roads are indeed equipped with an electric heating system, which is activated during the period of snowfall.
Thus, there is no need for winter tires, the problem with ice and warm shoes is solved. Well, yes, they definitely don’t wear felt boots there.