22 Strange Japanese Habits That Confuse Foreigners

Have you ever thought it’s a good idea to take a nap in the middle of the street? If not, then you’re probably not Japanese. Japan has a 40-hour work week, but most employees voluntarily work overtime, generally extending it to 60 hours. That’s why it’s become normal to take naps right in the workplace or even in the streets. Falling asleep on the job shows that you’re working hard, so some people even fake it to get appreciation!

As for students, they are required to tidy up in their school during the day. The tradition includes mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms. It teaches the students to help and respect other people, and they sure take it seriously! However, high social standards have a downside, though...

Other videos you might like:

TIMESTAMPS:
Crime rates in Japan 0:54
Why it's normal to take naps right in the workplace 1:17
Hikikomori. Who are they? 2:39
Japan's naked festival 3:18
Cafes for miserable people 3:44
Why are they so lonely? 4:07
There are more adopted adults than children in Japan 4:26
Being polite is crucial! 5:05
Never tip your waiter 6:34
Tattoos are considered ugly 6:52
Leave your shoes outside Japanese homes 7:16

#japan #JapaneseCulture #traditions

Animation is created by Bright Side.

SUMMARY:
- On average, the Japanese live 4 years longer than Americans. Their life expectancy is the second longest in the world at 85 years, beat only by Monaco with 89 years.
- As per 2018 statistics, there are just 3 robberies per 100,000 people in Tokyo.
- Japan has a 40-hour work week, but most employees voluntarily work overtime, generally extending it to 60 hours.
- There are currently over half a million people in Japan called hikikomori — these are young adults who seclude themselves at home and won’t go out no matter what.
- The literacy is close to 100%, which is the highest in the world, and the unemployment rate is only about 4%, which is, as you may guess, pretty low compared to most countries.
- There are numerous festivals taking place all over Japan, and oh how strange they are to us westerners. For example, Hadaka Matsuri, or “naked festival,” is where thousands of men and boys take off their clothes and fight for a sacred object to gain luck for the year.
- About happiness, there are “cuddle cafes” in the Land of the Rising Sun, which are made specifically for lonely and miserable people. There, you can pay to lay next to a person and share a moment of peace and understanding.
- One of the reasons for loneliness might be that the Japanese are socially required to hang out with their colleagues after work.
- Politeness is one of Japan’s trademarks known all over the world. There are numerous formalities to be observed in communication with different people, and they’re all rather strict.
- What is considered polite in Japan may sometimes surprise foreigners, though. For example, slurping your noodles with gusto is a way to show your appreciation to the cook.
- If you ever find yourself in a Japanese restaurant, don’t even think about tipping your waiter. It’s considered rude, and the reason is simple: they do their job, and they do it well because it’s an honor.
- Tattoos are considered ugly and associated with yakuza (or organized Japanese criminal gangs), so no one will allow you entry to a public bath without them at least covered.
- Slippers are a real thing in all Japanese homes and in many establishments. When entering someone’s home, you’ll be offered a pair, so make sure you always take your shoes off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Social Media:

East News

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more videos and articles visit:

[BRIGHTSIDEOFFICIAL]

Hey there, BrightSiders, which of these Japanese peculiarities would you rather adopt? Maybe taking naps right at your workplace?

[duchi]

*_When you've watched too much Anime that you already know most of these_*

[kuikoo]

I live and teach in Japan and I can verify that all these statements are true. Thank you for the informative video.

[jimmymweumwenze]

'Hakuna Matata' is swahili for 'no worries' ...not Disney

[totalcreativegaming]

I love Japan, it’s a beautiful country with a very interesting history & culture and nice people.

[datenshisekai]

When I was in Japan for the holiday, what surprised me the most is that people first find a seat at a cafe or restaurant and then go buy the food, instead of the other way around. It confused and surprised me quite a lot since I was like, arent they afraid that they stuff will get stolen, after asking a local they told me that the crime rate is A) so low and B ) people are disciplined and taught not to take anything that isn't yours. It was amazing.

Second thing I found pretty cool was when going back home at the airport I had boots on and I had to take them off for scanning the airport staff gave me slippers to wear while my boots were scanned so I didn't need to walk barefoot or on socks while I waited for my boots to be scanned.

[JesusMartinez-rrry]

Your videos about Japan is just so interesting!

[keithable]

exactly what kids need in the U.S. cleaning the school that is.

[Greggory]

I will be traveling to Japan next year and found this video very helpful. Also, the narrator's voice sounds great.

[lastbutfirst]

Anyone who talks out loud on their phone publicly is just rude, anywhere around the world.

[davenesbitt]

This brought back many great memories for me. My young family and myself got to live in Yokosuka for 4 years. We did not live in military housing havas the waiting list was long. We lived on the economy the whole time next to some great and not so great neighbors. The part of slurping noodles made me smile. My sons and myself went exploring on a Saturday, driving about 50 miles from town into the country. We stopped at a ramen shop for lunch and I think I had the noisiest table there. Boys loved it. So did I. I am smiling recounting this tale.

[luxushauseragency]

Japanese culture makes an excellent template for the rest of the world.

[BNSFBishop]

Have a wonderful Tuesday night everyone

[TanAfrika]

I'd experienced similar habits in South Korea and I really appreciate learning these virtues.

[jeraldabecia]

I REALLY LOVE JAPAN ❤
FROM PHILIPPINES 💛💙❤

[夏野-ei]

Asakusa is one of the most amazing places in Tokyo!!!
You should go there someday.
以上、日本が好きな日本人より。

[BRIGHTSIDEOFFICIAL]

TIMESTAMPS:
Crime rates in Japan 0:54
Why it's normal to take naps right in the workplace 1:17
Hikikomori. Who are they? 2:39
Japan's naked festival 3:18
Cafes for miserable people 3:44
Why are they so lonely? 4:07
There are more adopted adults than children in Japan 4:26
Being polite is crucial! 5:05
Never tip your waiter 6:34
Tattoos are considered ugly 6:52
Leave your shoes outside Japanese homes 7:16

[真真善美]

I like that taking a nap on the job to show you are working hard 😂🤪

[IshanAli]

I think some of these tips all countries need to adopt

[cryssie]

Too bad my boss doesn't appreciate me when I inemuri. Think I need to move to Japan lol