You might have heard this many times before, but one of the amazing things that makes Japan such a unique country is how it can mix its ancient history and traditions, with its incredible modernization. Japan’s architecture, art, traditions, crafts.

Shinto and Buddhism are Japan’s two major religions. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. Since then, the two religions have been co-existing relatively harmoniously and have even complemented each other to a certain degree.

Shinto and Buddhism are the primary religions of Japan. According to the annual statistical research on religion in 2018 by the Government of Japan’s Agency for Culture Affairs, 66.7 percent of the population practices Buddhism, 69.0 percent practices Shintoism, 7.7 percent other religions.

Japan Facts for Kids

• The Japanese name for Japan is “Nihon” or “Nippon” which means “sun origin”.
• Japan belongs to the continent of Asia.
• Japan is made up of 6,852 islands.
• The highest point in Japan in Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776m (12,388ft).

Here are some surprising facts about the island country.

• Japan is an island nation.
• Tokyo is the most populated city in the world.
• People are hired to push people inside of trains during rush hour.
• There are more pets than children.
• There are millions of vending machines that sell anything from food to sex toys.

Japan has always had a reputation for its distinctive culture and unique traditions. As an island nation with a long history of isolation, many aspects of the culture developed completely unaffected by outside influences. But there are so many other reasons why Japan is the most unique country in the world.

Why is Japan so rich ?? Japan has close economic ties with the United States, European Union, Latin America, Australia, China and many others. The country has developed one of the world’s most powerful economies based entirely on imported raw materials.

As their diet is traditionally high in soy and fish this may also play a significant role in reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The Japanese also have the lowest rates of obesity amongst men and women as well as long life expectancy.

A healthy diet, regular physical activity, extended work years and aggressive government intervention have helped the Nagano region produce the longest life expectancy in Japan, which in turn is the longest in the world.

Japanese food is usually light to the stomach. They are generally considered to be healthier than Chinese foods. It is because the latter makes use of too much grease in their food preparations along with the standard inclusion of carbohydrate foods rice and noodles. They (the Japanese) really love to eat them raw.

The Japanese diet is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world, and for that reason the Japanese have an average life expectancy far greater than the western world.

10 Healthiest Countries in the World

• Israel. Israel has a diet rich in vegetables, fish, and unsaturated fat—which clearly pays off.
• Norway.
• Singapore.
• Australia.
• Sweden.
• Switzerland.
• Japan.
• Iceland.

15 Things the Japanese Can Teach Us About Living a Balanced Life

1. Follow the rules.
2. Keep the planet clean.
3. Seek order and harmony in everything.
4. Take responsibility.
5. Have fun like no one’s watching!
6. Be polite.
7. Turn little pleasures into a festival.
8. Devote at least one minute a day to a skill you want to improve.

Japan performs well in some measures of well-being in the Better Life Index. Japan ranks at the top in personal security. In Japan, the percentage of employees working very long hours is higher than the OECD average of 11%. Good education and skills are important requisites for finding a job.

7 Things Americans Can Learn From The Japanese

1. Show your respect for others. Respect is a no-brainer when it comes to Japanese culture.
2. Take pleasure in the simple things.
3. Don’t waste anything — trash, time or money.
4. Make hygiene a priority.
5. Be on time.
6. Eat well, walk often and meditate.
7. Celebrate the weird and quirky.

Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves.

Similar to the ways in which some Westerners give thanks or say a prayer before a meal, the Japanese typically demonstrate respect for the food they are about to consume.

In Japan, people greet each other by bowing. Most Japanese do not expect foreigners to know proper bowing rules, and a nod of the head is usually sufficient. Shaking hands is uncommon, but exceptions are made, especially in international business situations.