You should learn as much Japanese as possible before going to Japan for several reasons. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a short vacation or moving there to live and work for several years. The Japanese language is sure to become essential in numerous aspects of your time there. Not doing so could mean everything from travel inconveniences to severe obstacles in your career and social life, so take your language studies seriously.
If you go in with a plan, the culture shock of a new country is actually a great opportunity. After all, being an outsider just means you have a lot to learn. Getting used to Japanese culture is an adventure, and if you do it right, it’s something that will enrich and improve your life, not just in Japan but forever. You’ll meet new people, have new experiences and gain new insights into the world and society around you.
Due to the low birth rate, Japan has an aging and shrinking population. These trends have significant negative effects on the society and economy of the country. The government has gone to great lengths to reverse the trends and solve the problem, but so far, the birth rate is still decreasing. There are clearly deeper issues at hand.
Ever tried to read a Japanese address? It can often be confusing for Westerners because of the unique administrative structure of the country. Japan is divided up into 47 prefectures that form…
Shinto is a unique religion based heavily on nature, rituals and purity. For Westerners, some of the concepts can be difficult to understand. They’re certainly very different from the concepts typical in Western religions. Consequently, Shinto can provide a fresh new perspective anyone can benefit from.
Japanese snack food is more than just delicious. It’s often strange and unique in a way you won’t find anywhere else. That’s why travelers to Japan love to bring examples of it back with them when they leave. Not only are these treats great additions to the pantry, they’re excellent souvenirs to surprise your family and friends and give them a little taste of Japanese culture.
Tokyo is the biggest metropolitan area in the world, and there is no end of things to do, experience and enjoy. Along with the famous must-sees, try to slip a few of the lesser known attractions into your itinerary. Not only will you skip the crowds and long admissions lines, but you’ll get a unique glimpse of the city that most travelers don’t get to see. These will inevitably be some of your most awesome memories of your time in Tokyo.
Discovering the differences of other cultures can be a rewarding experience. Japan is one of the best examples of this. There’s no substitute for traveling, but learning some of the things that make it special is always fun. A list of Japanese cultural facts could be endless, but a short list will at least give you a glimpse of what draws people around the world to the country. At the same time, maybe you’ll realize a few strange things about your culture that you’d never considered.
Japanese gambling laws, which were already full of loopholes, have become increasingly amended and complicated with many exceptions and rules to control the exceptions. For any gamer traveling to the country, knowing the facts about gambling in Japan is essential to a fun but law-abiding time. Otherwise, you may break the law without even knowing it and wind up with a stiff fine—or worse. While the legal options are limited, it is possible to do so in Japan within the confines of the law.
Japan is well known for its isolationism and unified culture. Its current state is just one part of Japan’s continuously evolving relationship with the outside world, though. From geography to modern immigration laws, there have been a number of factors leading to the present and plenty of speed bumps along the way. Is a multicultural society in the country’s future?
