In celebration of our 40th birthday this Sunday 10 July, we decided to share 40 interesting facts about Japan.
On Sunday 10 July only – all items in store and online will be 10% off. Thereafter, a selection of 40 products hand-picked by our founder Tak Tokumine will be up to 40% off for two weeks. So celebrate our special 40th birthday with us this weekend.
40 facts about Japan
- Nintendo, a Japanese company, was founded in 1889 as a playing card company. They went on to create their first video game in 1978.
- Nintendo means, “leave luck to heaven” in Japanese.
- The world’s oldest company operated in Japan from 578 A.D. until it closed operations in 2006.
- You’ll rarely ever be late in Japan as Japanese trains are some of the most punctual in the world with the average delay at just 18 seconds.
- Square watermelons were invented in Japan by graphic designer Tomoyuki Ono in 1978.
- According to factslides.com there are more pets than children in Japan.
- Japan has 5.52 million vending machines.
- Although there are many vending machines in Japan, it is difficult to find one that dispenses crisps or chocolate bars.
- Teachers and children frequently come together to clean their cafeterias and classrooms as cleanliness is an integral aspect of Japanese culture.
- Around 24 billion pairs of chopsticks are used in Japan each year.
Cube shaped watermelon stands out among regular ones. - Travel has never been so cool: in Japan, there is a train that ‘floats’ above the tracks due to magnetism. It can reach up to 500 km/h.
- Did you know that the biggest community of Japanese people outside of Japan is in Brazil?
- Salmon sushi was introduced to the Japanese during the 1980’s by the Norwegians.
- Could make for a confusing walkabout: most streets in Japan have no name.
- Japan has well over 78 fanta flavours.
- In the Japanese language, it is estimated that there are at least 20 ways to say ‘sorry.’
- The word “geisha” means “person of the arts,” the first geisha were actually men.
- Despite its frequent usage in the English language, “karaoke” is a Japanese word which means “empty orchestra” when directly translated.
- Japan has cafes where people can have their cups of coffee and play with cats, dogs, bats, porcupines, hedgehogs, bats and owls to name a few.
- There are at least 259 Starbucks outlets in Tokyo.
Smoked salmon sushi with rice - Tokyo is home to one of the most expensive restaurants in the world, Aragawa. They serve Kobe beef that can cost at least ¥35,000 (£213) per person.
- Tokyo’s trains currently go through 503 stations across 23 wards. The oldest rail terminus is Shinagawa which has been standing since 1872.
- Mount Fuji is only visible for an average of 79 days per year.
- The Japanese name for Japan is “Nihon” or “Nippon” which means “sun origin”.
- Japan is home to many different forms of martial arts including karate, judo, sumo, ninjutsu, kendo, jujutsu, and aikido.
- Sumo is celebrated as the national sport of Japan, however, the most popular spectator sport is baseball.
- If you are ever craving a beer, there are vending machines that dispense beers.
- Japanese anime accounts for over 60% off all the world’s animation based content.
- It is common, especially in the hot and humid months, for Japanese people to carry around small towels to wipe away their sweat.
- Bus drivers turn off the engine at red lights as a precautionary measure to help reduce pollution.
Shibuya shopping district in Tokyo. - Train stations are usually so crowded that railway staff are employed to shove people inside the train before the doors close.
- The national death toll is reported annually in newspapers.
- Japan is the number one importer of reggae music.
- Tokyo’s Tsukiji market is the world’s largest fish market.
- Most beer cans have braille next to the flip top.
- Ramen noodles are a popular food all over Japan, extensive training is often undertaken to ensure a delicious broth is made.
- Japan is a nation of coffee drinkers and imports over 85% of Jamaica’s total coffee production.
- Japan has an unemployment rate of less than 4%.
- Zen Buddhism is the most common form of Buddhism in Japan.
- Japan has produced 18 Nobel prize winners.

Bonus Fact:
Yoko Ono went to school with the current Emperor of Japan, Emperor Akihito!
Which facts did you find interesting? Share your favourites with us in the comments below.