- Different or weird? You be the judge?
Here are more weird Japan things and did you catch the first article? So many things are so different in Japan compared to the United States?
Blowing Your Nose
The people of Japan will usually sniffle until they can find a place to privately and discreetly blow their nose as it’s considered disgusting. Don’t use a handkerchief either, make sure it’s tissue, and please, not in public.
High Quality Convenience Stores
One of the weird Japan things is they have convenience stores every 50 meters and that the quality of the food sold at convenience stores is honestly top tier. Trying any of the Japanese convenience stores with surely create high praise for them all and you will want some to open in your own country, too. Not only do they have a wide range of products including seasonal foods but most major convenience stores also produce their own cosmetic products along with collaborations with major cosmetic companies. You can get MUJI from Family Mart and FANCL from places like Seven Eleven and Botanic Force.
Polite Traffic Controllers
Traffic Controllers are few and far between at construction sites in Japan. Doesn’t matter if you’re seeing these controllers at a construction site, on the road or to entrances of car parks, they are all extremely polite, serious about their jobs, and ready to politely bow down to pretty much everyone. This is one of the most weird Japan things, but also one of the nicest and good to know!
Maid Service
This may not be what you’re thinking, so here’s the scoop. If you want to be treated as a “master,” you can visit maid cafes. Here, women are dressed in maid costumes and act like your servant, and even call you master. Some maid-related businesses are thought of as weird, even by the Japanese, such as an ear wax cleaning. In this instance, while you’re getting your cleaning, a woman will just lie down next to you and keep you company for a certain amount of time. Maid cafes have become popular as well and have begun popping up overseas in places like Thailand, France and Australia. For the original, head to Akihabara.
Come Here And Go Away Are The Same?
If you don’t know the language, at least you can pick up on the body language! But you should know, their body language isn’t the same as other countries. For example, when a Japanese person asks you to “come,” they will put out their hand, palm facing down, and pull their fingers towards you, more so known as “go away.” Kind of the opposite of Westerners and a very important tip. This has got to be one of the most weird Japan things.
Drug Stores
Drug stores in Japan are not like any other country. I know, surprise, surprise. In Japan, it’s more like a theme park with millions of products including drugs, accessories, beauty products, clothes, bath products, health and diet food, energy drinks, sanitary goods and much much more. Major chain drug stores include Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Seijo Kokokara Fine, Tsuruha and Sugi Drug Store. Many of these are also duty-free, so make sure to take your passport with you if you stop at a drug store.
Do you think these weird Japan things are weird or awesome? Let me know in the comments!