Japan has a fascinating and multifaceted culture.
On one hand, it's a society with a continual flux of fashion trends and technological developments, while on the other hand, still remains steeped in the deepest of traditions dating back thousands of years.
We have shared a few interesting elements of japanese culture below.
On graduation day at junior high or high schools, a male graduate may give the second button on his school jacket to a female student.
It is usual for a female junior to ask the senior male student she likes for his button. If the male student likes her too, he may give her his button.
Some popular male students may receive many requests from female students, but he will give his second button to the girl he likes the the most, and the other buttons to the other girls.
The significance of the second button is that it is located closest to one’s heart.
We all known Valentine's day as a day where lovers exchange gifts.
But in Japan, there is a strong tradition of women giving chocolates to men on Valentines Day. There are two types of chocolate; store bought chocolates, given to friends, colleagues, and bosses, and handmade chocolates. Handmade chocolate goods indicate that a woman is truely in love with the recipient.
One month after Valentine’s day, on March 14th, Japan celebrates 'White Day'.
On this day, men give gifts to the women who gifted them chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Traditionally, gifts should be something white, hence the name 'White Day'. Men are expected to give a gift worth three times the value of the gift they received on Valentine’s Day.
In Japan, eating or drinking while walking is considered impolite; you will rarely anyone doing so.
Apart from eating while walking, eating on the train is also considered rude, but drinking, even alcohol, is okay.
Completely contrary to Western manners, slurping while eating noodle in Japan is actually considered to be a sign that the food is delicious, and is seen as a compliment to the cook. Japanese believe that slurping makes the noodles taste better and more flavorsome, and makes it easier to consume hot noodles or soups.
Slurping can also minimize messiness, helping to prevent broth from spilling on your clothes as you eat.