What is Japan famous for?

Last Updated on 2 days by traveldrafts

Cars, sushi, and anime are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what makes Japan so fascinating. From cutting-edge technology to centuries-old traditions, this country blends the modern and the timeless like no other.

Japan is undeniably Asian, yet it feels completely unique; it’s Westernized, but still unlike anywhere in the West. Everywhere you look, there’s a mix of innovation, culture, and curiosity waiting to be explored.

In this article, we’ll dive into 27 things that make Japan famous — and discover why the world can’t get enough of it.

27 things Japan is known for

Sakuras

Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom, referring to the cherry tree’s flowers, but sometimes also the cherry tree itself. Besides the obvious beauty, they also have a symbolic meaning in Japanese culture, representing renewal, hope, and transformation. The cherry blossom is Japan’s national flower.

They have a very old tradition called Hanami, in which people explore and view flowers. In the past, they believed that spirits and divinities lived inside sakura trees. And before the rice sowing season, they made offerings under the sakura tree and drank sake.

The tradition of Hanami endures, and when the flowers blossom from March to May, the Japanese gather under the tree with family and friends for picnics and parties. The tradition is taken very seriously; every year, the blossom forecast is announced on TV. Some people will sleep under a tree to reserve a spot, since some parks can get crowded.

It is also one of the most beautiful seasons in Japan, the parks and streets are filled with pink and white colors. For this reason, it naturally became the season with the most tourists in Japan.

Manga and Anime

Manga is the term for Japanese comics, a worldwide phenomenon. It has invaded the house of every teenager and adult in the world and is beloved. Although it was published in the West only in the 1970s, manga has existed in Japan since the 1800s.

The first manga was created in 1814 by Hokusai and consisted of drawing stories in scrolls, using sequences of images and text to explain or recount events. Yet the manga as we know it today began with Osamu Tezuka in 1952, who created many beloved manga in Japan. Since then, the world of manga has exploded. Famous manga like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, Doraemon, and many more are consumed by everyone.

Anime (which comes from the English word animation) is an animated cartoon produced by Japanese artists. Anime resulted from the adaptation of famous manga into TV series. It was and is a huge success. Animes like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Tsubasa, and Pokémon were the highlights of generations.

Anime expanded to movies, too, and the creation of Studio Ghibli, one of the world’s most famous and beloved Japanese animation studios, made it even more popular. They received numerous awards for their films, like Spirited Away, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Howl’s Moving Castle are the most famous movies.

Studio Ghibli has become so popular that there is a Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, and an amusement park called Ghibli Park in Nagakute.

Sumo

Sumo is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport, one of the most popular sports in Japan. It is one of the oldest Japanese martial arts, dating back more than 2000 years. It originated in Japan, the only country in the world with professional competitors, and is a national sport.

In the past, it was created to entertain the Shinto deities. Even today, some Shinto rituals are reproduced in Sumo tournaments, such as the purification of the rings with salt; at the beginning and end of matches, the wrestlers perform certain Shinto rites, such as clapping and hurling. The referees dress like Shinto monks.

You can attend a sumo tournament in Japan, but be aware that they occur only in the odd months of the year. It is also possible to watch a training session. You can buy a ticket here.

Karate

Karate is one of the most famous martial arts in the world. It was created in the Okinawa Islands and was influenced by Chinese martial arts. When Okinawa became part of Japanese territory in 1872, it spread to the rest of the country. After WWII, the American military discovered the martial art and popularized it worldwide.

Karate is a striking martial art that uses punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes; its name in Japanese means “open hand.” Karate uses Kata, a pattern of movements practiced to help students improve their technique. It is one of the most practiced forms of Martian art, with 100 million practitioners worldwide. It was even included in the 2020 Olympic Games.

Judo

Judo was created by Kano Jigoro in Japan in 1882, and since then it has become a famous sport worldwide, being included in the Olympic Games in 1964 in Tokyo.

Judo is a grappling martial art, which means the way of the softness or the gentle way. Its main focus is to find ways to use the enemy’s strength against them. Technique takes precedence over brute strength.

If you are a huge Judo aficionado, you can watch Judo sessions at the original school where it all started —the Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan’s best Judo institute.

Samurai

Samurai are among the most well-known historical figures of Japan. They remain present in the imagination of many and are featured in movies, books, manga, and video games.

The Samurai, or Bushi, were once independent warriors hired by wealthy landowners. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Japan had independent states that were constantly at war. The Samurai had an important role and were a powerful social class. Their essential role endured during the Edo Period until the Meiji Restoration in the 1800s, when the samurai became unwelcome and removed from their feudal roles.

Besides being powerful warriors, samurai lived by a set of rules and codes called Bushido. They valued loyalty, justice, self-sacrifice, and honor. They lived with the motto “Better death than disgrace.” Bushido has spread and continues to affect Japanese society even today. Loyalty, self-sacrifice, and honor are still widely valued in Japan.

Although samurai are romanticized in pop culture, they were brutal in Japanese history. They were among the reasons Japan remained isolated from the rest of the world for centuries and failed to modernize.

If you love samurai culture, there is a Samurai Class in Kyoto where you can learn how to draw a sword and strike with stylized movements. Have a look at it here.

Geishas

Geishas are professional entertainers in Japan and are iconic worldwide. They are known for their characteristic attire: a long Kimono, a traditional hairstyle, and face painted white, called oshiroi make-up. They are trained in traditional Japanese arts, such as dance and the shamisen. Besides performing, they attend to guests during meals, engage in conversation, and entertain customers.

Although wrongly associated with Geishas, they aren’t prostitutes, as many believe. They don’t have any sexual intercourse with clients.

You can find geishas in Tokyo and Kyoto, where they are known as geiko in the Gion district. They performed in Tea houses, Ochaya, restaurants, or inns. But it is challenging to see them walking in the streets of Kyoto. The number of geishas is decreasing, and they are costly to hire. They are rendered as “protectors of tradition” in Japan, being part of its cultural heritage.

If you really want to see this side of Japanese culture, the best way is probably through this tour, where you can meet and even chat with a Maiko (apprentice) and have a ceremony with a Geisha. Have a look at the tour here.

Tokyo

Tokyo is the largest megalopolis in the world, with a population of over 35 million people. It is a fascinating capital. Full of huge buildings, train stations, underground shopping, people, and cars everywhere. At night, it is illuminated with thousands of lights from the skyscrapers, roads, and billboards. It looks like a city of the future.

Over 90% of the capital was destroyed during World War II, so it was all rebuilt. It was mainly built around the train stations and, consequently, has multiple activity centers. The bigger the station, the more critical the district and the surrounding area. It is a city without a center.

Tokyo Station/Marunouchi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Ginza are the most important districts. Each district is famous for some aspect, like Akihabara, the mecca for electronics, anime, and manga enthusiasts, and Shibuya, renowned for the iconic Shibuya Crossing.

It is a fascinating and overwhelming capital with a distinct architecture, culture, and organization.

Fuji Mountain

Fuji Mountain is Japan’s most iconic landmark. It is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707 and is the highest mountain in Japan at 3776 meters. And it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It has an exceptional, symmetrical cone, a nearly perfect volcano frequently covered with snow. Its imposing landscape has long inspired artists; it is depicted in art, literature, and poetry. One of the most famous representations is the series of prints by Katsushika Hokusai, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.

You can head to the Fuji Five Lakes regions or Hakone to appreciate the mountain. And during July and August, you can climb the mountain. Unfortunately, having a clear view of the mountain can be difficult as clouds frequently obscure it.

Tsunami

Tsunami is a Japanese word adopted worldwide; it literally means “harbor wave,” and it came to refer to a giant wave that can travel across ocean basins and reach coastlines a thousand km from shore. The main cause of tsunamis is undersea earthquakes, but there are others.

Japan is highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Throughout history, it has experienced several tsunamis. The most famous and devastating one happened in 2011.

Japan has developed a sophisticated warning system and has adopted preventive measures in case one occurs, such as regular drills, public education campaigns, and stringent building codes and construction standards to minimize damage.

Pearl Harbour and WWII

The Empire of Japan had been expanding its territory since World War I, seeking to establish a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. Facing an oil embargo by the United States, the Japanese government decided to attack the USA.

In 1941, Japan launched a surprise military strike on the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This propelled the US into World War II. Following the attack, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States, forming the Axis Powers alliance.

The Allies, led by the US forces, gradually pushed back Japanese troops in the Pacific theater. The dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 led to Japan’s surrender.

Atomic Bombs

In 1945, two Atomic Bombs were launched in Japan, on the 6th of August in Hiroshima and on the 9th of August in Nagasaki by the United States. The aim was to induce Japan’s unconditional surrender and the end of World War II.

The atomic bombs caused massive destruction of the cities and the loss of a thousand lives that died instantly after the explosion of the bomb. It also caused long-term health consequences due to radiation exposure, which increases the rates of cancer, birth defects, and other radiation-related illnesses.

After the Atomic bombs, Japan adopted a policy of nuclear pacifism, and it was a historic mark of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons. In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, several memorials, museums, and annual ceremonies have become a symbol of the pursuit of peace and the rejection of nuclear weapons.

Japan is still the only country in the world to have ever been bombed with atomic bombs. And let’s hope that it continues that way! One of the most popular things in Hiroshima is taking a guided tour to the world heritage sites related to the atomic bomb of Hiroshima.

Technology

Japan is one of the most technologically developed countries in the world. It developed new technologies like compact discs, DVDs, Walkmans, and hybrid cars. It excels in automobile technology, robotics, and microelectronics.

Famous Japanese companies like Sony, Panasonic, and Toshiba are global leaders in the production of televisions, cameras, audio equipment, and computers. They are also critical automotive manufacturers, such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. And leaders in high-speed rail technology.

Japan has contributed significantly to various industries and innovation, and is a powerhouse regarding technology.

Robots

What is Japan famous for? Robots! Japanese love robots! They are part of their culture, and they have a longstanding relationship with them. Since the 17th century, Japan has created mechanized puppets, or automata, used in religious festivals and theaters. Robots are also portrayed frequently in manga and anime. They are part of Japanese pop culture.

Japan is a global leader in industrial robotics – it has developed robots for various applications, including mobility robots for healthcare, and humanoid robots like ASIMO by Honda and HRP-4C by AIST.

The Japanese regard robots as something friendly and highly accepted in society, and for domestic use.

Weird Japanese TV Shows

Japan has some unconventional TV shows that are over-the-top and don’t exist anywhere else in the world. They are game shows featuring quirky games, unexpected twists, and eccentric punishments.

Some examples of weird Japanese shows are:

• Candy or Not Candy: contestants must bite into objects to determine if they are made of candy or not.
• Silent Library: participants trying to complete tasks silently in a library setting;
• Slippery stairs: contestants must climb slippery stairs to claim a prize
• Human Tetris: contestants have to mold themself to pass through a mold in a styrofoam wall
• Takeshi’s Castle: a large number of contestants face a series of crazy and often physically demanding challenges with the ultimate goal of storming the castle

The shows are designed to entertain, be ridiculous, eccentric, and funny.

Video Games

Japan is a major player in the video game industry. At the beginning of 1990, 50% of the video games sold worldwide were made in Japan. Some of the most famous and important video game companies are based in Japan.

Big companies like Nintendo, which invented the Game Boy, and famous games like Donkey Kong, Super Mario, Mario Kart, Zelda, and Pokémon. Square Enix is one of the largest video game publishers. It created Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and other RPGs (role-playing games). You also have Sony, the creator of the PlayStation. Konami is known for Dance Dance Revolution, Pro Evolution Soccer, and other popular games.

Arcade culture is also a significant influence among the Japanese, and many classic arcade games have originated from Japanese developers. This culture has had a lasting impact on the design of video games. It is still a very popular night activity in Tokyo.

Although Japanese video games have lost significant market share, they remain a major player and a major influence in the video game scene.

J-Pop

J-pop refers to Japanese pop music, which includes everything from pop and rock to electronic dance music. Generally, the artists feature young performers in their teens or early twenties who sing and dance and have massive fan followings.

J-pop songs are easy to find, and people love reproducing them in karaoke (the Japanese love Karaoke). J-pop often features theme songs for anime, movies, and video games.

Since the 90s, J-pop has gained fame worldwide. Famous artists like AKB48, Perfume, Babymetal, Arashi, Ayumi Hamasaki, Exile, etc, are known globally.

Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cuisine is one of the most famous in the world. It has even been added to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list. In 2011, Japan had the most three-starred Michelin restaurants worldwide, and in 2018, Tokyo had the most Michelin stars.

The Japanese have very high standards for food and are authentic gourmets. Its cuisine emphasizes high-quality ingredients, precise culinary techniques, and presentation. Restaurants usually are specialized. And even in the simple restaurants around the corner from fast food chains, the food is delicious.

The base of its food is rice and miso soup. Seafood plays a prominent role in Japanese cuisine. Sushi is the most famous dish worldwide. But besides sushi, there are so many iconic dishes like gyoza, ramen, tempura, onigiri, okonomiyaki, and Katsu curry. They are all delicious.

The best part is that dining out in Japan is cheap. Japanese people almost always eat out because it is much more affordable than cooking at home. However, if you want to check out what Japan offers, we suggest going to a Kaiseki dinner.

Baseball

Japanese love baseball. Next to sumo, we would say it is their favorite sport. You will frequently find posters and magazines about baseball. Japanese baseball is often called Nippon Professional Baseball. It is a highly popular and competitive professional league.

High school and college baseball are also very competitive; many players come from these circles. The sport was introduced in Japan in the 19th century and has been popular since then. Even during WWII, they continued playing.

Onsen and Sento

Japan has a long tradition of public baths, such as Onsen and Sento, which have been part of its culture for centuries. While an Onsen is a hot spring bath that can be used indoors or outdoors, a sento is a gender-segregated public bath that people use for cleansing and social interaction.

In Onsens, water is taken directly from the spring and has natural minerals from volcanic areas. You can find Onsen all over Japan, as hot springs can be pumped out from almost anywhere in the country. The water of an onsen must be at least 24ºC, and they have therapeutic properties due to the minerals in the water. Enjoy an Onsen at Ryokans, minshuku (guesthouse), or public baths.

Both onsens and sento imply bathing naked in the tub, but usually, they are gender divided. However, if you stay in a Ryokan or Minshuku, you may have the onsens to yourself. Before entering the bath, you need to wash yourself. And the majority of Onsen and Sento refuse entry to people with tattoos.

Besides the cleansing aspect, Onsen and Sento are places to relax and enjoy their therapeutic benefits, and are important social and cultural practices in Japan.

High-tech Toilets

Shintoism or Shinto

Shinto is a polytheistic religion indigenous to Japan. It is based on the veneration of “spirits” or “gods” called Kami, who inhabit natural elements such as trees, mountains, waterfalls, objects, and people. Humans become Kami after they die.

Shintoism lacks dogmas, scriptures, and a clear way of praying, and there is no spiritual leader. It can be classified as a philosophy or a way of living. It has a collection of rituals and ceremonies often performed at Shinto Shrines.

Often, Shinto coexists with Buddhism, and people practice elements of both religions.

Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens are masterpieces of perfection, harmony, and thoughtfulness. Visiting one is like admiring a natural work of art, brilliantly crafted. They are very different from Western gardens as they are molded with spiritual and philosophical ideas in mind and are distinctive in their symbolism of nature.

There are diverse styles of gardens, each serving distinct purposes, from strolling gardens for the leisure of feudal lords to dry stone gardens designed for religious practices by monks. There are basically three types of gardens: hill gardens (Tsukiyama), dry gardens (Karesansui), and tea gardens (Chaniwa).

The aesthetics of Japanese gardens influence the world. They introduce minimalist design features with a strong focus on balance and harmony. Elements such as stone arrangements, water features, and the use of symbolism in plant selection have been integrated into other gardens worldwide.

Bonsai

Bonsai refers to the art of growing and training miniature trees in containers. It is a form of living sculpture. Although traditional Japanese art has spread worldwide, many people engage with it. There are notable international bonsai artists and competitions, and it is a popular hobby.

Actually, Bonsai originated in China but spread and developed in Japan. It is associated with harmony and balance and involves patience and simplicity. It is very associated with Zen philosophy.

Tea Ceremony – Chado

The tea ceremony, or chado, is a Japanese tradition that involves preparing, serving, and drinking matcha (a variety of green tea). The preparation is laborious and very precise, and steps and protocols must be followed. It is a cultural activity based on the principles of Zen Buddhism.

The main purpose of the tea ceremony is for the guests to enjoy the host’s hospitality and appreciate art and craftsmanship. It usually takes place in a tea room with a tatami floor, surrounded by a garden. A Japanese sweet is served and eaten before the tea. The ceremony is defined by precise hand movements and a specific way to prepare and drink the tea.

If you want to experience a tea ceremony, the best option is to book one in a traditional tea house in Kyoto like this one. It is truly a cultural experience and something to remember later.

Pachinkos

Pachinko is a popular Japanese arcade game that combines pinball and slot machines. The machine fires small balls, and you win or lose, depending on where they fall. The aim is to finish with more balls than when you started. It is a game of luck. You can only control the speed at which the balls are fired. It is a very addictive game, and it is often used for gambling.

Japan is full of pachinko parlors, packed with people. You can recognize them by their bright and colorful exteriors, the noisy interiors of the flapping balls, and the loud music.

Gambling in Japan is illegal, and Pachinko machines are a way to bypass the prohibition. If you win more than you started with, you get a token to sell back to the parlor for a small commission.

Shinkansen – Japanese Bullet train

Shinkansen is one of the most famous things about Japan. They are high-speed trains, and some models reach up to 320 km/h. They are known for their punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency.

The Shinkansen was the first high-speed train in the world; it started operating in 1964, connecting Tokyo and Osaka in time for the Tokyo Olympics. Today, the railway system operates all over the country. It is possible to travel from one point of the country to another (from Hokkaido to Kyushu).

Besides being fast, Shinkansen trains are very comfortable and spacious. There are also themed Shinkansen trains, such as the Hello Kitty Shinkansen and the Evangelion Shinkansen, which feature Hello Kitty-themed decorations and meals.

Another remarkable aspect of the Shinkansen is the variety of train bento boxes you can eat on board. The downside of the Shinkansen is that they are costly.

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