CURIOSITIES

- Japan is the country with the lowest crime rate and is considered one of the safest for living

- Shinkansen are Japanese high-speed trains going up to 320km/h, they are recognizable for their accuracy and safety

- Fuji, the highest mountain and volcano in Japan, is considered a symbol of the country and it’s under UNESCO protection. There are over 100 active volcanoes in Japan

- Shinto is a Japanese polytheistic religion. Amaterasu is one of the major deities (kami). She is the goddess of the sun, and all emperors were considered to be her descendants

- Buddhism arrived in Japan in the 6th century via China and Korea

- Japanese traditional dishes (sushi, ramen, yakitori, takoyaki ...). Sushi has been a part of Japanese culture since the 2nd century, while Tokyo is the city with the most restaurants that have been awarded at least one Michelin star. Poisonous fugu fish is a specialty of Japanese cuisine. Its preparation is regulated by strict rules, and the chef who prepares it must have a special certificate

- Japanese onsen are geothermal springs, unique in the world for the services they provide to visitors

- Japanese art (shōdo, origami, ikebana, haiku...) is specific and appreciated all over the planet. Haiku is the shortest form of poetry in the world

- Sumo wrestling is a type of wrestling that has a history of over 2,000 years. Japan is the only country where wrestling is trained professionally, and where it is the national sport. Today, the sport incorporates many ritualistic elements, such as the use of salt purification, from Shintoism. The most popular sport in this country is baseball (yakyū)

- An important part of the cultural tradition of Japan is represented by Geisha - Japanese traditional artists and performers, as well as Samurai - warriors whose honour was above all

- Tokyo Skytree - one of the biggest tourist attractions in Japan

- The emperor's birthday is celebrated as a national holiday

- Japan is today ranked as a leading country in production of electrical appliances, electronics, and cars, as well as the use of industrial robots

- The first Europeans to reach the territory of today's Japan were the Portuguese in 1543

- Japan was completely isolated under the "sakoku" policy from 1603 until 1868. During this period, the only Europeans who could trade were the Dutch

- Number 4 is considered to bring misfortune, because it is pronounced the same as death - shi

- Bowing is a part of communication, and bows can be - formal, very formal, and informal

- Autumn moon watching, or tsukimi, is a popular customin Japan. It is a traditional way of expressing gratitude for a good harvest and hope for a similar blessing in the future.

- Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is also a popular custom in Japan. The cherry blossom (sakura) symbolizes human life and is synonymous with the beginning of spring

National Holidays:

• 1. January – New Year’s Day

• The second Monday in January – Coming of Age day – ceremonies for 20-year-olds

• 11. February – National Foundation Day

• 23. February – Emperor Naruhito's birthday

• 20. March (approximately) – Spring Equinox Day

• 29. april – Shōwa Day, the birthday of Emperor Shova is celebrated, who ruled from 1926 to 1989

• 3. may – Constitution Memorial Day

• 4. may – Greenery Day, celebrates nature and thanks for its gifts

• 5. may – Children's Day

• The third Monday in July – Marine Day

• 11. August – Mountain Day

• The third Monday in September – Respect for the Aged Day

• 23. September (approximately) – Autumn Equinox Day

• The second Monday in October – Sports Day

• 3. November – Culture Day

• 23. November – Labor Day and Thanksgiving