All about Japan Video
This Japanese innovation changed the way people use toilets, offering heated seats and built-in bidets.
What is a high-tech toilet?
This ancient sport began as a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods and is now Japan’s national sport
What is sumo wrestling?
Before stepping into the ring, sumo wrestlers perform this purification ritual by tossing salt.
What is salt throwing?
This Tokyo landmark is one of the tallest towers in the world and offers sweeping panoramic views of the city.
What is Tokyo Skytree?
In Japan, doing this while eating noodles is encouraged as a sign of appreciation and helps enhance flavor.
What is slurping?
This traditional Japanese dish is made with vinegared rice and often includes raw fish or vegetables.
What is sushi?
This island in Japan is famous for having more cats than people.
What is Aoshima Island?
This American-imported sport has become Japan’s most popular, with high school tournaments like Koshien drawing nationwide attention.
What is baseball?
This Kyoto shrine is famous for its thousands of red torii gates winding through the forest.
What is Fushimi Inari Shrine?
This type of sushi features hand-pressed rice topped with a slice of fish or other ingredients.
What is nigiri?
In Japanese, the word for “one” is this.
What is ichi?
Japan has over 3.9 million of these machines, selling everything from hot meals to umbrellas.
What are vending machines?
This martial art, created by Jigoro Kano in 1882, became an Olympic sport the same year Tokyo first hosted the Summer Games.
What is judo?
These animals roam freely in Nara Park and are considered messengers of the gods.
What are deer?
This crispy Japanese dish was introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century.
What is tempura?
This Japanese custom involves removing your shoes before entering a home.
What is taking off your shoes?
In Japan, this practice is considered rude—even though service is usually excellent.
What is tipping?
Known as “puroresu,” this Japanese sport emphasizes athleticism and fighting spirit over scripted drama.
What is pro wrestling?
Locals in Osaka use this phrase meaning “eat until you drop,” reflecting the city’s obsession with food.
What is kuidaore?
This style of ramen, made with pork bone broth, originates from Fukuoka.
What is tonkotsu?
This popular Japanese mode of transportation is known for its incredible speed and punctuality.
What is the bullet train (Shinkansen)?
This poetic nickname for Japan reflects its eastern location and the way the sun rises over the country.
What is the Land of the Rising Sun?
This traditional sport involves archers shooting targets while riding galloping horses and is still performed at festivals.
What is yabusame?
This Japanese city holds the record for the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
What is Tokyo?
This chewy rice cake is made by pounding steamed glutinous rice and is often associated with New Year celebrations.
What is mochi?