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We are living in a time full of discussions involving nudity, sexuality, gender, and mainly how our children fit into all of this. How does Japan view these issues? Some people end up finding Japan a sexually bizarre country due to certain cultural events and also the animation and sex industry.

I have already encountered Brazilians in their controversial discussions using arguments from Japan to defend ideas such as exposing children to sexual topics. In this article, I will try to delicately address a bit of this subject.

While the Christian religion dominates Brazil suggesting an idea of morality and ethics, Japan is quite open to sex since less than 5% of Japanese people are Christians. Still, Japan does not allow same-sex marriage and also does not engage in absolutely any issues involving sex or gender.

The Japanese are reserved, so they do not engage in controversial issues; they believe that everyone does what they want with their lives. Of course, there will always be movements and discussions on the subject, but on a small scale compared to other countries.

The minimum age for sexual consent in Japan is 13 years, according to the Japanese penal code. This can change depending on the province. However, another law prohibits minors under 18 from having sexual relations with adults.

Even dating can be complicated during school years because the law requires parental approval. Some private schools in Japan try to prevent students from engaging in romantic relationships for fear of police intervention.

Exposure to sex in Japan

Something that sparked numerous discussions on the internet was the artistic performance of a naked man. Children were exposed to this event, which generated countless controversies and discussions online. I personally think it is an extreme exaggeration to relate pedophilia to this performance.

On the other hand, I cannot see absolutely any sense in this presentation, much less art! There are laws that prohibit a person from walking naked; the guy probably had to chase after permissions for such a performance. Besides this event, some information networks are addressing the topic of gender and sexuality with children.

Because of these events, thousands of discussions take place. How can Japan serve as an example for us? Culturally, it is common for children and adults to bathe naked in an onsen (hot spring); it is something quite cultural and innocent. Of course, the baths are separated by sex, but there are still some mixed baths scattered throughout Japan, which probably do not allow children.

Another very popular event is the Kanamara Matsuri, a fertility festival where various giant penises, objects, and even foods in the shape of the male penis can be found. Nevertheless, Japanese children did not end up becoming perverted; in reality, some only discover or have an interest in sex in adulthood.

It is believed that it was due to the influence of Westerners who were shocked to see men and women bathing naked together without any desire or sexual act that led the Japanese to separate baths by sex.

Talking about sex is a taboo in Japan among some, precisely because of shyness or because it is a very personal subject. So much so that culturally it is not common to use expressions with sexual connotation as we do in Brazilian slang.

The influence of sexual media

The exposure of sexuality in the media is quite visible. Some do not mind buying or reading erotic material in public. This is due to the fact that there is no concept of sin involving sex in Japanese religion.

A highly controversial subject is the sexual exposure of minors in media involving Japanese animation. Many believe that this can encourage pedophilia, but with the help of the law, the number of abuses is low. The culture makes it so that perverted Japanese only have the courage to at most steal a pair of panties or chase after perverted products.

It is not just adult content for children; anime for the teenage audience also has a lot of sensuality. Even lolis appear in a very sensual way in various animations; it is almost a tradition to have bouncing breasts and poses with panties showing. In Japan, sensual animation is seen more as an art, so much so that almost half of women consume this type of media.

The Japanese government has tried to prohibit adult content involving minors in Japanese manga and animations, but there is a significant gap. First, because animators can very well give an older age while maintaining the appearance of a child.

Others argue that it is thanks to this type of material that the rate of abuse of minors remains low in Japan. The great innocence and carefree nature of the Japanese make various issues considered controversial in the West irrelevant in Japan.

Pornographic media in Japan is quite different from Western media, to the point that there is even censorship on intimate parts. To conclude, let’s leave some articles below that can help you understand more about sex in Japan.

For more details read:

• Birth rate in Japan – Are the Japanese really losing interest in sex?
• How does Japan view Homosexuality?
• Why is there censorship in adult content in Japan?

People have always had the habit of defining nations and creating stereotypes about things. Some think the Japanese are polite, humble, and kind, while others find them prejudiced, shy, and antisocial.

However, reality is much more complex and varied. Japan is a country with a rich diversity of personalities and behaviors, and the Japanese cannot be defined by a single label. In this article, we will explore 11 different types of Japanese people you may encounter, from the more extroverted and social to the more reserved and introspective. Each with their unique characteristics that help paint a more complete and realistic picture of the Japanese people.

The Helpful Japanese – Helpful Hito

In English known as “Helpful Hito” where the word hito (人) means person. This type of helpful Japanese person tries to do their best to assist foreigners, especially tourists. They will appear, eager to help you in any way and ensure that your impressions of Japan are positive.

If you have lived in Japan for a long time, you must have noticed that being distracted in public can attract the attention of a Japanese person who is willing to help. They ask if you are lost or need to find an address.

The Helpful Hito is basically the best friend of a tourist, as they can help and guide you at the train station, bus stop, or simply help you understand a restaurant or hotel menu.

The King of Time

Foreigners often believe that the Japanese work themselves to death. The truth is that lazy, idle, and foolish Japanese people can be found everywhere like weeds. Some live with sleepiness, messy or dyed hair, speak differently, and wander the streets aimlessly doing nothing.

Some work in businesses that do not require much effort. Others do not work or earn a lot of money without doing anything. They live traveling around Japan and the world; just walk any day in the middle of the week and you will find tons of people who should be working but are enjoying themselves in parks and tourist spots.

Besides these, there are students who skip classes and wander the streets, while others even sleep in the classroom. Still, others live idly out of fear of society and are called hikikomori.

The Gaijin Hunter

Many know about gaijin hunters; they can be divided into several categories. Some appear super generous and attentive, but they have an interest in something. It can be difficult to detect a gaijin hunter since Japanese people are naturally attentive and generous.

Many gaijin hunters are women looking for foreign men to showcase as trophies in public. Some are interested in marriage to find a partner or leave the country. The fact is that you become special just for being a foreigner, making it really hard to differentiate interest from true love.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to marry a foreigner; I think many readers of our site are interested in marrying a beautiful Japanese woman and also getting a spouse visa for Japan. For some, foreign hunters are not a danger; the hunter ends up becoming the prey.

The big problem with foreign hunters is that they likely do not genuinely care about your culture, likes, dislikes, and personality. Their interest can disappear suddenly if love or friendship is not cultivated. Those who have lived in Japan for a long time can quickly identify a foreign hunter with their spider senses.

The Pervert

By nature, the Japanese avoid slang with sexual connotations or sexual topics like in Brazil. But just walk a little in stores to see thousands of bizarre things like posters of perverted cartoons, erotic product stores, and another ton of things that show the true human nature.

Some go overboard when it comes to anime characters, buying related products like dolls and pillows. Others go too far and steal panties and follow schoolgirls on the street to take pictures or see through some opening. Women are not spared; some spread their legs on the train.

There are also the famous older men known as ero oyaji (perverted old man) who engage in stalking. They tend to be scruffy and try to approach girls on the street with different proposals and ideas. Some do not achieve much success and resort to arranged dates, hostesses, or something bigger.

Shy and Antisocial

This is quite common; most Japanese people have a bit of shyness. For this reason, a large part of the Japanese population is single, relating through mobile apps. Some struggle to say simple words to express feelings or gratitude to an innocent girl.

Others seem like normal people but avoid human contact for fear of doing something wrong or not knowing how to help. This is why many Japanese people move away from foreigners on the train; sometimes they fear that we might say something and they won’t understand.

Shyness causes many Japanese people to become antisocial, which makes it difficult for many to fit into society and school. Some even suffer bullying and commit suicide.

The Suicide Robot

Some Japanese people do not have their own opinions; they live obeying orders and working overtime to earn money and never enjoy it. Some work so much that they end up committing suicide, which is why we call them suicide robots.

Some are robots not because they work in factories but simply because they follow orders in school, the office, and even at home. They do not know how to contradict or simply end up overexerting themselves on a task that is unnecessary. Some work so hard to pass the entrance exam that they end up failing and self-destructing.

The majority of robot-like Japanese people have a normal, calm, and pale appearance. An ordinary person who spends the day working, eating instant ramen, and doing some hobby. They are fearful and cannot face adversities, impose rules, or create something original.

The International Ninja

Many Japanese people are super discreet and do not talk about their personal lives. They work with you, talk to you, become your friends, but you end up knowing absolutely nothing about their lives. Although they do not talk much about themselves, they are as normal as miso soup in Japan.

Until one day, they finally reveal some curious and interesting information that you really have no idea why they never mentioned it before. Sometimes the Japanese person knows how to speak fluent English or Portuguese, but you only find out after a long time when the opportunity finally arises.

These Ninjas may end up hiding their knowledge for various reasons. Japanese people do not like to draw attention or show off; unless you ask, you will never know what they are truly capable of until the right moment arrives. Many unknown secrets circulate among the Japanese.

The Aspiring Westerner

We love it when Japanese people are interested in foreign countries and cultures, especially when it is our country and culture. Learning a second language, traveling, and expanding their cultural horizons are amazing things for any human being on the planet; we cannot discourage them. However, some go overboard and try to become Westerners.

Some go too far and become a pain, thinking that Japan is terrible and eager to travel abroad. They frequent bars with foreign themes (and sometimes become Gaijin Hunters) and often talk about how rigid and inflexible Japanese society is. They will refuse to speak to you in Japanese or talk about Japan. They only want to talk about where you came from.

Some really do not fit into the culture of the country they were born in, but there are many attitudes that can be annoying. You yourself must hate a guy who keeps praising Japan and thinking it is perfect, and with all the hatred in his heart, lives criticizing Brazil. These aspiring people from other countries can become really annoying.

The English Vampire

It doesn’t matter if you speak Portuguese or even Japanese; there will always be some English vampire appearing to suck your blood. These people love to approach foreigners with the sole purpose of practicing their English. Some may feel disappointed if you do not know how to speak English.

Others think it is the obligation of Western foreigners to know English. Even if you are speaking Japanese, they will insist on speaking in English. The English Vampire tends to be a subset of the Aspiring Westerner. They have no idea that not everyone aims to have a conversation in English.

Fortunately, you do not need to talk much; most of them like to talk endlessly about their personal lives, age, hobbies, and experiences abroad; just stay quiet and listen. Whether you know English or not, prepare to encounter these people on the street or in stores.

The Foreigner Reminder

It is inevitable, but unfortunately, sooner or later, some Japanese person will remind you that you are a foreigner. Some people insist on responding to you in English or tend to gossip and exclude you from Japanese conversations. Some will offer you a fork and knife at a restaurant, imagining that you do not know how to use chopsticks.

Many times, Japanese people remind you that you are a foreigner in the greatest innocence. They believe they are making it easier for the foreigner by providing alternative options to what Japanese people do. If you say you are Brazilian, sooner or later, they will drop the words: Neymar, Football, Samba, Rio de Janeiro, and if you joke, they might even mention capybaras.

The Prejudiced

These tend to be a big reminder of foreigners. Most of them are traditional factory older men who do not like to see their country being invaded by foreigners. Some may insult you, gossip badly about you to friends, or exclude you and show no respect. They ask stupid questions like why are you here? Why don’t you go back to your country?

Many Brazilians end up having terrible experiences because of this type of Japanese person, who, although few, end up being the most noticeable. The best thing to do is to keep your distance from this type of person and ignore everything they say. Be careful not to catch their disease and start being prejudiced against the Japanese.

I hope you enjoyed this article; have you ever encountered these Japanese people? We appreciate your comments and shares.

• Are the Japanese depressed? Is Japan an unhappy nation?
• Why do the Japanese like to work overtime?
• What is xenophobia, racism, and prejudice like in Japan?

While some believe that parasols are for blocking the sun and umbrellas are for protecting from the rain, the truth is that parasols are for women and umbrellas are unisex. In Japanese, there is no distinction between parasol and umbrella; it is called kasa [傘].

In Japan, umbrellas have many more uses than simply protecting from rain and sun. We know that Japan is famous for its numerous inventions and variations of things. In this article, we will see some umbrellas and parasols that you had no idea existed, but only exist in Japan.

It is interesting to highlight that the word kasa is also written (笠) and refers to ancient hats that have a similarity to modern umbrellas. We can start by mentioning a type of umbrella that I saw a lot while I was in Japan during the summer.

Transparent umbrellas were so easy to find; I even bought one, but unfortunately, I left it in Japan T.T This really serves to protect only from the rain, but its material was good and durable.

Wagasa – Traditional Japanese Parasol

Let’s start by talking about the traditional Japanese parasol – wagasa! It is traditionally made with bamboo ribs and washi (Japanese paper). It came from China and was a sacred instrument used in Buddhist ceremonies.

They entered Japan in the Heian period (794-1185) and became popular in the Edo period. They were often associated with geishas, and nowadays they are used on special occasions.

The wagasa have different traits, colors, designs, and symbols. Purple parasols are often used by geishas and symbolize longevity. Dancers usually wear pink, middle-aged people green or red, the elderly dark blue, and white are used in funerals.

Currently, traditional umbrellas from Japan are often used in events, tea ceremonies, weddings, festivals, and traditional dances. Nowadays, wagasa is seen as a work of art and culture.

Japanese Creativity in Umbrellas

We know that Japan loves to invent things, so we can expect various umbrellas with different prints. Here are some themed and special umbrellas that have gone beyond the limit. Not all of them on this list are easy to find, much less popular.

Some umbrellas have hidden designs that only appear with contact with water. Others have a visor to completely cover the head while still being able to see. There are even umbrellas that open and close in the opposite way.

The Japanese have tried to make life easier for people by creating umbrellas that you can tie to your arms without needing to hold them. They have also created a type of umbrella hat and even a hat that allows you to sit on it like a chair.

• Samurai Umbrella – They even invented a regular umbrella that resembles a katana;
• Kokeshi Umbrella – The name is self-explanatory; it has a kokeshi on its handle;
• Vegetabrella – This one went beyond the limit and turned into a salad;

Perverted Umbrellas – A project called The Million Girls, aimed at promoting the concept of bizarre Japan, created an umbrella called Upskirt Umbrella. On its lower part, you find the view of the legs and the underwear of a Japanese schoolgirl in anime.

Have you ever encountered someone using these bizarre umbrellas? Do you have the courage to buy one of these parasols? We appreciate your comment and sharing. I hope you enjoyed it; don’t forget to read our article about aiaigasa.

Have you heard of Unit 731? If you have an interest in Japanese history and have researched it, you must have heard of the infamous Unit 731 that existed during World War II (1939 – 1945) and the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937 – 1945).

Unit 731 (Nana-san-ichi Butai) was the unit where the Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department of the Kwantung Army was located in the Pingfang district, in the former puppet state of Manchukuo, northeastern China.

However, despite the official name, the Department that provided health-related services was actually a facade to hide the real activities of Unit 731, carried out underground in the district.

The activities were based on human experiments on civilians and prisoners of war from China, Russia, Mongolia, Korea, and even Allies. Additionally, other subjects were selected. Common criminals, captured enemies, and anti-Japanese partisans. The unit was commanded by the general and surgeon of the Kwantung Army, Shiro Ishii.

Inside Unit 731

The horrific activities of Unit 731 included:

• Infection of prisoners with venereal diseases to study the effects of diseases on the human body;
• Vivisection of prisoners without anesthesia to study the effect of diseases on organs;
• Subjecting prisoners to rape by the unit’s guards;
• Exposing prisoners to cold temperature tests to study the effects of freezing cold;
• Testing firearms such as grenades and flamethrowers and biological weapons using prisoners as human targets;
• Deprivation of water and food to determine how long it took for prisoners to die;

Unit 731 after the war

Eventually, after the end of World War II and Japan’s surrender, Unit 731 was deactivated, putting an end to its activities. However, those involved in the experiments were not tried for the war crimes committed and were granted immunity by the Americans in exchange for the data collected during the experiments conducted at the unit.

As a result, the existence of Unit 731 went unnoticed by the public. Thus, it remained out of popular knowledge until 1989, when human remains were discovered buried in pits in Shinjuku by workers who were working there.

Subsequently, the Japanese government had to admit the existence of Unit 731 and the experiments conducted during that time.

We have included a video below as a supplement:

Unit 731 is yet another one of the atrocities committed by the Empire of Japan during World War II. Thus, Japan had to apologize to its Asian neighbors. This is something that will be marked in Japan’s history.

Despite the official apology, countries like China and Korea still maintain a relationship of distance and distrust towards Japan. This is due to the inadequate approach to such atrocities committed by the Japanese during wartime.

Did you know about Unit 731? What is your opinion on the subject?

• Okunoshima – The famous Rabbit Island
• The dark side of Japan! Not everything is flowers
• Soldiers who fought in World War II until 1974
• Is it true that the Japanese and Chinese hate each other?

Between 1868 and 1947, after the fall of the feudal system (shogunate) and the establishment of a new government, Japan transformed into the largest Asian power thanks to the industrialization and militarization of the country that placed the Japanese in a position of sovereignty compared to the rest of the Asian continent.

During the conflicts fought with China during the Sino-Japanese wars, the invasions of Korea, the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and the Pacific War, Japan achieved military success. However, Imperial Japan went into decline after suffering several defeats during World War II, which resulted in military weakening and defeat in the Second World War, leading to Japan’s surrender to the Allied Forces in 1945.

After the surrender, Imperial Japan was dissolved in 1947 and the constitution in force at the time (Meiji Constitution) was replaced by the Constitution of 1947, giving rise to Modern Japan.

Fall of the Shogunate and Meiji Restoration

After Emperor Meiji (1852 – 1912) ordered the dissolution of the Tokugawa Shogunate, samurai forces supported by daimyos who were dissatisfied with the shogunate, along with the government that aimed to build economic relations with foreigners, the feudal military government that ruled Japan for six centuries finally dissolved, thus bringing a new era to the country with a constitutional government model that provided a more democratic government for the Japanese people.

However, Japan’s opening to foreign trade was not peaceful even after the end of the shogunate, as there were still political forces opposing the “Westernization” of Japan and the trade relations established with foreigners.

However, over the years, Western influences in Japan’s politics gave rise to militarization ideas and nationalist ideology that influenced Japanese society until the end of World War II.

World War, Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars

Before World War I, Imperial Japan fought in two significant wars following its establishment after the Meiji Revolution. The first was the First Sino-Japanese War (1894 – 1895). The war revolved around the issue of control and influence over Korea under the rule of the Joseon Dynasty, which resulted in a Japanese victory.

The second was the Russo-Japanese War (1904 – 1905) fought over the dispute for control of Korean lands, resulting in another victory for the Japanese empire.

Japan entered World War I in 1914, taking advantage of Germany’s distraction with the European War to expand its sphere of influence in China and the Pacific. Along with England, France, and the United States, Japan managed to win World War I.

Did you like the article? Then don’t forget to comment and share with your friends. Click here to read the second part discussing World War II and the fall of Imperial Japan. 

• Soldiers who fought in World War II until 1974
• History of Japan – What was the Shogunate?
• Nagoya Castle – An essential visit
• Japanese Emperors – Emperor Meiji

Do you know the history of Imperial Japan? How did it fall and what were the events during World War II? In this article, we will answer all these questions. We recommend that you read our article about Imperial Japan by clicking here.

In 1929, with the Great Depression caused by the stock market crash, Japan, like several other countries, was affected by the economic crisis and, to continue its industrialization, Japan had to import the necessary materials since there was a great shortage of these materials in the Japanese lands.

By importing iron, rubber, and oil from the Americans, Japan was able to recover economically and, to maintain this during an economic depression, the Japanese saw an opportunity to obtain such materials from China (more specifically in the Manchuria region).

The Second Sino-Japanese War

Under the pretext of liberating the Manchu people of that region, Japan invaded and conquered China in 1931, establishing a puppet state called Manchukuo.

In 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out, which was a terrible time for China to enter into war as the Chinese were already dealing with their own internal conflict, with nationalists and communists vying for control of the country.

During this conflict, the Empire of Japan committed an atrocity on December 13, 1937, which is still not well recognized by the Japanese themselves today, known as the Nanjing Massacre.

The episode occurred in the Chinese capital of Nanjing where the troops of the Imperial Japanese Army murdered a total of 300,000 soldiers and civilians and also committed rape and looting throughout Nanjing.

Pacts with the Soviet Union, Germany, and Italy

During the years 1938 and 1939, Japan attempted to invade and take the lands of the Soviets; however, the Red Army managed to prevent the Japanese troops from advancing further and defeated the 7th Division and 23rd Division of the Imperial Japanese Army.

Seeing that invading the Soviet Union was futile and unfeasible, the Japanese signed a neutrality pact with the Soviets in 1941 to avoid future conflicts.

After the invasion of China and the atrocities committed by the Japanese in the country, the Americans began to turn against the Japanese and public opinion became unfavorable to Japan.

In 1940, Imperial Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, and thus, the three countries became the Axis powers.

The Fall of the Japanese Empire

In 1941, with the attack on Pearl Harbor and hoping to destabilize the Americans, the Japanese saw an opportunity to extend their empire throughout Asia.

However, this proved to be the opposite as the Americans managed to recover from the attack in a short time and decided to declare war on Japan. As a result, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.

In 1942, Japan began to suffer significant losses in battles on air, land, and sea. Japanese military strategists became aware of the unfavorable difference between the industrial potential of the Empire of Japan and that of the United States.

In 1943, Japan began to fight defensively and remained so for the rest of the war. By 1944, Allied forces had neutralized all Japanese strategic bases, leaving the Japanese economy in shambles and the country no longer able to supply its armies. Then, the Americans launched a bombing campaign against Japan, starting with incendiary bombs.

In 1945, with the intention of forcing the Japanese to surrender, the Americans dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and August 9, respectively. With the war already lost, on August 15, 1945, the Empire of Japan surrendered to the United States, thus recognizing its defeat in World War II.

Post-war Japan

After Japan’s surrender, the United States occupied the country, initiating a process of reconstruction and demilitarization of Japan. As a result, the Empire of Japan was dissolved in 1947 and a new constitution was established, abolishing the Meiji Constitution of 1889, giving rise to Modern Japan.

Did you like the article? Then comment and share it with your friends. We also recommend reading:

• History of Japan – What was the Shogunate?
• History of Imperial Japan – Meiji Restoration and Wars
• Summary of the history of Japan told in Eras

Traveling on Japan’s trains is a unique and interesting experience; for some, it is a daily routine. You have probably noticed distinct groups of people with notable characteristics. With that in mind, in this article, we will talk about some types of people you encounter on Japan’s trains.

The sleepers on the trains – Inemuri

We can start by talking about the most notable ones, the beautiful sleepers. It is part of the culture to sleep on the trains, but some end up lying down and taking up several seats. The Japanese can sleep both standing and sitting, so someone might end up resting their head on your shoulder.

They sleep in all sorts of ways, in various strange and funny positions; some sleep with their mouths open, and rarely does anyone end up on the floor. The most interesting thing is that they always wake up at the correct station and continue on their way home or to work. This practice is called inemuri.

The sumimasens

It doesn’t matter if you are on a train or not; you will always encounter them. Even if the train is spacious and empty, they find some way to bump into you, whether by grabbing the door when getting on and off.

Every now and then, because of their respectful etiquette, sometimes the person doesn’t even touch you and already says sumimasen, which means excuse me, pardon me, or may I pass.

They catch you by surprise and discreetly make you move from your spot. On the other hand, there are those who do not move from their place, waiting for you to ask for permission.

The phone addicts on the trains

You won’t find anyone talking on the phone on Japan’s trains, but they never let go of their cell phones. They are constantly looking at the screen, browsing websites, watching anime, reading, and chatting on Line.

You might bump into them, give them a nudge, and some don’t even notice. Whether standing, sitting, or sleeping, the cell phones never leave the hands of these Japanese. The painful part was seeing several watching anime on anitube, the precious site that was banned in Brazil and is only functioning in Japan. T.T

The perverts on Japanese trains

The famous perverts do everything to see a panty, even if they don’t need to make much effort. They take advantage of the crowded train to grind against schoolgirls, and unfortunately, the victims do nothing or say nothing.

Every now and then, someone gets arrested for being inappropriate. There are not only male perverts; I don’t know if it’s innocence or naughtiness, but some schoolgirls with their short skirts open their legs in front of us as if there were no tomorrow.

The loud ones on Japan’s trains

Some imagine that since you can’t use your phone on the train to avoid making noise, the journey must be silent. Unless you come across a group of schoolgirls or a loud clique. They don’t talk discreetly; they shout! They talk non-stop and don’t care about anyone.

If someone tries to get the attention of these young people, they end up getting even angrier. The situation only becomes more awkward, and no one does anything. Every now and then, you will see people talking loudly on the train; not everyone realizes they are speaking loudly; this is something natural.

This seat is mine

It is normal to find pregnant women or elderly people standing on the train. Despite there being priority seats, when a Japanese person sits down, it is difficult for them to get up before their station arrives. Some even think about giving up their seat, but the embarrassment of both parties hinders that.

When someone thinks about getting up to let the elderly person sit, she simply remains standing. And another young person ends up sitting in the spot; I have tried to do this discreetly, but elderly women prefer to stand to imagine they are young.

The anti-socials on Japanese trains

The vast majority of Japanese people on the trains do not communicate; shyness predominates during the journeys and the possibility of meeting unknown people. No one takes the initiative, and even if you start a conversation, it usually doesn’t flow easily.

In reality, the Japanese are afraid of socializing, especially if you are a foreigner; they are afraid of being near you and not knowing how to communicate and help due to the language barrier. Although no one says anything, the Japanese often stare at each other, and it’s not just foreigners; they stare, especially at the opposite sex.

These were some types of people you find on the trains. There are other types and interesting characteristics that we can encounter during our lives traveling on Japan’s trains; if you remember any, comment! Thank you for sharing, we also recommend reading:

• 11 types of Japanese people you find in Japan
• All about trains in Japan – Curiosities
• 7 common myths and stereotypes about Japanese culture
• Passions and stereotypes – things that describe the Japanese