A student reminded me of a very large cultural difference today. While reading her essay, I was reminded of how foreigners, in any country, will often be seen taking photos. However, it is the subject of their photos that we will often find peculiar. Sometimes a simple lamppost can strike the foreigner as ‘photo-worthy’. Why? Well that’s the question we are all left with as we observe them from a distance, a puzzled look on our face.
The truth is, we take such photos because we would never encounter such a subject in our home countries. These photos then become a personal story or joke when shown to family or friends back home. I think most people could admit to this experience during their travels abroad…
Japan is a beautiful country. However, it is also beautifully bizarre and strange. There are just so many subjects that are ‘photo-worthy’ purely because you will not encounter this anywhere else in the world! Here are 10 things you WILL take photos of when you visit Japan – and that the locals might be puzzled over…
1. Vending Machines
Yes, you probably already know this, but Japan has MANY vending machines. Sometimes they are even highly decorated! I believe this one was decorated to advertise sunflower season was approaching?
They sell many different products too. From alcohol and cigarettes, to apparently used underwear (however, I am yet to see this kind of vending machine!). One such vending machine did catch the attention of my camera. It is selling fish soup... but it doesn’t look so appetising to me!
2. Food
Regardless of if you instagram every meal you eat, you WILL take photos of your food here in Japan. Some food is just so cute you can’t even imagine yourself eating it! Would you like a polar bear in your cappuccino?
Or would you like to try the duck gangsters?
Or even the famous squid-ink burger!
Nevertheless, if there is one thing you can guarantee about Japanese food, is its immaculate presentation.
3. Strange Signs
Every country has them – even Japan. I don’t know which people this artist was copying, but I certainly haven’t seen people shaped like that before!
And this the last one is a creative way to ensure all people, regardless of language, understand the warning - 'Watch out for deer!'
4. Decorated Manhole Covers
They are EVREYWHERE! Every town or city has one, and each is different. They are usually decorated to illustrate the town’s history or culture. Nara, for example, obviously includes deer.
Matsumoto city is famous for the traditional toy ‘temari’ balls. They therefore make an appearance on the city’s manhole covers.
[For more information on ‘temari’ balls, take a read of my Nagano blog.]
And then there’s Kurashiki… well I think it might have something to do with a firetruck...?
5. The Cute and the Creative
Japan is famous for being extremely cute. Cute stationary, cute fashion, cute food… you name it and its been ‘cutesified’. Even basic bike rails have been given the cuteness factor. Check out these bike rails at Osaka Castle!
And then you have the creative, such as this bike rail found in Imabari. Needless to say, we did not use it for our bikes, but rather to take humourous photos of ourselves!
6. Snow… Anywhere and Everywhere!
This one may only apply to Australians, but the first time I saw snow, I had to take photos of EVERYTHING covered in snow! There’s snow on that leaf – picture. There’s snow on the floor – picture. There’s snow on that rail – picture.
I think I drove a few of my friends insane. The Japanese people found my excitement and curiosity of snow absolutely bizarre. The truth is – I don’t think I’ve seen so much snow in my life!! And here, everyone just walks around like it’s an everyday common annoyance!
7. Crazy Fashion
You bet – Japan has some of the most crazy, yet highly fashionable clothes I have ever seen. I often see clothing pieces for sale in stores and snigger thinking ‘Who on Earth would wear that?’ I am of course terribly mistaken when I see that exact same item being worn by a young Japanese girl and then left wondering, ‘How on Earth can she pull that off?’
That’s right. Japanese people have strange fashion sense, but somehow they make it work. I’m pretty envious! But, I can’t imagine wearing some of this fashion in Australia. I think I’d be getting stares for all the wrong reasons!
8. Strangely Mistranslated English
Of course there is badly translated English in Japan. You can find it everywhere: on clothes, on souvenirs or general household products. Here is a great example of strange English… It is a pity that none of the Japanese people realise how badly their clothes have been translated!
I also found a very badly mistranslated curry. The curry itself is a strange flavor without it being mistranslated!!
9. Fashion Crossed with Technology
Japanese women are obsessed with being perfect. They will spend good money to make their skin, bodies and hair perfect. Sounds rather tiresome if you ask me!
Japan, as many know, are leaders in making new ‘never-before-seen’ products. For example, do your cheeks and lips need shaping? Do you need more kissing muscles? Then you might need to try this product!
10. Lines and Crowds
When you come from a small city, such as Adelaide, crowds are almost a rarity. So, when you come to a country that has 9 times more population but less space, you can suddenly feel overwhelmed. I am fascinated with how many people can be present in just one tiny space!
Tokyo stations even have staff ready to push people onto trains during peak hour! The rule in Japan is: ‘if your foot fits, so does your body!’ Being on one of these trains, you cannot move hand or foot. You simply stand, wait and hope you’re not standing next to someone with serious body odor!
But why not take a picture of this extraordinary crowd? You’re not bound to experience this back in Adelaide!!
**Extra: Japanese Food Flavours and Packaging**
While I have named this blog as the Top 10 list, I will include an eleventh…
I find Japanese people are quite often innovators when it comes to food. They seem to enjoy experimenting and creating new flavours. With so many snacks and foods to choose from, companies must compete for the consumers’ attention through creative packaging. Japan, of course, does not disappoint in this aspect!
Have I missed any? Feel free to comment below on aspects of Japan you photographed during your stay.
