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Discover the business opportunities or cultural activities in Japan!
Traditional
Sub culture
Nature/Hideaway
New arrivals
Clean restrooms
Many foreigners are surprised to find that many public restrooms are free of charge and kept clean.
Courtesy / Manners
Japanese courtesy is an important element in respecting others and building smooth relationships.
Gacha Gacha
Gacha-gacha is a term used to describe a vending machine or the experience of purchasing such toys and sundries.
Discover the business opportunities or cultural activities in Japan!
Traditional
Japanese people
Kind, polite, organized, punctual, mutual respect, wait in line and follow the rules. These are the impressions of Japanese people to foreigners
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Japanese Houses / Old Houses
In recent years, traditional Japanese houses and old private homes have become popular among foreigners
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Japanese Garden / Bonsai
Traditional Japanese garden can be divided into three forms: pond, karesansui (dry landscape garden), and roji (tea garden). Bonsai is a condensed version of these.
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Shrine / Temple
Shrines(Jinja) are places that enshrine objects of Shintoism, while Buddhist temples are places that enshrine objects of Buddhist faith.
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Dou (Spiritual training)
Judo, kendo, karate, kyudo, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, etc. are “paths” that are practiced and mastered, and they emphasize traditional moral codes.
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Ukiyoe (Japanese old painting)
Ukiyo-e is a type of woodblock print or painting that flourished in Japan mainly during the Edo period (1603-1868), and is a work of art depicting daily life of the time.
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Ceramics art / Folk craft
An increasing number of foreign visitors to Japan want to experience making ceramics or folk craft art, in addition to simply purchasing them.
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Kimono / Yukata
Kimono and Yukata attract the attention of foreigners with their delicate patterns, colors, and materials. These are an important element, helping them to deepen the Japanese cultural experience.
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Origami
Origami is a traditional Japanese culture in which paper is folded to create animals, plants, and various shapes. It has been around for at least a thousand years.
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Matcha
Matcha is booming overseas, especially in the United States and Europe. This is thought to be due to the growing health consciousness, the Japanese food boom, and the spread of information through SNS.
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Traditional Japanese cookware
Traditional Japanese cookware is popular among foreigners because of their functionality and design, as well as their interest in Japanese food culture. In particular, kitchen knives and chopsticks that enable delicate cooking and serving, and dishes that enhance food with their unique materials are especially appreciated by foreigners.
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Wa Daiko
Wadaiko is also popular overseas, where it is known as “Japanese drum” or "Wadaiko. There are also taiko experience facilities overseas, providing foreigners with opportunities to experience taiko.
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Nishiki Goi
Nishikigoi are very popular not only in Japan but also abroad, with demand growing especially in China, the United States, and Southeast Asia. Nishikigoi are appreciated for their beauty and graceful appearance, and are often referred to as swimming jewels.
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Low birthrate and aging population
The declining birthrate and aging population are affecting culture in various ways, especially seriously affecting the transmission of local culture and the preservation of cultural assets. On the other hand, it is expected that foreign investment and the mutual exchange of artists from overseas will create new values.
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Sub culture
Manga / Anime
Anime and manga serve as important tools for promoting Japanese culture abroad. The publication of translated versions and international exhibitions have deepened the understanding of Japanese culture.
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J-Pop
J-POP has become a hot topic on SNS, and fans are rapidly increasing. The Agency for Cultural Affairs is also encouraging the overseas development of Japanese music.
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Japanese foods
Japanese food is now loved all over the world and has been registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The image of “Japanese food is healthy” is spreading abroad.
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Ramen
There is a wide variety of soups, including soy sauce, miso, shio (salt). and tonkotsu (pork bone), as well as various ingredients and toppings, making it possible to taste ramen from different regions, such as Hokkaido's miso ramen and Hakata's tonkotsu ramen.
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Japenese flavoring
The flavors and culture of Japanese food are highly acclaimed abroad. In particular, the use of “dashi” (Japanese soup stock) to bring out the flavor of the ingredients, the light seasoning, and the unique umami taste are well received by foreigners.
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Sashimi
Since the 1970s, the sushi boom has led to a growing awareness of sashimi in other countries. Reactions to sashimi abroad is generally viewed as an unusual, interesting, and challenging food.
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Sake / Whisky
Brewery tourism refers to travel to breweries for sake, shochu, beer, whiskey, etc., while getting in touch with the people and traditional food culture of the area
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Onsen / lodging
With the increase in inbound demand, Japanese hot spring resorts are attracting the attention of foreign tourists. On the other hand, manners in the changing rooms and bathtubs have become an issue.
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Ninja
The appeal of the ninja is extremely popular in the inbound market. The reason for this is that the ninja are highly recognized overseas through anime and martial arts, and a segment of the population with a high interest in Japanese culture is attracted to the mysterious presence and special abilities of the ninja.
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Motorcycles touring
Motorcycle touring is a great experience for foreigners, with good rider manners, great scenery, good food, and no trouble with accommodations.
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Japanese language
More and more foreigners are interested in Japanese anime, J-POP, and Japanese food, and are studying the language. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are currently 3.85 million foreigners studying Japanese in over 140 countries and regions!
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Denim
Denim originated in the U.S., but nowadays denim lovers have come to share the common understanding that denim is definitely Japan.
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Randoseru (school bag)
Randoseru are popular overseas, especially in Europe and Asia, mainly due to the influence of anime and manga, practicality, durability, and their appeal as fashion items.
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Secondhand clothes
There is the diversity of fashion. Japanese vintage clothing offers a wide selection, from vintage items to the latest trends, and is a great way to express your individuality.
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Gacha Gacha
Gacha-gacha is a term used to describe a vending machine or the experience of purchasing such toys and sundries. It is also commonly referred to as a "capsule toy. It is popularly known by this name because of the “gacha-gacha” sound it makes when the rotating lever is turned.
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100 yen/discount store
The 100-yen store and Don Quijote are extremely popular among foreign tourists for their wide selection of goods and surprisingly low prices.
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Unique vending machines
Foreigners are surprised and interested to learn that Japanese vending machines sell not only beverages, but also a wide variety of other products, such as candy, ice cream, cup noodles, and even boxed lunches and toys.
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Omiyage
The most popular Japanese souvenirs among foreign visitors to Japan are foods, especially confectioneries, alcoholic beverages, and processed foods. Other popular items include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and anime character goods. Also appreciated are items that remind visitors of Japanese culture, such as kanji T-shirts and Japanese patterned accessories.
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Clean restrooms
Many foreigners are surprised to find that many public restrooms are free of charge and kept clean. The multifunctionality of Japanese toilets, such as washlet toilets, heated seats, and automatic opening and closing, is also highly appreciated.
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Courtesy / Manners
Japanese courtesy is an important element in respecting others and building smooth relationships. The reaction of foreigners is that it is amazingly wonderful, almost shocking.
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Bussiness Manners
In communicating with foreigners in business etiquette, it is important to understand cultural differences and respond appropriately depending on the situation. For example, exchanging business cards is a manner that is valued in Japan, but not necessarily in the West.
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Cleanliness
One of the things that surprises foreign tourists when they come to Japan is the cleanliness of the streets. Many are impressed by how clean the streets are always, even if there are only a few trash cans.
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Nature / Hideaway
Mt.Fuji
Mt.Fuji is registered as a World Heritage site.It is a special place that brings together its appearance, Japanese nature and culture, and the hearts of its people.
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Mountain / highland
The charm of Japan's mountainous regions lies in their diverse natural environments and landscapes. In the alpine zone beyond the forest limit, visibility opens up to alpine flora, lingering snow, and rocky terrain. You can enjoy hiking and climbing.
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Ocean / river / lake
Japan's rivers attract people through their beautiful valleys, clear streams, seasonal changes, and activities, while the oceans offer healing and excitement through their crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, and diverse marine life.
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Roads
Many of the roads offer beautiful seasonal scenery, and roads lined with cherry blossom trees and roads lined with autumn leaves are especially popular.There are many roads for sightseeing, leisure, historical study, walking, etc.
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Nature and art
Japanese art museums are spaces where nature and art are in harmony, and they offer the appeal of viewing diverse works of art along with the changes of the seasons and the richness of nature.
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Castle
Interest in castles is growing due to inbound demand.In particular, Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle, and Matsumoto Castle are among the most popular. Matsumoto Castle, in particular, has become increasingly popular, with a record number of foreign visitors.
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Feel Edo
Edo culture is extremely popular among inbound tourists. In particular, hands-on exhibits, Edo period food culture, and cityscapes are highly valued.
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Sakura
Cherry blossoms have been familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times, and the custom of cherry blossom viewing is believed to have started in the Yayoi period. They are extremely popular among foreign tourists due to their beauty, fragility, and Japan's unique hanami culture.
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Autumn leaves
The charm of Japanese autumn foliage is that you can see various colors of red, yellow, orange, and green at the same time, which you cannot see in other countries. The contrast of vivid colors and the combination of temples and shrines with the autumn leaves seem to be especially attractive!
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Tokyo
Tokyo's inbound (foreign visitors to Japan) will reach a record high in 2024, with Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza being particularly popular. Against the backdrop of the weak yen and recovery in tourism demand, the number of foreign tourists is on the rise, and tourism spending is also at a record high. However, issues such as labor shortages and overtourism are also becoming apparent.
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