🏷️ Culture
A collection of articles related to "Culture"—covering helpful tips and insights for living in Japan as a foreign resident.
Emoji Origins: Born in Japan
Discover how emoji originated in Japan, their cultural significance, and how these visual characters evolved from simple pixelated images to become a global communication tool.
How to Hamazushi: A Foreigner's Guide to Conveyor Belt Sushi
Complete guide to enjoying Hamazushi and other conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Japan, covering ordering systems, etiquette, and menu navigation.
QR Code Obsession: Japan's Square Barcodes Everywhere
Explore Japan's unique relationship with QR codes - from their invention in Japan to their ubiquitous presence in daily life, payments, and social interactions.
Cultural Differences in Japanese Housing: What Foreigners Need to Know
Navigate cultural expectations and unwritten rules in Japanese housing, from shoe removal to noise considerations and neighbor relationships.
The Cultural Roots of Japanese Communication
Understand the historical, geographical, and philosophical foundations that shaped Japan's unique communication styles and why these patterns persist in modern society.
The LINE Phenomenon: Japan's Super App
Discover why LINE dominates Japanese digital communication, how it evolved beyond messaging to become a 'super app', and what it reveals about Japanese social culture.
The Unmutable Shutter Sound: Privacy in Japanese Phone Culture
Understand the cultural and legal reasons behind Japan's mandatory camera shutter sounds and what this unique feature reveals about Japanese concepts of privacy and collective responsibility.
Waterproof Phones: The Bathtub Connection in Japanese Culture
Discover how Japan's bathing culture influenced mobile phone design, leading to widespread waterproof technology and unique usage patterns that shaped the industry.
Why Japanese Phones Are Different: Cultural Features and Unique Functions
Discover the fascinating cultural reasons behind Japan's unique smartphone features - from unmutable camera sounds to QR code obsession, mobile payments, and bath-friendly designs.