This is a list of some interesting things in japan. Maybe some you have already heard, others may be very surprising.

• In general, Japanese people can`t drive very well.  If you meet enough people, many stories of reversing into parked cars or poles will emerge.
• When moving into a Japanese apartment, it is almost always mandatory to give the landlord a gift (or key money) of $1,000 - $2000.  This does not include the bond.  It is merely a “thank you” for letting you give the landlord money each month.
• Japanese people love corn in and on virtually everything, including pastry rolls and pizza.
• The green traffic light is called “blue”.  I have asked many Japanese why and their answer is usually “because that`s what my teacher said”.
• Many Japanese people snort instead of simply blowing their nose.  It`s almost like they are too embarrassed to blow, yet snorting is okay…?
• Cigarettes are very cheap in Japan.  They cost about $3.00.  Most alcohol is also very cheap - less than half as to what you pay.
• There are many Japanese girl gamers.  It`s common to see Japanese women playing their Nintendo DS or Sony PSP on the train or bus. Mario Brothers is still a hit.
• Four different Japanese prime minsters have taken office between the years 2006 - 2008. I`m not sure what`s up with that
• Japanese parents have no clue how to discipline their children.  Sometimes you will see Japanese kids hitting their parents and grandparents and jumping all over the seats on buses and trains.  When Japanese parents do actually discipline their children, it`s usually with a hard whack to the head.  Nice way to give your kids brain damage.
• Japanese pizza is expensive and extremely thin, usually with corn, mayonnaise and sometimes salad on top.
• Internet cafe`s and capsule hotels are great places to spend the night if you are on a budget.  You can get a good night`s sleep for much less than a business hotel.
• Masaaki Sakai, “Monkey” from “Monkey Magic” currently hosts his own cooking show on Japanese television and it is boring. Sorry Masaaki.
• Many Japanese girls love tall, white men. It is easy to find a Japanese girlfriend even if your looks are not on par. Just remember to dress well and be “a nice guy”. Having money also helps.
• A television show in Japan called “One-Mansu” (girly men) is extremely popular.  Some of the hosts are transsexuals and almost all gay - the most famous being “Ikko”, whose words carry a lot of weight in the cosmetic business.
• Love hotels are expensive so sometimes young couples have sex in karaoke venues - so I have heard.
• Every year around 30,000 Japanese people commit suicide because they are unable to deal with the stress of modern daily life.  A large proportion of these people are students.

Ever encountered any of the things above or know anything else interesting about Japan? Please post a comment below.