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5 Interesting Facts About Japanese Culture That You Probably Don't Know

Kids Clean Their School Every Day

And no, it is not because they love cleaning.  This is a task that all school children are required to do.  So, the next time you think your school is so terrible, imagine having to clean it too!

Cherry Blossom Season Is a Big Thing in Japan

Every spring when the Cherry Blossom trees bloom, the Japanese head out of the house for Ohanami, or flower sightseeing.  The idea is to enjoy the short lived cherry blossom bloom while it lasts, and the Japanese do there best to take full advantage of it.  Parks that have Cherry Blossom trees are crowded with groups of friends and families who come prepared to hang out and enjoy the day with food, snacks, and drinks.

Take Your Shoes Off... Almost Everywhere

Most of us know that the Japanese people take their shoes off at home.  But, did you also realize that they do so at schools, temples, libraries, the gym, and other public places as well?

They Are Serious About Protection Amulets

Maybe this is why the Japanese live so long.  They have these special amulets that you can buy at the temples called Omamori that help you in many areas of your life including health, happiness, money, and success.  However, one amulet cannot give you protection for everything.  Instead, each amulet is designed to help in one specific area of your life.  For example, my Japanese friend Sakura has an Omamori to protect her from car accidents, and has actually never been in one!  Perhaps Omamori is something all of us should look into…

Starting the New Year with Hatsumode

In the U.S., we make resolutions for the New Year, and in Japan they have Hatsumode.  Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of going to a shrine in the beginning of the year to pray for a fresh start, success, money, happiness, ect.  It can vary from person to person.  For instance, my Japanese friend Sakura mentioned that Hatsumode was the time of year that she reflected on how grateful she was for life.  It is also a great opportunity to see many people wearing the traditional Japanese Kimono and to buy an Omamori (good luck charm) for the new year.

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