This blog is mainly a collection of the questions I have had or heard since I arrived in Japan eight ago that I have found plausible, interesting and/ or amusing explanations to from reading, speaking to people or my own pondering. For some reason, almost all of the questions start with “Why..?” or “How…?”
The philosophy of JapanExplained is that any explanation is better than none (as it stops the “Are these people crazy?” response to cultural difference) and that many explanations are better than one.
If you have your own questions or pet theories, please leave a comment after any entry.
Please also have a look at my other Japan themed blogs QuoteJapan and Tips for Brits in Tokyo and my English teaching (mainly in Japan) themed blog TEFLtastic.
leona said,
November 16, 2009 at 4:53 pm
hi
your site is truly amazing.i have no idea how i got so drawn towards japanese arts,culture ,language etc.so i was searching everywere for people’s opinions on japanese culture .that’s when i stumbled upon your site.it has explained almost every aspect of japan that i wanted to know.
seriously you have put in a lot of effort in expressing as well as explaining your thoughts .truly incredible work done by you!!!
oh by the way i am an indian fan of japan
good job!!!!!!1
Hope Azzopardi said,
November 7, 2010 at 1:59 am
why is japanese food so popular?
Benjamin Martin said,
January 23, 2012 at 12:44 am
Because its awesomely delicious.
Jenny Hones said,
May 28, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Hi Ben,
I came across your blog and find your questions and curiosity of Japan so refreshing! I too write a blog on Asian/Japanese culture. I’m Japanese American who grew up in Tokyo and share many of the points you address. I’d like to put you on my blogroll. If you have the chance please check out my blog http://AsianLifestyleDesign.com/
Keep it up! Love it!
Jenny Hones said,
May 28, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Oh Sorry, I realize you are not Ben! You’re Alex! my apologies.
Vidhya said,
September 28, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Alex,
What a wonderful site. Im so fan of Japan manga’s (Naruto, soul eater, one piece, Dragon ball, Fairy tail, Bleach) , decided that I wanted to know everything about Japan. I landed on your page after few searches and never visited other site for any Japanese life style or other information. Truly awesome site to become Japanese. I havent read all your artticles but would be interested to see more info on tourism on your page.
Sara said,
October 31, 2012 at 9:21 pm
My sistter came from Japan She was simply exousted from the non stop smiling culture robotic type of behavior where one can not simply express themselves emotionaly locked society and one of the most perverted. The supressed robotic life is super unhealthy and many are depressed, the culture has flourished from warrior clans samurai hence not much warmth emnelops such civilization, lots of weird rules that do not have any logical or religious explenation. Did you know that drinking water on the street is concidered offensive.