10 Japanese everyday features that reflect Japanese hygiene culture / Unbelievable
The mysteries of Japan have always aroused people’s curiosity. Attention is drawn not only to the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun, but also to the everyday habits of its population, such as cleanliness. This passion can be partly influenced by the climatic conditions of the country, as the humidity is high. Japanese people not only take care of the cleanliness of their home and personal belongings, but also strive to keep public spaces clean and in good condition.
1. You must wear a mask over your head before trying on the clothes.
Some shops offer disposable sneakers for customers to try on, and this is already common. But in Japan, they go further in terms of hygiene: to try on clothes, you have to wear a special cap like the one above. This is a sensible measure as it prevents cosmetic stains on new clothes, especially clothes like sweaters and pullovers.
2. The Japanese eat almost all fruits peeled
To impress the Japanese, eat an apple, pear or unpeeled grape in front of them. In Brazil, it is common to eat some fruits with or without the peel, depending on personal taste. However, in Japan, almost all fruits are peeled before eating. This is because chemicals are applied to the fruit during cultivation.
- In Japan, it is not common to eat apples with their skins, as they are usually peeled and cut into pieces. If you eat an unpeeled apple in the presence of Japanese people, it may make a strange impression and may be considered unusual. © KyotoGaijin / Reddit
3. In stores, they don’t tend to hand over cash directly to the cash register.
We use cash less and less to pay for purchases. However, when we use it, it is normal to give it directly to the cashier. In Japan, this way is not considered appropriate: the amount should not be handed over directly to the cashier, but put in a special basket from which the employee picks it up.
4. It is not common to find paper towels in bathrooms in Japan
- It is common to find public restrooms without soap, paper towels, or hand dryers, and many only have cold water. While it is not possible to generalize the personal hygiene habits of all Japanese people, there are situations where it is simply not possible to wash your hands properly when you are out and about. © Charles Halverson / Quora
It is rare to find disposable paper towels in public toilets in Japan. Instead, many Japanese people carry Kleenex packs with them and use them to dry their hands. However, the country’s public toilets are known for their cleanliness and functionality. They are equipped with faucets and soap dispensers with a proximity sensor, eliminating the need to touch surfaces by hand. In addition, it is common in restaurants to offer wet towels, so-called oshiborifor customers to wash their hands before eating.
5. After use, the mattresses should be allowed to dry in the morning
In Japan, it is common to use a futon, a traditional mattress made of cotton, wool or synthetic material. According to tradition, it must be gathered at night and stored during the day, but before that, in the morning, the Japanese let it dry in the sun if it is damp. Drying the futon is part of the country’s daily routine.
6. Taxi drivers must keep their vehicles clean
Unfortunately, it is still common to find dirty taxis in Brazil, especially on rainy days. In Japan, however, the situation is different. Before starting each work shift, the drivers check the cleanliness of the vehicle and even the slightest stain is unacceptable. Cars that do not meet the cleanliness requirements are not allowed to leave the garage. Japanese taxi drivers are careful and remove all dirt with great enthusiasm, as the use of white gloves is common.
7. There is a special shirt in Japan that can be used to clean cell phone screens and glasses.
The creativity of the Japanese is well known and proof of this is the shirt they developed that can clean glasses and cell phone screens. At first glance, the piece looks like an ordinary shirt, but it has special microfiber stripes that ensure good cleaning of these surfaces.
8. They have antiviral and antibacterial wallpaper
The Japanese have developed special wallpapers with antiviral and antibacterial properties. They have an antimicrobial layer that has the ability to remove viruses and bacteria even after several water cleanings without losing its effectiveness.
9. In Japan, the manicure style focuses especially on the health of the nails and can help improve them.
Japanese women tend to prefer a simpler treatment, focusing more on nail health than aesthetics, unlike Western manicures that use colored nail polishes and designs. In Japan, nail care involves moisturizing with oil and avoiding the use of chemicals. It is interesting to note that manicures are also common among men in Japan.
10. It is not acceptable to touch food more than once
Long-term residents of Japan will notice a strange but sensible rule. Some foodstuffs, especially those intended for immediate consumption, are stored in greenhouses or showcases. If a customer orders a certain product, such as a cabbage patty, but accidentally receives a beef patty, the product cannot be returned to the display case. Even if the seller uses gloves when handling food, it must be discarded.
