Culture shock; it's the term used to describe a feeling of disorientation when experiencing a culture wildly different to your own. If there's one place on Earth a Westerner can experience it, it's Japan. From Mario Kart tours of Tokyo City, to vending machines that dispense almost anything (including bread and pornography), Japan does things differently. To celebrate this culture that is almost alien to many of us, we've compiled 16 images that we think show how wonderful and wacky Japan can be.
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20 Photos That Sum Up Japan's Weird and Wonderful Culture
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Real-size statue of a robot from the animated sci-fi series Gundam.
Real-size statue of a robot from the animated sci-fi series Gundam. Read less
by Leo Hartadi
A group of youngsters walk the streets of the Harajuku neighbourhood in Tokyo
A group of youngsters walk the streets of the Harajuku neighbourhood in Tokyo Read less
Japanese teenagers with unique costumes walk down Takeshita street in Harajuku, where cosplay street fashion walks take place every Sunday.
Japanese teenagers with unique costumes walk down Takeshita street in Harajuku, where cosplay street fashion walks take place every Sunday. Read less
The Takenokuzoku in Harajuku are the forerunners of the costume players, and still make occasional appearances regularly in Harajuku on Sunday, dancing their hearts out after ca... Read more
The Takenokuzoku in Harajuku are the forerunners of the costume players, and still make occasional appearances regularly in Harajuku on Sunday, dancing their hearts out after carefully coiffing their hair-dos. Read less
by John Lander
Group of Maneki Neko, or 'Beckoning Cat'
Group of Maneki Neko, or 'Beckoning Cat' Read less
Japanese business men juxtapose the playful billboard behind them
Japanese business men juxtapose the playful billboard behind them Read less
Taken in at pedestrian crossing in Akihabara Tokyo, Japan after a heavy rain shower. The street i busy with people.
Taken in at pedestrian crossing in Akihabara Tokyo, Japan after a heavy rain shower. The street i busy with people. Read less
Nurse cosplayer on Akeshita Street in Harajuku.
Nurse cosplayer on Akeshita Street in Harajuku. Read less
Thousands of Japanese people queuing to see the opening of the Emperor's gates.
Thousands of Japanese people queuing to see the opening of the Emperor's gates. Read less
Commuters cram in, waiting for the metro to depart in Tokyo.
Commuters cram in, waiting for the metro to depart in Tokyo. Read less
Hanabi (fireworks) event in summer. Picnic wearing yukata (Japanese traditional summer clothes).
Hanabi (fireworks) event in summer. Picnic wearing yukata (Japanese traditional summer clothes). Read less
by Leo Hartadi
A red fish is on display at the Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo
A red fish is on display at the Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo Read less
In the sumo quarter of Tokyo, Ryogoky, you'll find interesting scenes.
In the sumo quarter of Tokyo, Ryogoky, you'll find interesting scenes. Read less
by journeylism
Shibuya crossing is one of the busiest in the world.
Shibuya crossing is one of the busiest in the world. Read less
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Pachinko gambling machines in Osaka
Pachinko gambling machines in Osaka Read less
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