There are far fewer cars, as the primary mode of transportation is via the train. Of which, Japan has nearly perfected that medium of transportation. You’ll rarely hear that Japan’s train lines ever run late, and if they do, it is by mere seconds. Though, a common critique of this system is that, as the primary means of transportation in Japan, their subways can become extremely crowded, passengers often having to be packed close together within centimetres.
There is much respect for the elderly in Japan, although it has become less common for elderly people to live with their grown children. Customs when strangers meet for the first time, they bow, rather than shake hands, unlike the west.
There are many religions in Japan. The native religion of Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity all play a role and are not exclusive of each other. Many Japanese do not practise any organized religion. Seven per cent practice Christian religions.
The Japanese celebrate many different holidays and festivals, too many to name. New Year's Day is important and is celebrated by going to Shinto temples and eating traditional soba noodles. Japan has its fair share of temples and shrines scattered across the country. As previously mentioned, it is a custom to visit these places during certain events or holidays. Often, families will visit their local temple or shrine during the New Year, a holiday tradition called ‘Hatsumode’, where people pray for good fortune for the coming year.
Knowing that it is also because a lot of Japan’s culture is heavily influenced by its legends and myths. For example, their Ocean/Sea day is a celebration of the bounty of the ocean and its importance to Japan(economy or otherwise). In Japanese mythology, every aspect of nature was generally tied to a god of sorts. As there’s a god of the sea and storm, there are gods that rule the land, the mountains, the sun and the moon. Without a doubt, you’ve probably heard of certain names or titles of gods before, names like Amaterasu, Susanoo, Tsukuyomi, each being gods of a certain aspect of nature. Stigmas like not planting your chopsticks into your food upright is a bad omen as it’s often compared to the incense sticks placed upon graves.
In summary, Japan is a varied country with considerably foreign traditions compared to the West. Nevertheless, it is also one of the leading countries in the modern world in regards to its technological advancements and their adaptability to the modern world while still keeping in touch with its history and traditions.