We loved Japan. Maybe because it is so funky. Here’s some random facts to prove its funkiness.

1. They like Sushi

And it keeps piling…

Of course they do. We do too. But only looking at the sheer amount of raw fish they down, you can see how much they really like it. We did our best to keep up (we had Sushi on 13 out of 16 days in Japan), but the piles of plates they left behind left us speechless.

2. They’ve got flashing red traffic lights.

It’s flashing!

Yep. How confusing is that? Is that like, yellow flashing, but more dangerous? No clue.

3. Contamination does not spread logically.

Hm. Oops.

While a large area north-west of the damaged power plant in Fukushima is sealed off, you can actually drive pretty much straight up unto the power plant itself. Shouldn’t that be the most contaminated area? Good thing my hair is all gone anyways.

4. They love their Toyotas.

Wait – what?

Fair enough, they make them. But still, it’s cute to see how so many Japanese “pimp” the front logo on their Toyota cars. We’ve seen probably a dozen different options, at least. And only on the front.

5. They dig electric cars.

Electric car-land.

Again, fair enough, they make the Prius, the mother of all electric (or hybrid) cars. But it’s impressive how many charging stations for EV they have. A paradise for any Tesla-owner!

6. They adore 7-11.

1 of 10’000.

Thought Seven Eleven was American? Think again: The brand is actually owned by a Japanese company. And you can tell: We’ve never seen so many of them, not even in Bangkok. And every single one is the same – like, up to the positioning of the magazines, like thousands of identical twins (ha!). But that’s actually pretty convenient: They offer a clean toilet, a large parking spot and free wifi. All 3 of which are priceless when driving a camper van.

7. The toilets.

Just press and enjoy…

Oh man, the toilets. They’ve got more options than my first PC. And they do more, too. Those things clean parts of your body you didn’t even know you had. No kidding. Try it. And make sure to turn on the water sounds to prevent anyone from hearing your joy.

8. You can’t smoke outside – but you can inside.

Yeah…right.

Seriously, that’s just weird: Somehow, smoking while walking (outside!) is illegal in some spots,  but they smoke like chimneys in most restaurants.

9. They sell funky drinks.

Made my (cold) day.

I mean, most countries have their funny drinks, but they top them all: Take this can of Espresso Tea, for example. Hot. Out of a machine. Quite epic on a cold and rainy day, actually.

10. They don’t sell shower gel. 

Take your pick.

Although there’s no shortage of Western brands of shampoos, we haven’t found a single shower gel as in Axe, Denim or whatever.

11. They sell black things…

Won’t ever see dirt.

…that, at least in Western society, are not black. Ever. Like ear buds and tooth brushes.

12. Their locks close counter-clockwise. 

Got me.

That messed with my mind. Every single time.

13. They are polite. 

Sorry, so sorry!

Like – super polite. Everybody. Construction workers bowed down upon letting us pass. I mean, even their street signs are polite!

Last but not least: They found Waldo.

Here he is!

He’s been hiding here, in plain sight, all along. Then again, not easy to spot, among the average crazy Japanese dress.

Yep. We’ll be back. So long, funky island!