「灯台下暗し」ではないですが、日本に住んでいると、日本について意外と知らないことがあります。今回紹介する動画は、そんな日本に住む私たちの視点を拡げ、客観的に「NIPPON」という国を見せてくれるものです。
CHARACTER（特徴）｜TOKYO（東京）｜FOOD（食べ物）｜TECHNOLOGY（科学技術）｜WATER（水）｜SUSHI（寿司）｜LOVE（愛）｜SUICIDE（自殺）｜
の8つの項目を統計データに基づき、世界と日本を比較した視点、いがかでしたか？
実はこの動画を作ったのは日本人のグラフィックデザイナーです。2010年に公開されたもので、彼がこの動画を作った時のコメントです。
日本で生活していると、当たり前すぎて気づかない「不思議な事実」を、海外で生活した経験も生かし、外国人の視点から統計とともに映像化しました。
笑いつつも、「なんか不思議だな」と考えてもらえれば幸いです。
動画を見てみると、「なるほどな〜」と考えさせられることがたくさん。データは4年前のものになりますが、この動画は、データ上の情報以外に、もっと大切なことを気づかせてくれるものだと思います。
これを見て、ネガティブに捉えることも、ポジティブな行動を起こすことも、自分次第。ただ、視点が広がったことで、私たちができる小さな努力ほど、重要なことなのではないか、と感じずにはいられません。
（米田ロコ）
TABIZINEについて
TABIZINE（タビジン）は旅と自由をテーマにしたライフスタイル系メディアです。
旅の情報や世界中の小ネタを通して、日常に旅心をもてるようなライフスタイルを提案します。
【TABIZINE人気記事】
Experience Japan
1. Traditional Tea Ceremonies(01 of08)
The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a very old and venerable tradition. Every step and detail of the experience follows the guidelines of wa kei sei jaku: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. It is the host's goal to provide a beautiful spiritual experiences for everyone involved. This responsibility encompasses everything from the food to the utensils to the paintings on the walls.Many travelers choose to partake in a tea ceremony while in Kyoto, a city known for it's ancient elegance and tradition. Take note that this ritual in Japan is distinct for using a bitter, very fine form of green tea known as matcha. Usually small sweets are served alongside to counteract the bitterness.Participate in a Tea Ceremony in Tokyo or read more: A Traditional Tea Ceremony in Tokyo
2. Geishas(02 of08)
Modern Japanese geishas are elusive, yet fascinating, particularly in Kyoto, where a small number are still actively working. Geishas, cultured and educated entertainers and companions, became extremely popular during the 19th century and the practice continues to this day, although on a much smaller scale. Geishas are not prostitutes, but highly trained performers who sing, dance and provide stimulating conversation. They are known for their extremely elaborate make-up and kimonos.It can be very difficult to spot an authentic geisha in Kyoto, as they only appear at private clubs. They are sometimes seen walking the streets of the Gion district in the early evening. There are also organized geisha entertainment shows that anyone can attend. They do not feature true geishas but illustrate much of the culture and showmanship associated with them.Explore Gion on a Kyoto Cultural Tour and read more: Kyoto's Top 5 SightsPhoto credit: Martin Abegglen via Flickr
3. Mount Fuji(03 of08)
The world-famous Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan. It's actually a sleeping volcano: the last eruption occurred 300 years ago. It is considered one of the country's most beautiful sites and is one of the three holy mountains of Japan. As a result is has frequently been depicted in local art and poetry.Climbing the iconic mountain is open to anyone. In fact, over 300,000 people climb Fuji every year. The climbing season is short however: it's only accessible between June and August. The rest of the year the weather is too unpredictable and snowfall too great. There are a handful of different routes, each offering different views and historic sites.Visit Mt Fuji from Tokyo and find more Japan travel ideas in Top Things to Do in Japan
4. Sake Tasting(04 of08)
This unique rice wine is the national drink of Japan. It has been brewed for thousands of years and is an important component of Japanese culture and spirituality (sake plays a large role in certain Shinto ceremonies). It's also a very, very popular drink, second only to beer in consumption.Sake is meant to be sipped and savored. There are hundreds of breweries in Japan that produce a wide variety of sakes with different tastes and flavorings. Depending on the variety, the drink needs to be served either hot, chilled or at room temperature. Because this can be complicated it can be useful to test out different sakes under the knowledgeable guidance of a bartender. Although sake tasting courses are not particularly common, there are many sake bars in Tokyo that will help you experiment with the drink.Learn more about food and sake in Japan: [VIDEO] Kyoto Cooking Class, Sake Tasting and Nishiki Food Market Walking TourPhoto credit: Jon
5. Sushi(05 of08)
Possibly Japan's most famous export is sushi. The typical "roll-style" sushi commonly eaten in western countries does exist, but it pales in comparison to the wide variety of sushi types available.The number one headquarters for amazing, practically still swimming sushi is the area around Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. Arrive early in the morning to browse the huge market of startlingly fresh sea creatures. Then adjourn to one of the local sushi joints for incredibly fresh and diverse sushi pieces. Or combine your fish market tour with a sushi making class. You won't find any rolls here: this sushi is straight nigiri.Read more: Beginners' Guide to Japanese FoodPhoto credit: Ryuta Ishimoto via Flickr
6. Sumo Wrestling(06 of08)
Although sometimes treated as a punchline in the West, sumo wrestling is a serious, well respected tradition in Japan. In fact, it's the country's national sport! Sumo traces it's origins back many hundreds of years and has strong associations with the ritual dancing of the Shinto religion. A sumo match has many ritualized elements and the fighters live a highly regimented, almost monk-like existence.It is easy for visitors to attend a sumo match in Tokyo, Osaka or any major Japanese city. It is often recommended to buy tickets in advance as they often sell out.Watch: [Video] Sumo Wrestling Tournament in Tokyo
7. Relaxing Onsens(07 of08)
The Japanese onsen, or hot spring, can be a wonderful and relaxing experience. As an area with a lot of geothermal activity, there are many natural hot springs used for this purpose. Traditional bath houses can be found in almost any corner of the country; some of them offer outdoor bathing experiences or mud baths and waterfalls. The mineral content of the ground water is believed to give it healing properties. Different springs have different benefits depending on their make-up, but each and every one is meant to be relaxing.One of the most opulent and accessible onsen is Spa World in Osaka. It's open 24 hours a day, has 11 floors and several elaborate European and Asian themed baths. Be aware that in most onsen the genders are segregated and nudity is the standard. People with tattoos are often denied entrance to the baths.Read more: Letting it all hang out: Your Guide to Tokyo OnsenPhoto credit: Cam Switzer via Flickr
8. Modern Youth Culture(08 of08)
Japan has scores of history and tradition but it's also famous for it's exceptionally modern, pop culture side. It's bright, colorful and cutting edge.A stroll through any number of Tokyo neighborhoods will give you an idea of some of the intense subcultures in Japan. Check out the bustling Harajuku neighborhood to see insane fashions, youths in cosplay costumes and the culture of kawaii (cuteness).Even more exciting is the crazy modern area of Akihabara. This district, sometimes called "electric town" is the national headquarters of cutting edge technology. Visit at night to see dazzling lights and signs flashing, clanging pachinko parlors and vast anime shops. It really is like a visit to the future.Japanese culture is so incredibly vast that it's impossible to grasp is all on a short trip. Many people dedicate their entire lives to studying the complicated history and experiences of the country. Luckily, it is possible to participate in many activities and to at least catch a glimpse of what makes this country so fascinating.Read more about things to do in JapanPhoto credit: flyingpurplemonkeys via Flickr