via metafilter, the japan SAQ (Seldom Asked Questions) contains some useful information. for example:
Q.?On the news why are the handcuffs fogged out when they show someone being arrested?
Q.? Why all the cherry trees and no cherries?
Q.? What is the sound of one hand clapping?
Q.? Why do Japanese people say that they have blue traffic lights when they are really green?
and many more questions that make japan sound about as interesting as it is.