Google operates hundreds of domain names for different regions around the world, from Australia (google.com.au) to Zimbabwe (google.co.zw). And searching for the same keyword throws up different results depending on which country Google thinks you’re in.
So what happens when you search “Japan” in different countries’ Google Image Search? To find out, a curious Japanese netizen did exactly that. The image results reveal a little bit about how each country sees Japan – some just might surprise you!
Each Google Image search was done in the country’s own main language, so that for example, on Google France the search term was “Japon”, and on Google Brazil it was “Japao”.
▼ United States
▼ Africa
(The rest are actually countries, not continents, I promise.)
▼ Brazil
▼ China
Maps, subway plans, and Doraemon!
▼ Finland
Robots, CGI imagery, and stationery.
▼ Sweden
▼ Taiwan
▼ Thailand
▼ Vietnam
▼ France
▼ Germany
▼ India
▼ Mexico
▼ Norway
It’s all doom and gloom really, with whaling and disasters heavily featured.
▼ Russia
Back to light relief in Russia with this colourful floral set of results.
▼ Saudi Arabia
Pictures of schoolkids learning and cleaning the school bathrooms shows a keen interest in the Japanese education system.
▼ South Korea
The most popular results from South Korea were also, erm, fairly specialised:
Source and images: VIPPER Sokuho
Thanks for the extra image, Vedha!
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Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
Salmon-flavored Puccho candy – disgusting or delightful? 【Taste test】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Japanese men list seven traits that would make it impossible for them to date a woman
We try buying a giant Costco Japan purin that’s not purin and not at Costco【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
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Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
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Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
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