The 'Thing, Japan' meme, also known as 'Place, Japan,' is a popular internet format that satirizes the perceived aesthetic superiority or technological advancement of Japanese everyday items. The template typically uses a two-panel comparison: the top panel shows a standard, often boring version of a common object or location, while the bottom panel depicts the same thing in Japan, often appearing cleaner, cuter, or more futuristic. Originating on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, the meme pokes fun at the romanticization of Japanese culture and infrastructure. It is widely used to highlight the stark contrast between functional Western design and the stylized, often idealized, presentation of daily life in Japan.