The new Tokyo Skytree has enjoyed immense popularity and is being credited for giving Japanese people hope for the future. Yes, having with the tallest tower (634 meters) and the second tallest structure in the world, we are all filled with a renewed sense of confirmation that — taller is better!

But is it? What of the maxims "Small is beautiful," "Less is more," and "Good things come in small packages?" After all, Japan is a self-professed "small island nation" (chiisana shimaguni) and is the home of capsule hotels, petite women and tiny four-wheel drive vehicles. It's a land where model Gundam figures rein supreme.

While the Tokyo Skytree is commanding all the attention for being the tallest tower in the world, let's not forget some of the littler things Japan should be proud of: