Jap

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== Japan ==

Island country in East Asia

Japan

Official name	Japan
Common name	Japan
Motto
Anthem
Flag
Coat of arms
Capital	Tokyo
Largest city	Tokyo
Government	Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Legislature	National Diet

Japan (日本, Nihon or Nippon) is an island country in East Asia, located in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north toward the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. Part of the Ring of Fire, Japan spans an archipelago of 14,125 islands, with the five main islands being Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa. Tokyo is the nation's capital and largest city; other major cities include Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Kobe, and Kyoto.

Etymology

The name Japan is based on the Chinese pronunciation of the Japanese name, 日本, which is pronounced Nihon or Nippon in Japanese. The characters mean "sun origin," which is why Japan is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun."

History

Japan's history is marked by periods of isolation and interaction with the outside world. The Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) represents the earliest known era of Japanese history, characterized by a hunter-gatherer culture. The subsequent Yayoi period (300 BCE–300 CE) saw the introduction of rice farming and metallurgy from the Korean Peninsula.

The Asuka period (538–710) marked the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, which had a profound influence on Japanese culture. The Nara period (710–794) saw the establishment of a centralized government and the creation of the first Japanese legal codes. The Heian period (794–1185) is noted for its art, poetry, and literature, including the famous The Tale of Genji.

The Kamakura period (1185–1333) was characterized by the rise of the samurai and the establishment of the shogunate. The Muromachi period (1336–1573) saw the flourishing of Japanese culture, including the development of Noh theater and tea ceremony. The Edo period (1603–1868) was marked by the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, which enforced a policy of isolation known as sakoku.

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 restored imperial rule and led to rapid modernization and industrialization. Japan's imperial ambitions led to conflicts such as the First Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War II. After its defeat in 1945, Japan adopted a pacifist constitution and experienced significant economic growth, becoming a major global power.

Geography

Japan is an archipelago consisting of 14,125 islands, with the five main islands being Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa. The country is located in the Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The highest point in Japan is Mount Fuji, an active volcano.

Government and Politics

Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The Emperor is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The National Diet is Japan's bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.

Economy

Japan has the third-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and the fourth-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). It is a global leader in automobile manufacturing, electronics, and robotics. Major Japanese companies include Toyota, Sony, Nintendo, and Honda.

Culture

Japanese culture is a blend of traditional and modern influences. Traditional arts include tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), and origami. Japan is also known for its anime, manga, and video games. The country has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes such as sushi, ramen, and tempura being popular worldwide.

Demographics

Japan has a population of approximately 125 million people, making it the 11th most populous country in the world. The majority of the population is ethnically Japanese, with small minorities of Koreans, Chinese, and Ainu. The official language is Japanese, and the predominant religions are Shinto and Buddhism.

Education

Japan has a highly developed education system, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, and mathematics. The country has numerous prestigious universities, including the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.

Health

Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with a well-developed healthcare system. The country faces challenges such as an aging population and low birth rates.

Sports

Popular sports in Japan include baseball, soccer, sumo wrestling, and martial arts such as judo and karate. Japan has hosted several international sporting events, including the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and the 2020 Summer Olympics.

See also

• Geography of Japan
• History of Japan
• Economy of Japan
• Culture of Japan
• Demographics of Japan
• Education in Japan
• Healthcare in Japan
• Sports in Japan