Japan is an island country in East Asia. It lies in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Korean Peninsula, China and Russia. Its capital and largest urban centre is Tokyo.
Japan is made up of four main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, along with many smaller islands. It is known for its dense cities, mountainous terrain, seismic activity, advanced manufacturing, long cultural history and major influence on global popular culture.
Geography
Japan sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami risk important parts of the country's geography and planning.
The country has 47 prefectures. Much of the land is mountainous, so population and transport are concentrated in coastal plains and urban corridors. Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain and one of its best-known symbols.
Population
Japan has one of the world's largest populations but also one of the most visible ageing and population-decline issues among developed countries. The Statistics Bureau of Japan reported a preliminary population count of 122.85 million for 1 June 2026.
Population pressure is uneven. Greater Tokyo is one of the world's largest metropolitan areas, while many rural towns and islands face depopulation.
Government
Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The Emperor is the symbol of the state, while elected institutions and the Cabinet exercise political authority under the Constitution of Japan.
The National Diet is Japan's legislature. The Prime Minister is chosen through the Diet and leads the Cabinet.
History
Japan's early history includes the Jomon and Yayoi periods, the development of imperial institutions, and long periods of aristocratic, warrior and regional rule.
The Tokugawa shogunate governed from the early 17th century until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The Meiji period brought rapid modernisation, industrialisation and expansion of state power.
Japan's militarism and imperial expansion in the early 20th century led to war across Asia and the Pacific. After defeat in the Second World War, Japan was occupied by Allied forces, adopted a new constitution in 1947 and rebuilt as a major industrial economy.
Economy
Japan is a major industrial and technological economy. It is known for automotive manufacturing, electronics, robotics, precision engineering, chemicals, finance and high-speed rail.
Major Japanese companies include Toyota, Sony, Nintendo, Panasonic, Honda and Mitsubishi. The economy also faces long-term issues including ageing, labour shortages, debt, regional decline and pressure to improve productivity.
Culture
Japanese culture includes older traditions and modern global exports. Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, tea ceremony, calligraphy, martial arts, festivals and traditional theatre sit alongside anime, manga, video games, fashion, film and popular music.
Food is another major part of Japan's international image. Sushi, ramen, tempura, curry rice, soba, udon and regional dishes are widely recognised.
Tourism
Japan attracts visitors through cities, temples, shrines, mountains, hot springs, castles, food, shopping, skiing, cherry blossom and autumn leaves. Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Hiroshima, Nara, Okinawa and Mount Fuji are among the best-known destinations.
See Also
References
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