Diff: Japan
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'''Japan''' is an island nation located in East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of four major islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, along with numerous smaller islands. With a population of over 126 million people, Japan is the 11th most populous country in the world. This article provides an overview of Japan, including its geography, history, culture, economy, and notable landmarks. |
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==Geography== |
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Japan is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is characterised by mountainous terrain, coastal plains, and a temperate climate. The country is known for its numerous volcanoes, including Mount Fuji, which is the highest peak in Japan. Japan also experiences frequent seismic activity and is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. |
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==History== |
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===Ancient and Feudal Japan=== |
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The history of Japan dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating to the Upper Palaeolithic period. Ancient Japan was characterised by the development of agricultural societies and the establishment of early kingdoms and states. In the feudal period, Japan was ruled by a series of shoguns, military leaders who held de facto power over the emperor. |
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===Modern Japan=== |
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In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan underwent a period of rapid modernisation and industrialisation. The country emerged as a major global power, particularly after its victory in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 and its participation in World War I. However, Japan's expansionist policies in the 1930s and 1940s led to its involvement in World War II. |
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'''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]]. |
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Following World War II, Japan was occupied by Allied forces and underwent significant political, social, and economic reforms. The country adopted a new constitution in 1947, renouncing its right to wage war and establishing a parliamentary democracy. |
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==Culture== |
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Japan has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its ancient traditions and modern innovations. Japanese culture is characterised by its unique art, literature, cuisine, and performing arts, including kabuki theatre, traditional tea ceremonies, and martial arts such as karate and judo. Japan is also known for its pop culture, including anime, manga, and video games. |
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==Economy== |
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Japan has the third-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, driven by its advanced technology, manufacturing, and export-oriented industries. The country is a global leader in automotive, electronics, and robotics, with companies such as Toyota, Sony, and Panasonic. Japan also has a significant agricultural sector, producing rice, seafood, and other food products. |
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==Notable Landmarks== |
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Japan is home to numerous iconic landmarks and cultural sites, including: |
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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. |
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[[Mount Fuji]]: The highest peak in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
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== Geography == |
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Japan sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami risk important parts of the country's geography and planning. |
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[[Tokyo Skytree]]: The tallest structure in Japan and a popular tourist attraction. |
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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. |
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[[Himeji Castle]]: A well-preserved feudal-era castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
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== Population == |
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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. |
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[[Kyoto]]: The former imperial capital of Japan, known for its historic temples, shrines, and traditional architecture. |
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Population pressure is uneven. Greater Tokyo is one of the world's largest metropolitan areas, while many rural towns and islands face depopulation. |
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[[Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park]]: A memorial to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. |
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== Government == |
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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. |
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[[Okinawa]]: A group of islands in southern Japan known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and unique culture. |
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==See Also== |
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[[Emperor of Japan]] |
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The National Diet is Japan's legislature. The Prime Minister is chosen through the Diet and leads the Cabinet. |
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[[Japanese cuisine]] |
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== History == |
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Japan's early history includes the Jomon and Yayoi periods, the development of imperial institutions, and long periods of aristocratic, warrior and regional rule. |
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[[Shinto]] |
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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. |
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[[Japanese language]] |
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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. |
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[[Samurai]] |
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==References== |
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"Japan - The World Factbook." Central Intelligence Agency, www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/japan/. |
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== Economy == |
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Japan is a major industrial and technological economy. It is known for automotive manufacturing, electronics, robotics, precision engineering, chemicals, finance and high-speed rail. |
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"Japan's History and Culture." Japan National Tourism Organization, www.japan.travel/en/guide/japan-history-and-culture/. |
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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. |
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"Japan's Economy." Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/uk/visa/data.html. |
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== Culture == |
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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. |
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Food is another major part of Japan's international image. Sushi, ramen, tempura, curry rice, soba, udon and regional dishes are widely recognised. |
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== Tourism == |
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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. |
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== See Also == |
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* [[Tokyo]] |
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* [[Japanese cuisine]] |
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* [[Nintendo]] |
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* [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]] |
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== References == |
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* [https://www.japan.go.jp/japan/ JapanGov: About Japan] |
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* [https://www.japan.go.jp/directory/ JapanGov: Government directory] |
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* [https://www.stat.go.jp/english/ Statistics Bureau of Japan] |
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* [https://www.mofa.go.jp/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] |
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* [https://www.japan.travel/en/ JNTO: Travel Japan] |
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[[Category:Countries]] |
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[[Category:Asia]] |
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[[Category:Japan]] |