Japan

The archipelago comprises 6,852 islands stretching between the Sea of Okhotsk and East China Sea. Four main islands form the territorial core: Hokkaido in the north, central Honshu, Shikoku, and southern Kyushu. Mountain ranges cross all major landmasses, while coastal plains contain primary settlement areas housing over 125 million people across diverse climate zones from subarctic to subtropical.

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 ended feudal rule and initiated rapid industrialization. Military expansion through the early 20th century concluded with defeat in 1945. Post-war reconstruction transformed manufacturing sectors, producing economic growth through the 1980s. Constitutional reforms established parliamentary democracy, while maintaining the imperial institution in ceremonial capacity since medieval foundations evolved into modern governance structures.

Religious practices combine Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines throughout daily life. Traditional arts including tea ceremony, calligraphy, and flower arrangement pass through generations. Regional cuisines reflect local ingredients and centuries-old preparation methods, while modern pop culture extends global influence through animation, fashion, and technology.

Shinkansen trains connect major cities at speeds reaching 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour) on primary routes. Regional rail and bus networks serve rural areas. Spring and autumn provide moderate temperatures for travel. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Most urban facilities offer multilingual signage, while public wireless internet access operates widely in metropolitan areas. International airports serve Tokyo, Osaka, and other regional hubs.

Over 100 active volcanoes form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Ryukyu Trench southwest of the main islands reaches depths exceeding 23,000 feet (7,000 meters) below sea level. Cherry blossom forecasts tracking bloom progression from south to north attract millions of domestic travelers annually. Despite high population density, forest coverage exceeds 65 percent of total land area.

Location: 桐生市

Inception: May 3, 1947

Capital city: Tokyo

Part of: East Asia

Shares border with: Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, People's Republic of China, United States, Philippines

GPS coordinates: 36.57484,139.23942

Latest update: November 30, 2025 15:07