Japan, Island country in East Asia
Japan is an island nation in East Asia stretching across 6,852 islands from the Sea of Okhotsk to the East China Sea. The four main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu form the territorial core, with mountain ranges crossing all major landmasses and coastal plains forming the primary settlement areas.
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 ended feudal rule and initiated a period of rapid industrialization. Military defeat in 1945 led to post-war reconstruction that transformed the manufacturing sector and produced economic growth through the 1980s.
The name comes from the Chinese term Rìběn, describing the location east of the mainland and meaning "origin of the sun". Local festivals throughout the year mark seasonal changes, with neighborhood shrines hosting ceremonies that draw residents in traditional dress.
Shinkansen trains connect major cities at speeds reaching 320 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour) on primary routes. Spring and autumn offer moderate temperatures for travel, while most urban facilities provide multilingual signage and widespread public wireless internet access in metropolitan areas.
Over 100 active volcanoes form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Ryukyu Trench southwest of the main islands reaches depths exceeding 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) below sea level.
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