Japan is an island nation in East Asia, situated in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of mainland Asia. It is bordered to the west by the Sea of Japan and stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. The Japanese archipelago comprises four main islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu—along with thousands of smaller islands, covering a total area of 377,975 square kilometers (145,937 square miles). As of 2024, Japan has a population of nearly 124 million, ranking as the eleventh most populous country globally.
Geography and Population
Tokyo, Japan's capital and largest city, anchors the Greater Tokyo Area, which, with over 37 million residents, is the largest metropolitan area in the world. Japan is administratively divided into 47 prefectures and traditionally grouped into eight regions. About 75% of its terrain is mountainous and densely forested, leading to concentrated agricultural and urban activities along its eastern coastal plains. Positioned on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis.
Historical Overview
Human settlement in Japan dates back to the Upper Paleolithic, with early evidence of habitation around 36,000 BC. By the 4th to 6th centuries, the region's kingdoms were unified under an emperor, first in Nara and later in Heian-kyō. From the 12th century, real power shifted to military rulers (shōguns) and feudal lords (daimyō), enforced by samurai warriors. The Tokugawa shogunate unified Japan in 1600, maintaining an isolationist policy until 1853, when U.S. intervention ended Japan’s seclusion. The Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked a period of rapid modernization and industrialization, during which Japan expanded its military and colonial ambitions. Entering World War II as an Axis power in 1941, Japan surrendered in 1945 after devastating atomic bombings, leading to Allied occupation and postwar recovery. By the mid-20th century, Japan experienced rapid economic growth, becoming a key U.S. ally, although its economy has faced stagnation since the 1990s.
Modern Japan
Today, Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislature, the National Diet. It is a major global power and the only Asian member of the G7. While its constitution renounces the right to declare war, Japan maintains one of the world’s most advanced military forces. A highly developed nation, Japan has one of the largest economies by nominal GDP and leads in industries such as automotive, robotics, and electronics. The country also boasts one of the highest life expectancies, though it faces a declining population.
Cultural Influence
Japan's cultural heritage and modern contributions are internationally celebrated. Traditional arts, cuisine, and practices coexist with globally influential pop culture, including anime, manga, video games, and music. Japan continues to be a hub of innovation, blending its rich history with cutting-edge advancements.
