Japan Facts

Japan, State of East Asia; 377,835 km², 126.5 million residents (2019).Japan, located just over 800 km east of mainland China and 190 km east of the Korean Peninsula, comprises just over 6,000 islands, of which the four largest are Honshu (231,100 km² ), Hokkaido (83,500 km² ), Kyushu (42,200 km² ) and Shikoku (18,800 km² ). From Kyushu, the Ryukyu Islands extend in an arc toward Taiwan. North of Hokkaido are the Habomai Islands, Shikotan, Kunashiri and Etorofu; these former Japanese islands were occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, but Japan claims them. Japan’s area is gradually increasing peacefully; since the 1950s has more than 800 km ²land gained from the sea through polder plants. The capital is Tokyo (9.6 million residents, 2018).

Country facts

• Nihon / Japan
• Country abbreviation: JP
• Area: 377 835 km²
• Population (2019): 126.5 million residents
• Capital: Tokyo
• Main language: Japanese
• State: Monarchy
• Head of State: Naruhito (Emperor)
• Head of Government: Shinzo Abe
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 39,287
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 41,340
• Currency unit: 1 yen = 100 sen
• Currency code: JPY
• Country number (telephony): 81
• Internet domain name: jp
• Time difference compared to Sweden: +8
• National Day: February 11 (the country’s first emperor’s coronation)

Nature

• Land use: forest (66%), agricultural land (12%), other (22%)
• Highest mountain: Fuji (3,776 m asl)

Population

• Population density (2019): 335 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): −0.4%; birth number 7 ‰, death number 11 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (12%), 15-64 (60%), 65- (28%)
• Average life expectancy (2019): men 81 years, women 87 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 2 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 110 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.909 (place 19 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 92%
• Most populous cities (2018): Tokyo (9.6 million residents), Yokohama (3.7 million), Osaka (2.7 million)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (1%), industry (30%), service (69%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 688,900 million
• Main export products: machinery, means of transport
• Main exporting countries: USA, China, South Korea
• Imports (2017): US $ 644,700 million
• Main import products: machinery, fuel, food
• Main Importing Countries: China, USA, Australia
• Railway network (2015): 27,300 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Japan is an island nation located in East Asia, situated in the Pacific Ocean. It lies to the east of the Korean Peninsula and China, and its nearest neighbors include South Korea, Russia, and Taiwan. Japan consists of 14,125 islands, the four main islands being Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. These islands stretch in a long arc from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south, covering an area of about 377,975 square kilometers. Japan’s islands are separated by narrow seas, such as the Sea of Japan to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

Despite being a small nation geographically, Japan’s extensive coastlines and rich natural environment provide the country with diverse ecosystems, from mountainous regions to fertile plains. The archipelago is positioned along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly seismically active zone that frequently experiences earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis.

Physical Features

Japan’s geography is dominated by mountains, which cover approximately 70% of its land area. The Japanese Alps, running through the central part of the country, divide the main island of Honshu into eastern and western halves. Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), is an iconic volcano and a cultural symbol of Japan. The country’s mountainous terrain has historically limited the development of large flatlands and contributed to the concentration of population in coastal and river valley areas.

Japan is also home to a number of notable rivers, including the Shinano River, the longest in Japan, and the Tone River, which are important for irrigation and transportation. The country has a series of beautiful coastlines, especially along the Sea of Japan, featuring rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. In addition to its landforms, Japan’s numerous hot springs (onsen) are famous worldwide for their therapeutic properties, offering a natural, relaxing experience amid the country’s mountainous landscapes.

Climate

Japan experiences a wide range of climates due to its geographic diversity and elongated shape. The climate varies from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south. In the northern regions, such as Hokkaido, winters are long and cold with heavy snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports. In contrast, the southern parts of Japan, including Okinawa, experience a humid subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.

The climate of central Japan, particularly Tokyo and Kyoto, is temperate, with four distinct seasons: hot summers, cold winters, and moderate spring and autumn seasons. The summer months are often humid, with high temperatures and the occasional typhoon, which typically occurs from June to October. The rainy season, called “tsuyu,” generally takes place from June to mid-July and brings heavy, sustained rainfall.

The variation in climate across Japan contributes to the country’s rich biodiversity. While cherry blossoms bloom in spring and colorful autumn leaves cover the country in fall, Japan also has vast regions covered with forests and rice paddies that are integral to its agricultural economy.

Natural Resources

Japan has limited natural resources, particularly in comparison to its size, making it reliant on imports for much of its raw materials. The country’s main natural resources include coal, copper, gold, and agricultural land. Japan is one of the world’s largest importers of fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas, used to meet its energy demands. The country has made efforts to diversify its energy sources, including the expansion of nuclear energy and a push towards renewable sources such as wind and solar power.

The fishing industry is a vital part of Japan’s economy and culture, with the country being one of the world’s largest consumers of seafood. Japan is also known for its forest resources, as forests cover around 67% of the country’s land area. Forestry and timber industries play a role, although Japan imports the majority of timber products.

People

Population and Ethnic Composition

Japan has a population of approximately 126 million people, making it the 11th most populous country in the world. It is one of the most homogenous nations in terms of ethnicity, with around 98% of the population identifying as ethnic Japanese. Other smaller ethnic groups include the Ainu people, indigenous to the northernmost island of Hokkaido, and the Ryukyuans from Okinawa, as well as small populations of Koreans, Chinese, and Brazilian-Japanese.

Japan’s population is concentrated in urban areas, with Tokyo, the capital city, being the largest metropolitan area in the world. Urban centers such as Osaka, Yokohama, and Nagoya are also heavily populated. Rural areas, particularly in the mountainous regions, have experienced population decline due to urban migration and an aging population.

Language

The official language of Japan is Japanese, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. The language has several dialects, with differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar depending on the region. The standard form of Japanese, known as “Standard Japanese,” is based on the dialect of the Tokyo region and is used in government, media, and education.

Japanese is written using three scripts: Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana. Kanji are logographic characters borrowed from Chinese, while Hiragana and Katakana are syllabic scripts used for phonetic spelling. While Japanese is the primary language of communication, English is taught in schools, and many younger people, particularly in urban areas, have some proficiency in English.

Religion

Shintoism and Buddhism are the two main religions in Japan, both of which have deeply influenced the country’s culture and traditions. Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, emphasizes the worship of kami (spirits or gods) that inhabit natural elements, such as mountains, rivers, trees, and animals. Shinto shrines are common throughout Japan, and Shinto rituals are an integral part of Japanese life, particularly during important events like weddings and New Year celebrations.

Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century and has since become a significant part of the spiritual landscape. Zen Buddhism, in particular, has had a profound influence on Japanese aesthetics, philosophy, and practices, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and gardens. Many Japanese people practice a blend of Shintoism and Buddhism, with rituals from both religions being observed in daily life and major life events, such as funerals and ancestor worship.

Christianity and other religions, such as Islam and Hinduism, have a small presence in Japan, and while Japan is considered a secular society, religious ceremonies and traditions continue to play an important role in its culture.

Economy

Key Industries

Japan has one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced economies. The country is a global leader in manufacturing, particularly in electronics, automobiles, and robotics. Major Japanese companies, such as Toyota, Sony, Panasonic, and Honda, are known for their innovation and quality. Japan is also a leading producer of semiconductors and other high-tech products, which are integral to the global supply chain.

The automotive industry is a critical component of Japan’s economy, with Japan being home to some of the world’s most famous car manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. These companies not only dominate the domestic market but also export vehicles to countries around the world, contributing significantly to Japan’s export economy.

In addition to manufacturing, Japan has a thriving service sector, particularly in finance, tourism, and information technology. Tokyo is a global financial hub, and Japanese banks are some of the largest in the world. The country’s technology sector is at the forefront of research and development, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy.

Agriculture and Fishing

Agriculture in Japan is highly productive, despite the country’s limited arable land. The country’s mountainous terrain makes large-scale farming difficult, but the fertile plains, particularly in the Kanto and Kansai regions, support the cultivation of rice, which is the staple food. Other crops grown in Japan include vegetables, fruits, and tea. The country also produces a variety of fish and seafood, which are central to Japanese cuisine.

Japan is one of the world’s largest seafood consumers, and its fishing industry remains an important part of the national economy, despite challenges from overfishing and international pressure on sustainable practices. The country has long been associated with fish markets, particularly the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, where fresh fish, including the prized bluefin tuna, are sold.

Services and Tourism

The services sector is a significant part of Japan’s economy, particularly finance, retail, and transportation. Japan has a well-developed infrastructure, including one of the most advanced rail networks in the world, with the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains) being a symbol of the country’s technological prowess. The tourism industry also plays an important role, with millions of international visitors flocking to Japan each year to experience its unique culture, natural beauty, and historical sites. Major tourist destinations include Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido, as well as the historic temples and shrines spread across the country.

Economic Challenges

Despite its technological prowess, Japan faces several economic challenges. The country has an aging population, with one of the highest life expectancies in the world. This demographic shift poses significant challenges to the labor force and social security systems. Additionally, Japan has a large public debt, which is one of the highest among developed nations. The country is working on policies to address these issues, including encouraging more immigration and implementing economic reforms to boost productivity.

Government

Political System

Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The emperor is the ceremonial head of state, with the position being largely symbolic. The Japanese Constitution, adopted in 1947, defines Japan as a sovereign nation and establishes the government’s structure, which includes a bicameral legislature and an independent judiciary. The Emperor’s role is largely ceremonial, and the emperor does not hold any political power.

The Japanese government is composed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Emperor from the majority party in the Japanese Diet (parliament), serves as the head of government. The Prime Minister has significant power in shaping policy, overseeing the cabinet, and directing government affairs. Japan has a multi-party system, with political power often shifting between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and opposition parties.

Legal System

Japan’s legal system is based on civil law and follows the traditions of European legal systems, particularly that of Germany. The judiciary is independent, and the country has a Supreme Court, which is the highest judicial authority in Japan. Japan’s legal system is known for its efficiency, particularly in handling criminal cases, though concerns over the treatment of suspects and the use of confessions have been raised.

The Japanese legal system places a strong emphasis on social order and conformity, and crime rates in Japan are generally low. However, the country has faced growing challenges related to corporate misconduct and organized crime, particularly the yakuza, a powerful and longstanding criminal syndicate.

Culture

Language and Literature

The Japanese language is a significant part of the nation’s cultural identity. Written using a combination of Chinese characters (kanji) and two native phonetic scripts (hiragana and katakana), Japanese is rich in history and expression. Classical Japanese literature, such as “The Tale of Genji,” written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century, is considered one of the world’s earliest novels and reflects Japan’s deep cultural traditions.

Japanese literature spans a wide range of genres, including poetry, drama, and modern novels. The haiku, a form of short, 17-syllable poetry, has become an internationally recognized form of Japanese expression. Contemporary authors such as Haruki Murakami, Yukio Mishima, and Banana Yoshimoto have gained global recognition for their work, which often explores themes of existentialism, identity, and Japanese cultural transformation.

Art, Music, and Cinema

Japan has a rich tradition of art and aesthetics, ranging from ancient forms like calligraphy and ink painting to modern art movements such as ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Japanese design and architecture, particularly during the Edo period, emphasize simplicity, balance, and a deep connection to nature.

Traditional music in Japan includes the use of instruments such as the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), the koto (a zither-like instrument), and taiko drums. These traditional music forms are still performed today, alongside contemporary Japanese music genres, including J-pop, which is popular globally.

Japanese cinema, with directors like Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Hayao Miyazaki, has had a profound influence on world cinema. Japanese films are known for their exploration of human emotion, societal norms, and the impact of modernity on traditional life.

Festivals and Traditions

Japan is known for its rich cultural traditions and festivals, many of which are tied to the changing seasons. The cherry blossom festival, or “hanami,” is celebrated each spring as people gather under cherry trees to admire the delicate blossoms. Other major festivals include the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, a month-long celebration with processions and religious rituals, and Tanabata, a festival based on a Chinese legend about star-crossed lovers.

Cuisine

Japanese cuisine is renowned for its simplicity, freshness, and emphasis on seasonality. Rice is the staple food, and dishes often feature seafood, vegetables, and tofu. Sushi, sashimi, ramen, and tempura are just a few examples of the iconic foods that have become popular worldwide. Japanese cuisine also emphasizes presentation, with many dishes carefully arranged to reflect natural beauty.

Tea is an integral part of Japanese culture, with the Japanese tea ceremony being a highly ritualized tradition that emphasizes aesthetics, mindfulness, and respect.

Japan Map