Difference between revisions of "Japan" - New World Encyclopedia

日本国
*Nippon-koku* / *Nihon-koku*
Japan
日本国; Nippon-koku / Nihon-koku Japan
	Anthem: Kimi ga Yo (君が代); Imperial Reign;
Capital; (and largest city)	Tokyo1; 35°41′N 139°46′E
Official languages	Japanese
Government	Constitutional monarchy
Formation
Area
Population
GDP (PPP)	2006 estimate
GDP (nominal)	2006 estimate
Currency	Yen (International ¥, Japanese 円 En) (JPY)
Time zone	JST (UTC+9)
Internet TLD	.jp
Calling code	[[+81]]
1	Yokohama is the largest incorporated city.
2	World Factbook; Japan—Economy. CIA (2006-12-19). Retrieved 2006-12-28.
3	According to legend, Japan was founded on this date by the Emperor Jimmu, first emperor of Japan; it is seen as largely symbolic.

Revision as of 01:49, 6 July 2007

This article is about the country in East Asia. For other uses of the term, see Japan (disambiguation).

Japan ▶ (Japanese: 日本 Nihon or Nippon,^? officially 日本国 Nihon-koku or Nippon-koku) is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of China, Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. The characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin," which is why Japan is sometimes identified as the "Land of the Rising Sun." Japan's capital and largest city is Tokyo.

Japan comprises over three thousand islands,^[1] the largest of which are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of land area. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. Japan has the world's tenth largest population, with about 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.

Archaeological research indicates that people were living on the islands of Japan as early as the Upper Paleolithic period. The first written mention of Japan begins with brief appearances in Chinese history texts from the first century AD. Influence from the outside world followed by long periods of isolation has characterized Japan's history. Thus, its culture today is a mixture of outside influences and internal developments. Since adopting its constitution in 1947, Japan has maintained a unitary constitutional monarchy with an emperor and an elected parliament, the Diet.

A great power,^[2], Japan is the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP after the United States of America. It is a member of the United Nations, G8, G4 and APEC, with the world's fifth largest defense budget. It is the world's fourth largest exporter and sixth largest importer.

History

The first signs of civilization on the Japanese archipelago appeared around 10,000 BC with a culture, characterized by a Mesolithic to Neolithic semi-sedentary hunter-gatherer lifestyle of pit dwelling and a rudimentary form of agriculture. Decorated clay vessels from this period, often with plaited patterns, are some of the oldest surviving examples of pottery in the world.^[3]

The Yayoi period, starting around the third century BC, introduced new practices, such as wet-rice farming, iron and bronze-making and a new style of pottery, brought by migrants from China or Korea. With the development of Yayoi culture, a predominantly agricultural society emerged in Japan.^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]

A middle Jōmon period vessel (3000 to 2000 BC).

The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji, Nara, cast in 752.

The Japanese first appear in written history in China’s Book of Han. According to the Chinese Records of the Three Kingdoms, the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago during the third century was called Yamataikoku.

Japan was first introduced to Buddhism from Korea, but the subsequent development of Japanese Buddhism and Buddhist sculptures were primarily influenced by China.^[8] Despite early resistance, Buddhism was promoted by the ruling class and eventually gained growing acceptance since the Asuka period.^[9]

The Nara period of the eighth century marked the first emergence of a strong central Japanese state, centered around an imperial court in the city of Heijō-kyō, or modern day Nara. In addition to the continuing adoption of Chinese administrative practices, the Nara period is characterized by the appearance of a nascent written literature with the completion of the massive chronicles Kojiki (712) and Nihonshoki (720).^[10]

In 784, Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Nagaokakyō for a brief ten-year period, before relocating it to Heian-kyō (modern day Kyoto) in 794, where it remained for more than a millennium.^[11] This marked the beginning of the Heian period, during which time a distinctly indigenous Japanese culture emerged, noted for its art, poetry and literature. Lady Murasaki's The Tale of Genji and the lyrics of modern Japan's national anthem, Kimi ga Yo were written during this time.^[12]

Japan's feudal era was characterized by the emergence of a ruling class of warriors, the samurai. In 1185, following the defeat of the rival Taira clan, Minamoto no Yoritomo was appointed Shogun and established a base of power in Kamakura. After Yoritomo's death, the Hōjō clan came to rule as regents for the shoguns. Zen Buddhism was introduced from China in the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and became popular among the samurai class. The Kamakura shogunate managed to repel Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281, aided by a storm that the Japanese interpreted as a kamikaze, or Divine Wind. The Kamakura shogunate was eventually overthrown by Emperor Go-Daigo, who was soon himself defeated by Ashikaga Takauji in 1336.^[13] The succeeding Ashikaga shogunate failed to control the feudal warlords (daimyo), and a civil war erupted (the Ōnin War).^[14]

During the sixteenth century, traders and missionaries from Portugal reached Japan for the first time, initiating the Nanban ("southern barbarian") period of active commercial and cultural exchange between Japan and the West.

Oda Nobunaga conquered numerous other daimyo by using European technology and firearms and had almost unified the nation when he was assassinated in 1582. Toyotomi Hideyoshi succeeded Nobunaga and united the nation in 1590. Hideyoshi invaded Korea twice, but following several defeats by Korean and Ming China forces and Hideyoshi's death, Japanese troops were withdrawn in 1598.^[15]

One of Japan's Red seal ships (1634), which were used for trade throughout Asia.

Samurai of the Satsuma clan during the Boshin war, circa 1867.

The 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

After Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa Ieyasu utilized his position as regent for Hideyoshi's son Toyotomi Hideyori to gain political and military support. When open war broke out, he defeated rival clans in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Ieyasu was appointed shōgun in 1603 and established the Tokugawa shogunate at Edo (modern Tokyo). The Tokugawa shogunate enacted a variety of measures to control the daimyo, among them the sankin kōtai policy. In 1639, the shogunate began the isolationist sakoku ("closed country") policy that spanned the two and a half centuries of tenuous political unity known as the Edo period. The study of Western sciences, known as rangaku, continued during this period through contacts with the Dutch enclave at Dejima in Nagasaki. The Edo period also gave rise to kokugaku, or literally "national studies," the study of Japan by the Japanese themselves.^[16]

On March 31, 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry and the "Black Ships" of the United States Navy forced the opening of Japan to the outside world with the Convention of Kanagawa. The Boshin War of 1867–1868 led to the resignation of the shogunate, and the Meiji Restoration established a government centered around the emperor. Adopting Western political, judicial and military institutions, a parliamentary system modeled after the British parliament was introduced, with Itō Hirobumi as the first Prime Minister in 1882. Meiji era reforms transformed the Empire of Japan into an industrialized world power that embarked on a number of military conflicts to increase access to natural resources. After victories in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), Japan gained control of Korea, Taiwan and the southern half of Sakhalin.^[17]

The early twentieth century saw a brief period of "Taisho democracy" overshadowed by the rise of Japanese expansionism and militarization. World War I enabled Japan, which joined the side of the victorious Allies, to expand its influence and territorial holdings. Japan continued its expansionist policy by occupying Manchuria in 1931. As a result of international condemnation for this occupation, Japan resigned from the League of Nations two years later. In 1936, Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Nazi Germany, joining the Axis Powers in 1941.^[18]

In 1937, Japan invaded other parts of China, precipitating the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), after which the United States placed an oil embargo on Japan.^[19] On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the United States naval base in Pearl Harbor and declared war on the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. This act brought the United States into World War II. After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, along with the Soviet Union joining the war against it, Japan agreed to an unconditional surrender on August 15 (V-J Day).^[20] The war cost Japan millions of lives and left much of the country's industry and infrastructure destroyed. The International Military Tribunal for the Far East, was convened by the Allies (on May 3, 1946) to prosecute Japanese leaders for war crimes such as the Nanking Massacre.^[21]

In 1947, Japan adopted a new pacifist constitution emphasizing liberal democratic practices. Official American occupation lasted until 1952^[22] and Japan was granted membership in the United Nations in 1956. Under a subsequent program of aggressive industrial development aided by the US, Japan achieved spectacular growth to become the second largest economy in the world, with an annual growth rate averaging 10% for four decades. This ended in the mid-1990s when Japan suffered a major recession. Positive growth in the early twenty-first century has signaled a gradual recovery.^[23]

Government and politics

The National Diet Building, in Nagatachō, Tokyo.

Japan is a constitutional monarchy where the power of the Emperor is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the constitution as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister of Japan and other elected members of the Diet, while sovereignty is vested in the Japanese people.^[24] The emperor effectively acts as the head of state on diplomatic occasions. Akihito is the current Emperor of Japan.

Japan's legislative organ is the National Diet, a bicameral parliament. The Diet consists of a House of Representatives, containing 480 seats, elected by popular vote every four years or when dissolved and a House of Councillors of 242 seats, whose popularly-elected members serve six-year terms. There is universal suffrage for adults over 20 years of age,^[25] with a secret ballot for all elective offices.^[24] The liberal conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been in power since 1955, except for a short-lived coalition government formed from opposition parties in 1993.^[26] The largest opposition party is the social liberal Democratic Party of Japan.

The Prime Minister of Japan is the head of government. The position is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet from among its members and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office. The Prime Minister is the head of the Cabinet (the literal translation of his Japanese title is "Prime Minister of the Cabinet") and appoints and dismisses the Ministers of State, a majority of whom must be Diet members. Shinzo Abe currently serves as the Prime Minister of Japan.^[27]

Historically influenced by Chinese law, the Japanese legal system developed independently during the Edo period through texts such as Kujikata Osadamegaki. However, since the late nineteenth century, the judicial system has been largely based on the civil law of Europe, notably France and Germany. For example, in 1896, the Japanese government established a civil code based on the German model. With post-World War II modifications, the code remains in effect in present-day Japan.^[28] Statutory law originates in Japan's legislature, the National Diet of Japan, with the rubber-stamp approval of the Emperor. The current constitution requires that the Emperor promulgates legislation passed by the Diet, without specifically giving him the power to oppose the passing of the legislation.^[24] Japan's court system is divided into four basic tiers: the Supreme Court and three levels of lower courts.^[29] The main body of Japanese statutory law is a collection called the Six Codes.^[28]

Foreign relations and military

Shinzo Abe with US President George W. Bush

Sailors aboard the JMSDF training vessel JDS Kashima

Japan maintains close economic and military relations with its key ally the United States, with the US-Japan security alliance serving as the cornerstone of its foreign policy.^[30] A member state of the United Nations since 1956, Japan has served as a non-permanent Security Council member for a total of 18 years, most recently in 2005–2006. It is also one of the G4 nations seeking permanent membership in the Security Council.^[31] As a member of the G8, the APEC, the "ASEAN Plus Three" and a participant in the East Asia Summit, Japan actively participates in international affairs. It is also the world's second-largest donor of official development assistance, donating 0.19% of its GNP in 2004.^[32] Japan contributed non-combatant troops to the Iraq War but subsequently withdrew its forces from Iraq.^[33]

Japan is engaged in several territorial disputes with its neighbors: with Russia over the South Kuril Islands, with South Korea over the Liancourt Rocks, with China and Taiwan over the Senkaku Islands and with China over the status of Okinotorishima.^[34] Japan also faces an ongoing dispute with North Korea over its abduction of Japanese citizens and its nuclear weapons and missile program.

Japan's military is restricted by Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan, which renounces Japan's right to declare war or use military force as a means of settling international disputes, although the current government is seeking to amend the Constitution via a referendum.^[35] Japan's military is governed by the Ministry of Defense, and primarily consists of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The forces have been recently used in peacekeeping operations and the deployment of Japanese troops to Iraq marked the first overseas use of its military since World War II.^[33]

Administrative divisions

File:03-05-JPN192.jpg

Tokyo

Yokohama

Osaka

While there exist eight commonly defined regions of Japan, administratively Japan consists of forty-seven prefectures, each overseen by an elected governor, legislature and administrative bureaucracy. The former city of Tokyo is further divided into twenty-three special wards, each with the same powers as cities.

The nation is currently undergoing administrative reorganization by merging many of the cities, towns and villages with each other. This process will reduce the number of sub-prefecture administrative regions and is expected to cut administrative costs.^[36]

Japan has dozens of major cities, which play an important role in Japan's culture, heritage and economy. Those in the list below of the ten most populous are all prefectural capitals and Government Ordinance Cities, except where indicated:

	City	Prefecture	Population^[37]
1	Tokyo^a	Tokyo	8,535,792
2	Yokohama	Kanagawa	3,602,758
3	Osaka	Osaka	2,635,420
4	Nagoya	Aichi	2,223,148
5	Sapporo	Hokkaidō	1,888,953
6	Kobe	Hyōgo	1,528,687
7	Kyoto	Kyoto	1,472,511
8	Fukuoka	Fukuoka	1,414,417
9	Kawasaki^b	Kanagawa	1,342,262
10	Saitama	Saitama	1,182,744

^a 23 municipalities. Also capital of Japan.
^b Government Ordinance City only.

Geography and climate

Japan from space, May 2003.

File:Mountfujijapan.jpg

Mount Fuji, the highest point in Japan, with sakura and the Shinkansen in the foreground.

Japan is a country of over three thousand islands extending along the Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaidō, Honshū (the main island), Shikoku and Kyūshū. The Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, are a chain of islands south of Kyushū. Together they are often known as the Japanese Archipelago.

About 70% to 80% of the country is forested, mountainous,^[38]^[39] and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. This is due to the generally steep elevations, climate and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, soft ground and heavy rain. This has resulted in an extremely high population density in the habitable zones that are mainly located in coastal areas. Japan is the thirtieth most densely populated country in the world.^[40]

Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, at the juncture of three tectonic plates, gives Japan frequent low-intensity tremors and occasional volcanic activity. Destructive earthquakes, often resulting in tsunamis, occur several times each century.^[41] The most recent major quakes are the 2004 Chūetsu Earthquake and the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995. Hot springs are numerous and have been developed as resorts.^[42]

The climate of Japan is predominantly temperate, but varies greatly from north to south.^[43] Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones:

Hokkaidō: The northernmost zone has a temperate climate with long, cold winters and cool summers. Precipitation is not heavy, but the islands usually develop deep snow banks in the winter.
Sea of Japan: On Honshū's west coast, the northwest wind in the wintertime brings heavy snowfall. In the summer, the region is cooler than the Pacific area, though it sometimes experiences extremely hot temperatures, due to the Föhn wind phenomenon.
Central Highland: A typical inland climate, with large temperature differences between summer and winter, and between day and night. Precipitation is light.
Seto Inland Sea: The mountains of the Chūgoku and Shikoku regions shelter the region from the seasonal winds, bringing mild weather throughout the year.
Pacific Ocean: The east coast experiences cold winters with little snowfall and hot, humid summers due to the southeast seasonal wind.
South-west Islands: The Ryukyu Islands have a subtropical climate, with warm winters and hot summers. Precipitation is very heavy, especially during the rainy season. Typhoons are common.

The main rainy season begins in early May in Okinawa, and the stationary rain front responsible for this gradually works its way north until it dissipates in northern Japan before reaching Hokkaidō in late July. In most of Honshū, the rainy season begins before the middle of June and lasts about six weeks. In late summer and early autumn, typhoons often bring heavy rain.^[43]

Japan is home to nine forest ecoregions which reflect the climate and geography of the islands. They range from subtropical moist broadleaf forests in the Ryūkyū and Bonin islands, to temperate broadleaf and mixed forests in the mild climate regions of the main islands, to temperate coniferous forests in the cold, winter portions of the northern islands.^[44]

Economy

The Tokyo headquarters of the Bank of Japan, the country's central bank.

Close government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation have helped Japan become the second largest economy in the world,^[45] after the United States, at around US$4.5 trillion in terms of nominal GDP^[45] and third after the United States and China in terms of purchasing power parity.^[46]

Banking, insurance, real estate, retailing, transportation and telecommunications are all major industries. Japan has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles and processed foods. It is home to leading multinational corporations and commercial brands in technology and machinery.^[47] Construction has long been one of Japan's largest industries, with the help of multi-billion dollar government contracts in the civil sector. Distinguishing characteristics of the Japanese economy have included the cooperation of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and banks in closely-knit groups called keiretsu and the guarantee of lifetime employment in big corporations.^[48] Recently, Japanese companies have begun to abandon some of these norms in an attempt to increase profitability.^[49]

With a market capitalization of more than US$4 trillion, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is the second largest in the world.

Japan is home to the world's largest bank,^[50] the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group,^[51] which has roughly US$1.7 trillion in assets;^[50] the world's largest postal savings system; and the largest holder of personal savings, Japan Post, holding personal savings valued at around US$3.3 trillion. It is home to the world's second largest stock exchange, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with a market capitalization of over US$4 trillion as of December 2006.^[52] It is also home to some of the largest financial services companies, business groups and banks. For instance several large keiretsus (business groups) and multinational companies such as Sony, Sumitomo, Mitsubishi and Toyota own billion- and trillion-dollar operating banks, investment groups and/or financial services such as Sumitomo Bank, Fuji Bank, Mitsubishi Bank, Toyota Financial Services and Sony Financial Holdings.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, overall real economic growth has been called a "miracle": a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s and a 4% average in the 1980s.^[53] Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, largely due to the after-effects of over-investment during the late 1980s and domestic policies intended to wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Government efforts to revive economic growth met with little success and were further hampered in 2000 to 2001 by the deceleration of the global economy.^[47] However, the economy showed strong signs of recovery after 2005. GDP growth for that year was 2.8%, with an annualized fourth quarter expansion of 5.5%, surpassing the growth rates of the US and European Union during the same period.^[54]

Because only about 15% of Japan's land is suitable for cultivation,^[55] a system of terrace farming is used to build in small areas. This results in one of the world's highest levels of crop yields per unit area. However, Japan's small agricultural sector is also highly subsidized and protected. Japan must import about 50%^[56] of its requirements of grain and fodder crops other than rice, and it relies on imports for most of its supply of meat. In fishing, Japan is ranked second in the world behind China in tonnage of fish caught. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch.^[47] Japan relies on foreign countries for almost all oil and food.^[57]

Transportation in Japan is highly developed. As of 2004, there are 1,177,278 km (731,683 miles) of paved roadways, 173 airports, and 23,577 km (14,653 miles) of railways.^[47] Air transport is mostly operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL). Railways are operated by Japan Railways among others. There are extensive international flights from many cities and countries to and from Japan.

Japan's main export partners are the United States 22.9%, China 13.4%, South Korea 7.8%, Taiwan 7.3% and Hong Kong 6.1% (for 2005). Japan's main exports are transport equipment, motor vehicles, electronics, electrical machinery and chemicals.^[47] With very limited natural resources to sustain economic development, Japan depends on other nations for most of its raw materials; thus it imports a wide variety of goods. Its main import partners are China 21%, U.S. 12.7%, Saudi Arabia 5.5%, UAE 4.9%, Australia 4.7%, South Korea 4.7% and Indonesia 4% (for 2005). Japan's main imports are machinery and equipment, fossil fuels, foodstuffs (in particular beef), chemicals, textiles and raw materials for its industries. Overall, Japan's largest trading partner is China.^[58]

Science and technology

Japan is a leading nation in the fields of scientific research, technology, machinery and medical research. Nearly 700,000 researchers share a US$130 billion research and development budget, the third largest in the world.^[59]

Some of Japan's more important technological contributions are found in the fields of electronics, machinery, industrial robotics, optics, chemicals, semiconductors and metals. Japan leads the world in robotics, possessing more than half (402,200 of 742,500) of the world's industrial robots used for manufacturing.^[60] It also produced QRIO, ASIMO and Aibo. Japan is also home to six of the world's fifteen largest automobile manufacturers and seven of the world's twenty largest semiconductor sales leaders.

Japan has significant plans in space exploration, including building a moonbase by 2030.^[61] The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducts space and planetary research, aviation research, and development of rockets and satellites. It also built the Japanese Experiment Module, which is slated to be launched and added to the International Space Station during Space Shuttle assembly flights in 2007 and 2008.^[62]

Demographics

A view of Shibuya crossing, an example of Tokyo's often crowded streets.

Shinto torii at Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto.

Japan's population is estimated at around 127.4 million.^[63] For the most part, Japanese society is linguistically and culturally homogeneous with only small populations of foreign workers, Zainichi Koreans, Japanese Chinese, Japanese Brazilians and others. Japan also has indigenous minority groups such as the Ainu and Ryūkyūans, as well as social minority groups like the burakumin.

Japan has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, at 81.25 years of age as of 2006.^[64] However, the Japanese population is rapidly aging, the effect of a post-war baby boom followed by a decrease in births in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 2004, about 19.5% of the population was over the age of 65.^[65]

The changes in the demographic structure have created a number of social issues, particularly a potential decline in the workforce population and increases in the cost of social security benefits such as the public pension plan. It is also noted that many Japanese youth are increasingly preferring not to marry or have families as adults.^[66] Japan's population is expected to drop to 100 million by 2050 and to 64 million by 2100.^[65] Demographers and government planners are currently in a heated debate over how to cope with this problem.^[66] Immigration and birth incentives are sometimes suggested as a solution to provide younger workers to support the nation's aging population.^[67] Immigration, however, is not popular.^[68]

Around 84% of Japanese people profess to believe both Shinto (the indigenous religion of Japan) and Buddhism.^[63] Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism from China have significantly influenced Japanese beliefs and mythology. Religion in Japan tends to be syncretic in nature, and this results in a variety of practices, such as parents and children celebrating Shinto rituals, students praying before exams, couples holding a wedding at a Christian church and funerals being held at Buddhist temples. A minority (0.7%) profess to Christianity.^[63] In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.

About 99% of the population speaks Japanese as their first language.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag The Ainu language is moribund, with only a few elderly native speakers remaining in Hokkaidō.^[69] Most public and private schools require students to take courses in both Japanese and English.^[70]

Education and health

Primary, secondary schools and universities were introduced into Japan in 1872 as a result of the Meiji Restoration.^[71] Since 1947, compulsory education in Japan consists of elementary school and middle school, which lasts for nine years (from age 6 to age 15). Almost all children continue their education at a three-year senior high school, and, according to the MEXT, about 75.9% of high school graduates attend a university, junior college, trade school, or other post-secondary institution in 2005.^[72] Japan's education is very competitive,^[73] especially for entrance to institutions of higher education. According to The Times Higher Education Supplement, the two top-ranking universities in Japan are the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.^[74]

In Japan, healthcare services are provided by national and local governments. Payment for personal medical services is offered through a universal health care insurance system that provides relative equality of access, with fees set by a government committee. People without insurance through employers can participate in a national health insurance program administered by local governments. Since 1973, all elderly persons have been covered by government-sponsored insurance.^[75] Patients are free to select physicians or facilities of their choice.^[76]

Culture and recreation

File:Tsunami by hokusai 19th century.jpg

The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1832), an ukiyo-e from Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai.

Japanese culture has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original Jōmon culture to its contemporary culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Japanese arts include crafts (ikebana, origami, ukiyo-e, dolls, lacquerware, pottery), performances (bunraku, dance, kabuki, noh, rakugo), traditions (games, tea ceremony, budō, architecture, gardens, swords) and cuisine. The fusion of traditional woodblock printing and Western art led to the creation of manga, a typically Japanese comic book format that is now popular within and outside Japan.^[77] Manga-influenced animation for television and film is called anime. Japanese-made video game consoles have prospered since the 1980s.^[78]

Japanese music is eclectic, having borrowed instruments, scales and styles from neighboring cultures. Many instruments, such as the koto, were introduced in the ninth and tenth centuries. The accompanied recitative of the Noh drama dates from the fourteenth century and the popular folk music, with the guitar-like shamisen, from the sixteenth.^[79] Western music, introduced in the late nineteenth century, now forms an integral part of the culture. Post-war Japan has been heavily influenced by American and European modern music, which has led to the evolution of popular band music called J-Pop.^[80] Karaoke is the most widely practiced cultural activity. A November 1993 survey by the Cultural Affairs Agency found that more Japanese had sung karaoke that year than had participated in traditional cultural pursuits such as flower arranging or tea ceremony.^[81]

The earliest works of Japanese literature include two history books the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki and the eighth century poetry book Man'yōshū, all written in Chinese characters.^[82] In the early days of the Heian period, the system of transcription known as kana (Hiragana and Katakana) was created as phonograms. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is considered the oldest Japanese narrative.^[83] An account of Heian court life is given by The Pillow Book written by Sei Shōnagon, while The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki is often described as the world's first novel. During the Edo Period, literature became not so much the field of the samurai aristocracy as that of the chōnin, the ordinary people. Yomihon, for example, became popular and reveals this profound change in the readership and authorship.^[83] The Meiji era saw the decline of traditional literary forms, during which Japanese literature integrated Western influences. Natsume Sōseki and Mori Ogai were the first "modern" novelists of Japan, followed by Akutagawa Ryūnosuke, Tanizaki Junichirō, Kawabata Yasunari, Mishima Yukio and, more recently, Murakami Haruki. Japan has two Nobel Prize-winning authors—Kawabata Yasunari (1968) and Oe Kenzaburo (1994).^[83]

Sports

File:JapanSumoMatch.jpg

Sumo, a traditional Japanese sport.

Traditionally, sumo is considered Japan's national sport and is one of its most popular sport spectated within Japan.^[84] Martial arts such as judo, karate and kendō are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectators in the country. After the Meiji Restoration, many Western sports were introduced in Japan and began to spread through the education system.^[85]

The professional baseball league in Japan was established in 1936.^[86] Today baseball is the most popular spectator sport in the country. One of the most famous Japanese baseball players is Ichiro Suzuki, who, having won Japan's Most Valuable Player award in 1994, 1995 and 1996, now plays in North American major league baseball. Since the establishment of the Japan Professional Football League in 1992, association football (soccer) has also gained a wide following.^[87] Japan was a venue of the Intercontinental Cup from 1981 to 2004 and co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with South Korea.

Golf is popular in Japan,^[88] as is auto racing, the Super GT sports car series and Formula Nippon formula racing.^[89]

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

↑ Nihon Rettō. Daijirin / Yahoo Japan dictionary. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
↑ Haass, Richard (2007-04-20). Asia’s overlooked Great Power. Project Syndicate. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
↑
Pottery in Japan:
- "The earliest known pottery comes from Japan and is dated to about 10,500 BC. China and Indo-China follow shortly afterwards." ((1995). "Past Worlds." The Times Atlas of Archeology. p. 100.)
- "That end of the Ice Age was accompanied by the first of the two most decisive changes in Japanese history: the invention of pottery. In the usual experience of archaeologists, inventions flow from mainlands to islands and small peripheral societies aren't supposed to contribute revolutionary advances to the rest of the world. It therefore astonished archaeologists to discover that the world's oldest known pottery was made in Japan 12,700 years ago." Diamond, Jared (June 1998), "Japanese Roots," Discover 19 (6).
- "Japan, however, was the seat of the earliest known development of ceramics." (Cavalli-Sforza. The History and Geography of Human Genes. p. 249. ISBN 0-691-08750-4.)
- Alternatively, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline of Art History notes "Carbon-14 testing of the earliest known shards has yielded a production date of about 10,500 BC, but because this date falls outside the known chronology of pottery development elsewhere in the world, such an early date is not generally accepted.""Japan, 8000–2000 B.C.E." Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. Retrieved on 2007-03-26.
↑ The Yayoi period (c.250 B.C.E. – c.AD 250). Encyclopædia Britannica (2006). Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ Diamond, Jared (June 1998). Japanese Roots. Discover Magazine Vol. 19 No. 6.
↑ Pottery. MSN Encarta. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ De Bary, William Theodore (2005). Sources of Japanese Tradition. Columbia University Press, 1304. ISBN 023112984X. Retrieved 2007-01-29.
↑ (1993) in Delmer M. Brown (ed.): The Cambridge History of Japan. Cambridge University Press, 140–149.
↑ William Gerald Beasley (1999). The Japanese Experience: A Short History of Japan. University of California Press, 42. ISBN 0520225600. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Conrad Totman (2002). A History of Japan. Blackwell, 64–79.
↑ Conrad Totman (2002). A History of Japan. Blackwell, 79–87.
↑ Conrad Totman (2002). A History of Japan. Blackwell, 122–123.
↑ George Sansom (1961). A History of Japan: 1334–1615. Stanford, 42.
↑ George Sansom (1961). A History of Japan: 1334–1615. Stanford, 217.
↑ Stephen Turnbull (2002). Samurai Invasion: Japan's Korean War. Cassel, 227.
↑ Hooker, Richard (1999-07-14). Japan Glossary; Kokugaku. Washington State University. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ Jesse Arnold. Japan: The Making of a World Superpower (Imperial Japan). vt.edu/users/jearnol2. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Kelley L. Ross. The Pearl Harbor Strike Force. friesian.com. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Roland H. Worth, Jr. (1995). No Choice But War: the United States Embargo Against Japan and the Eruption of War in the Pacific. McFarland. ISBN 0-7864-0141-9.
↑ Japanese Instrument of Surrender. educationworld.net. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ The Nanking Atrocities: The Postwar Judgment. University of Missouri-Columbia. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Joseph Coleman (2006-03-06). '52 coup plot bid to rearm Japan: CIA. The Japan Times. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
↑ Japan scraps zero interest rates. BBC News Online (2006-07-14). Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ ^24.0 ^24.1 ^24.2 The Constitution of Japan. House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan (1946-11-03). Retrieved 2007-03-10.
↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ciagen
↑ A History of the Liberal Democratic Party. Liberal Democratic Party of Japan. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet. Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ ^28.0 ^28.1 "Japanese Civil Code". Encyclopædia Britannica (2006). Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ The Japanese Judicial System. Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Michael Green. Japan Is Back: Why Tokyo's New Assertiveness Is Good for Washington. Real Clear Politics. Retrieved 2007-03-28.
↑ UK backs Japan for UNSC bid. Cenral Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-03-28.
↑ PDF Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2005-04-11). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.
↑ ^33.0 ^33.1 Tokyo says it will bring troops home from Iraq. International Herald Tribune (2006-06-20). Retrieved 2007-03-28.
↑ Japan's Territorial Disputes. Indiana University. Retrieved 2007-03-28.
↑ Japan approves constitution steps. BBC News. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
↑ Mabuchi, Masaru (May 2001). Municipal Amalgamation in Japan (PDF). World Bank. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ Japan—City Population. citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2007-02-01.
↑ "Japan". Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia (2006). Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ Japan Information—Page 1. WorldInfoZone.com. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ World Population Prospects. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Tectonics and Volcanoes of Japan. Oregon State University. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Attractions: Hot Springs. JNTO. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ ^43.0 ^43.1 Essential Info: Climate. JNTO. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ Flora and Fauna: Diversity and regional uniqueness. Embassy of Japan in the USA. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ ^45.0 ^45.1 World Economic Outlook Database; country comparisons. IMF (2006-09-01). Retrieved 2007-03-14.
↑ NationMaster; Economy Statistics. NationMaster. Retrieved 2007-03-26.
↑ ^47.0 ^47.1 ^47.2 ^47.3 ^47.4 World Factbook; Japan—Economy. CIA (2006-12-19). Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ Japan's Economy: Free at last. The Economist (2006-07-20). Retrieved 2007-03-29.
↑ Why Germany's economy will outshine Japan. MoneyWeek (2007-02-28). Retrieved 2007-03-28.
↑ ^50.0 ^50.1 PDF Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (2006-07-31). Retrieved on 2006-12-29.
↑ Japan Merger Creates World's Largest Bank Washington Post (2004-07-16). Retrieved on 2007-03-10.
↑ Market data. Tokyo Stock Exchange (2006-12-28). Retrieved on 2006-12-29.
↑ Japan: Patterns of Development. country-data.com (January 1994). Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ Masake, Hisane. A farewell to zero. Asia Times Online (2006-03-02). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.
↑ Kingshuk Roy. PDF. College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University (2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.
↑ Japan: Country Information. Strategis. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ An Example of Maritime Operations. Japanese Ministry of Defense. Retrieved 2007-03-26.
↑ Blustein, Paul. "China Passes U.S. In Trade With Japan: 2004 Figures Show Asian Giant's Muscle". The Washington Post (2005-01-27). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.
↑ McDonald, Joe. OECD: China to spend $136 billion on R&D. BusinessWeek (2006-12-04). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.
↑ The Boom in Robot Investment Continues—900,000 Industrial Robots by 2003. and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Press release 2000-10-17. Retrieved on 2006-12-28.
↑ Japan Plans Moon Base by 2030. MoonDaily (2006-08-03). Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Homepage. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (2006-08-03). Retrieved 2007-03-28.
↑ ^63.0 ^63.1 ^63.2 World Factbook; Japan—People. CIA (2006-12-19). Retrieved 2007-01-05. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "ciapeople" defined multiple times with different content
↑ The World Factbook: Rank order—Life expectancy at birth. CIA (2006-12-19). Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ ^65.0 ^65.1 Statistical Handbook of Japan: Chapter 2—Population. Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ ^66.0 ^66.1 Ogawa, Naohiro."Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Japan's Future" The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Transcript of speech delivered on (7 March, 1997). Retrieved on 14 May 2006.
↑ Hidenori Sakanaka (2005-10-05). Japan Immigration Policy Institute: Director's message. Japan Immigration Policy Institute. Retrieved 2007-01-05.
↑ French, Howard."Insular Japan Needs, but Resists, Immigration". "The New York Times" (2003-07-24). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.
↑ 15 families keep ancient language alive in Japan. UN. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Lucien Ellington (2005-09-01). Japan Digest: Japanese Education. Indiana University. Retrieved 2006-04-27.
↑ Lucien Ellington (2003-12-01). Beyond the Rhetoric: Essential Questions About Japanese Education. Foreign Policy Research Institute. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ School Education (PDF). MEXT. Retrieved 2007-03-10.
↑ Kate Rossmanith (2007-02-05). Rethinking Japanese education. The University of Sydney. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ The Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings (PDF). TSL Education Ltd. (2005-10-28). Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Victor Rodwin. Health Care in Japan. New York University. Retrieved 2007-03-10.
↑ Health Insurance: General Characteristics. National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. Retrieved 2007-03-28.
↑ A History of Manga. NMP International. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Leonard Herman, Jer Horwitz, Steve Kent, and Skyler Miller. The History of Video Games. Gamespot. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ Japanese Culture, The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia, 1983 edition, © Columbia University Press ISBN 0-380-63396-5
↑ J-Pop History. The Observer. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ Kelly, Bill. (1998). "Japan's Empty Orchestras: Echoes of Japanese culture in the performance of karaoke," The Worlds of Japanese Popular Culture: Gender, Shifting Boundaries and Global Cultures, p. 76. Cambridge University Press.
↑ Asian Studies Conference, Japan (2000). Meiji Gakuin University. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ ^83.0 ^83.1 ^83.2 Windows on Asia—Literature : Antiquity to Middle Ages: Recent Past. Michigan State University, Office of International Studies and Programs. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
↑ Sumo: East and West. PBS. Retrieved 2007-03-10.
↑ Culture and Daily Life. Embassy of Japan in the UK. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
↑ Nagata, Yoichi and Holway, John B. (1995). "Japanese Baseball", in Pete Palmer: Total Baseball, fourth edition, New York: Viking Press, 547.
↑ Soccer as a Popular Sport: Putting Down Roots in Japan (PDF). The Japan Forum. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ Fred Varcoe. Japanese Golf Gets Friendly. Metropolis. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
↑ Len Clarke. Japanese Omnibus: Sports. Metropolis. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

External links

Official

Kantei.go.jp—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site
Kunaicho.go.jp—Official site of the Imperial family.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs—Detailed papers on Japan's foreign policy, education programs, culture and life.
Shugi-in.go.jp—Official site of the House of Representatives
National Diet Library (English)

Media

Tourism

Japan National Tourist Organization
Travel guide to Japan from Wikitravel

Other

CIA World Factbook—Japan
Encyclopaedia Britannica's Japan portal site
Guardian Unlimited—Special Report: Japan
Wikimedia Atlas of Japan, holding maps related to Japan.
Works by Government of Japan. Project Gutenberg containing the 1889 and 1946 Constitutions

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

Japan ^history

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

History of "Japan"

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

[1] Nihon Rettō. Daijirin / Yahoo Japan dictionary. Retrieved 2007-05-07.

[2] Haass, Richard (2007-04-20). Asia’s overlooked Great Power. Project Syndicate. Retrieved 2007-06-12.

[3] Pottery in Japan:
"The earliest known pottery comes from Japan and is dated to about 10,500 BC. China and Indo-China follow shortly afterwards." ((1995). "Past Worlds." The Times Atlas of Archeology. p. 100.)

"That end of the Ice Age was accompanied by the first of the two most decisive changes in Japanese history: the invention of pottery. In the usual experience of archaeologists, inventions flow from mainlands to islands and small peripheral societies aren't supposed to contribute revolutionary advances to the rest of the world. It therefore astonished archaeologists to discover that the world's oldest known pottery was made in Japan 12,700 years ago." Diamond, Jared (June 1998), "Japanese Roots," Discover 19 (6).

"Japan, however, was the seat of the earliest known development of ceramics." (Cavalli-Sforza. The History and Geography of Human Genes. p. 249. ISBN 0-691-08750-4.)

Alternatively, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline of Art History notes "Carbon-14 testing of the earliest known shards has yielded a production date of about 10,500 BC, but because this date falls outside the known chronology of pottery development elsewhere in the world, such an early date is not generally accepted.""Japan, 8000–2000 B.C.E." Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. Retrieved on 2007-03-26.

[4] "The earliest known pottery comes from Japan and is dated to about 10,500 BC. China and Indo-China follow shortly afterwards." ((1995). "Past Worlds." The Times Atlas of Archeology. p. 100.)

[5] "That end of the Ice Age was accompanied by the first of the two most decisive changes in Japanese history: the invention of pottery. In the usual experience of archaeologists, inventions flow from mainlands to islands and small peripheral societies aren't supposed to contribute revolutionary advances to the rest of the world. It therefore astonished archaeologists to discover that the world's oldest known pottery was made in Japan 12,700 years ago." Diamond, Jared (June 1998), "Japanese Roots," Discover 19 (6).

[6] "Japan, however, was the seat of the earliest known development of ceramics." (Cavalli-Sforza. The History and Geography of Human Genes. p. 249. ISBN 0-691-08750-4.)

[7] Alternatively, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline of Art History notes "Carbon-14 testing of the earliest known shards has yielded a production date of about 10,500 BC, but because this date falls outside the known chronology of pottery development elsewhere in the world, such an early date is not generally accepted.""Japan, 8000–2000 B.C.E." Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. Retrieved on 2007-03-26.

[4] The Yayoi period (c.250 B.C.E. – c.AD 250). Encyclopædia Britannica (2006). Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[5] Diamond, Jared (June 1998). Japanese Roots. Discover Magazine Vol. 19 No. 6.

[6] Pottery. MSN Encarta. Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[7] De Bary, William Theodore (2005). Sources of Japanese Tradition. Columbia University Press, 1304. ISBN 023112984X. Retrieved 2007-01-29.

[8] (1993) in Delmer M. Brown (ed.): The Cambridge History of Japan. Cambridge University Press, 140–149.

[9] William Gerald Beasley (1999). The Japanese Experience: A Short History of Japan. University of California Press, 42. ISBN 0520225600. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[10] Conrad Totman (2002). A History of Japan. Blackwell, 64–79.

[11] Conrad Totman (2002). A History of Japan. Blackwell, 79–87.

[12] Conrad Totman (2002). A History of Japan. Blackwell, 122–123.

[13] George Sansom (1961). A History of Japan: 1334–1615. Stanford, 42.

[14] George Sansom (1961). A History of Japan: 1334–1615. Stanford, 217.

[15] Stephen Turnbull (2002). Samurai Invasion: Japan's Korean War. Cassel, 227.

[16] Hooker, Richard (1999-07-14). Japan Glossary; Kokugaku. Washington State University. Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[17] Jesse Arnold. Japan: The Making of a World Superpower (Imperial Japan). vt.edu/users/jearnol2. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[18] Kelley L. Ross. The Pearl Harbor Strike Force. friesian.com. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[19] Roland H. Worth, Jr. (1995). No Choice But War: the United States Embargo Against Japan and the Eruption of War in the Pacific. McFarland. ISBN 0-7864-0141-9.

[20] Japanese Instrument of Surrender. educationworld.net. Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[21] The Nanking Atrocities: The Postwar Judgment. University of Missouri-Columbia. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[22] Joseph Coleman (2006-03-06). '52 coup plot bid to rearm Japan: CIA. The Japan Times. Retrieved 2007-04-03.

[23] Japan scraps zero interest rates. BBC News Online (2006-07-14). Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[Constitution-24] 24.0 ^24.1 ^24.2 The Constitution of Japan. House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan (1946-11-03). Retrieved 2007-03-10.

[ciagen-25] Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ciagen

[26] A History of the Liberal Democratic Party. Liberal Democratic Party of Japan. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[27] Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet. Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[civilcode-28] 28.0 ^28.1 "Japanese Civil Code". Encyclopædia Britannica (2006). Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[29] The Japanese Judicial System. Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[30] Michael Green. Japan Is Back: Why Tokyo's New Assertiveness Is Good for Washington. Real Clear Politics. Retrieved 2007-03-28.

[31] UK backs Japan for UNSC bid. Cenral Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-03-28.

[32] PDF Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2005-04-11). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.

[Iraq_deployment-33] 33.0 ^33.1 Tokyo says it will bring troops home from Iraq. International Herald Tribune (2006-06-20). Retrieved 2007-03-28.

[34] Japan's Territorial Disputes. Indiana University. Retrieved 2007-03-28.

[35] Japan approves constitution steps. BBC News. Retrieved 2007-05-15.

[36] Mabuchi, Masaru (May 2001). Municipal Amalgamation in Japan (PDF). World Bank. Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[population-37] Japan—City Population. citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2007-02-01.

[38] "Japan". Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia (2006). Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[39] Japan Information—Page 1. WorldInfoZone.com. Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[40] World Population Prospects. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[41] Tectonics and Volcanoes of Japan. Oregon State University. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[42] Attractions: Hot Springs. JNTO. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[climate-43] 43.0 ^43.1 Essential Info: Climate. JNTO. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[44] Flora and Fauna: Diversity and regional uniqueness. Embassy of Japan in the USA. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[imf-45] 45.0 ^45.1 World Economic Outlook Database; country comparisons. IMF (2006-09-01). Retrieved 2007-03-14.

[46] NationMaster; Economy Statistics. NationMaster. Retrieved 2007-03-26.

[ciaecon-47] 47.0 ^47.1 ^47.2 ^47.3 ^47.4 World Factbook; Japan—Economy. CIA (2006-12-19). Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[48] Japan's Economy: Free at last. The Economist (2006-07-20). Retrieved 2007-03-29.

[49] Why Germany's economy will outshine Japan. MoneyWeek (2007-02-28). Retrieved 2007-03-28.

[mufg-50] 50.0 ^50.1 PDF Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (2006-07-31). Retrieved on 2006-12-29.

[51] Japan Merger Creates World's Largest Bank Washington Post (2004-07-16). Retrieved on 2007-03-10.

[52] Market data. Tokyo Stock Exchange (2006-12-28). Retrieved on 2006-12-29.

[53] Japan: Patterns of Development. country-data.com (January 1994). Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[54] Masake, Hisane. A farewell to zero. Asia Times Online (2006-03-02). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.

[55] Kingshuk Roy. PDF. College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University (2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.

[56] Japan: Country Information. Strategis. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[57] An Example of Maritime Operations. Japanese Ministry of Defense. Retrieved 2007-03-26.

[58] Blustein, Paul. "China Passes U.S. In Trade With Japan: 2004 Figures Show Asian Giant's Muscle". The Washington Post (2005-01-27). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.

[59] McDonald, Joe. OECD: China to spend $136 billion on R&D. BusinessWeek (2006-12-04). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.

[60] The Boom in Robot Investment Continues—900,000 Industrial Robots by 2003. and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Press release 2000-10-17. Retrieved on 2006-12-28.

[61] Japan Plans Moon Base by 2030. MoonDaily (2006-08-03). Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[62] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Homepage. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (2006-08-03). Retrieved 2007-03-28.

[ciapeople-63] 63.0 ^63.1 ^63.2 World Factbook; Japan—People. CIA (2006-12-19). Retrieved 2007-01-05. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "ciapeople" defined multiple times with different content

[64] The World Factbook: Rank order—Life expectancy at birth. CIA (2006-12-19). Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[handbook-65] 65.0 ^65.1 Statistical Handbook of Japan: Chapter 2—Population. Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[Ogawa-66] 66.0 ^66.1 Ogawa, Naohiro."Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Japan's Future" The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Transcript of speech delivered on (7 March, 1997). Retrieved on 14 May 2006.

[67] Hidenori Sakanaka (2005-10-05). Japan Immigration Policy Institute: Director's message. Japan Immigration Policy Institute. Retrieved 2007-01-05.

[68] French, Howard."Insular Japan Needs, but Resists, Immigration". "The New York Times" (2003-07-24). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.

[69] 15 families keep ancient language alive in Japan. UN. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[70] Lucien Ellington (2005-09-01). Japan Digest: Japanese Education. Indiana University. Retrieved 2006-04-27.

[71] Lucien Ellington (2003-12-01). Beyond the Rhetoric: Essential Questions About Japanese Education. Foreign Policy Research Institute. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[72] School Education (PDF). MEXT. Retrieved 2007-03-10.

[73] Kate Rossmanith (2007-02-05). Rethinking Japanese education. The University of Sydney. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[74] The Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings (PDF). TSL Education Ltd. (2005-10-28). Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[75] Victor Rodwin. Health Care in Japan. New York University. Retrieved 2007-03-10.

[76] Health Insurance: General Characteristics. National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. Retrieved 2007-03-28.

[77] A History of Manga. NMP International. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[78] Leonard Herman, Jer Horwitz, Steve Kent, and Skyler Miller. The History of Video Games. Gamespot. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[79] Japanese Culture, The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia, 1983 edition, © Columbia University Press ISBN 0-380-63396-5

[80] J-Pop History. The Observer. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[81] Kelly, Bill. (1998). "Japan's Empty Orchestras: Echoes of Japanese culture in the performance of karaoke," The Worlds of Japanese Popular Culture: Gender, Shifting Boundaries and Global Cultures, p. 76. Cambridge University Press.

[82] Asian Studies Conference, Japan (2000). Meiji Gakuin University. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[ispmsu-83] 83.0 ^83.1 ^83.2 Windows on Asia—Literature : Antiquity to Middle Ages: Recent Past. Michigan State University, Office of International Studies and Programs. Retrieved 2006-12-28.

[84] Sumo: East and West. PBS. Retrieved 2007-03-10.

[85] Culture and Daily Life. Embassy of Japan in the UK. Retrieved 2007-03-27.

[86] Nagata, Yoichi and Holway, John B. (1995). "Japanese Baseball", in Pete Palmer: Total Baseball, fourth edition, New York: Viking Press, 547.

[87] Soccer as a Popular Sport: Putting Down Roots in Japan (PDF). The Japan Forum. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[88] Fred Varcoe. Japanese Golf Gets Friendly. Metropolis. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

[89] Len Clarke. Japanese Omnibus: Sports. Metropolis. Retrieved 2007-04-01.

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Difference between revisions of "Japan" - New World Encyclopedia

Revision as of 01:49, 6 July 2007

Contents

History

Government and politics

Foreign relations and military

Administrative divisions

Geography and climate

Economy

Science and technology

Demographics

Education and health

Culture and recreation

Sports

See also

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

External links

Further reading

Credits

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{GAcc}}
+{{claimed}}
-{{Otheruses|[[Japan (disambiguation)]]}}
+{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}
-{{Infobox_Country|
+{{featured article}}
-|native_name = 日本国<br />''Nihon-koku''<br />''Nippon-koku''
+{{otheruses1|the country in East Asia}}
-|conventional_long_name =
+{{Infobox Country
-|common_name = Japan
+|native_name                 = {{lang|ja|日本国}}<br/><small>''Nippon-koku'' / ''Nihon-koku''</small>
-|image_flag = Flag of Japan.svg
+|common_name                = Japan
-|image_coat = Imperial Seal of Japan.svg
+|conventional_long_name      = Japan
-|symbol_type= Imperial Seal
+|image_flag                 = Flag of Japan.svg
-|image_map = LocationMapJapan.png
+|image_coat                 = Imperial Seal of Japan.svg
-|national_motto = Peace and Progress (Emperor's motto)
+|symbol_type                 = Imperial Seal
-|national_anthem = [[Kimigayo]]
+|image_map                   = LocationMapJapan.png
-|official_languages = [[Japanese language|Japanese]]
+|national_anthem            = ''[[Kimi ga Yo]]''{{spaces|2}}(君が代)<small><br/>''Imperial Reign''</small>
-|capital = [[Tokyo]]
+|official_languages         = [[Japanese language|Japanese]]
-|latd=35 |latm=41 |latNS=N |longd=139 |longm=46 |longEW=E |
+|capital                     = [[Tokyo]]<sup>1</sup>
-|largest_city = [[Tokyo]]*
+|latd=35 |latm=41 |latNS=N |longd=139 |longm=46 |longEW=E
-|government_type = [[Constitutional monarchy]]
+|largest_city               = capital
-|leader_titles = [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]]<br>[[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]]
+|government_type             = [[Constitutional monarchy]]
-|leader_names = [[Akihito]]<br>[[Junichiro Koizumi]]
+|leader_title1              = [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]]
-|area_rank = 63
+|leader_name1                = [[Akihito|HIM Emperor Akihito]]
-|area_magnitude = 1 E11
+|leader_title2              = [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]]
-|area= 377,835
+|leader_name2                = [[Shinzo Abe]] [[Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)|(LDP)]]
-|areami²=145,883 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] —>
+|area_rank                   = 62nd
-|percent_water = 0.8%
+|area_magnitude             = 1 E11
-|population_estimate = 127,417,244
+|area                       = 377,873
-|population_estimate_year = 2005
+|areami2                    = 145,883 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]—>
-|population_estimate_rank = 10th
+|percent_water               = 0.8
-|population_census =
+|population_estimate         = 127,433,494
-|population_census_year =
+|population_estimate_year   = 2007
-|population_density = 337
+|population_estimate_rank   = 10th
-|population_densitymi² =873 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] —>
+|population_census           = 127,333,002
-|population_density_rank = 18th
+|population_census_year     = 2004
-|GDP_nominal_year= 2004
+|population_density         = 337
-|GDP_nominal = 4.8 trillion
+|population_densitymi2      = 873 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]—>
-|GDP_nominal_rank = 2nd
+|population_density_rank     = 30th
-|GDP_PPP_year= 2006
+|GDP_PPP_year                = 2006
-|GDP_PPP = $4.167 trillion
+|GDP_PPP                    = $4.220 [[1000000000000 (number)|trillion]]<sup>2</sup>
-|GDP_PPP_rank = 3rd
+|GDP_PPP_rank                = 3rd
-|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $32,640
+|GDP_PPP_per_capita          = $33,100<sup>2</sup>
-|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 12th
+|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank    = 12th
-|sovereignty_type = [[History of Japan|Formation]]
+|GDP_nominal                = $4.911 [[1000000000000 (number)|trillion]]<sup>2</sup>
-|established_events = [[Emperor Jimmu]]<br>[[Meiji Restoration]]<br>[[Japanese Constitution|Current constitution]]<br>[[Treaty of San Francisco]]
+|GDP_nominal_rank            = 2nd
-|established_dates = <br>[[660 B.C.E.]]<br>[[January 3]], [[1868]]<br>[[May 3]], [[1947]]<br>[[April 28]], [[1952]]
+|GDP_nominal_year            = 2006
-|HDI_year = 2003
+|GDP_nominal_per_capita      = $38,341
-|HDI = 0.943
+|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 14th
-|HDI_rank = 11th
+|sovereignty_type           = [[History of Japan|Formation]]
-|HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font>
+|established_event1          = [[National Foundation Day]]
-|currency = [[Japanese yen|Yen]] (¥)
+|established_date1          = February 11, 660&nbsp;[[Before Christ|BC]]<sup>3</sup>
-|currency_code = JPY
+|established_event2          = [[Meiji Constitution]]
-|country_code = JPN
+|established_date2          = November 29 1890
-|time_zone = [[Japan Standard Time|JST]]
+|established_event3          = [[Japanese Constitution|Current constitution]]
-|utc_offset = +9
+|established_date3          = May 3 1947
-|time_zone_DST = None
+|established_event4          = [[Treaty of San Francisco|Treaty of<br/>San Francisco]]
-|utc_offset_DST =
+|established_date4          = <br/>April 28 1952
-|cctld = [[.jp]]
+|HDI_year                   = 2004
-|calling_code = 81
+|HDI                         = {{increase}} 0.949
-|footnotes = * Largest urban area. [[Yokohama]] is the largest incorporated city.
+|HDI_rank                   = 7th
+|HDI_category               = <font color="#009900">high</font>
+|currency                   = [[Japanese yen|Yen]] (International ¥, Japanese 円 ''En'')
+|currency_code               = JPY
+|country_code               = JPN
+|time_zone                   = [[Japan Standard Time|JST]]
+|utc_offset                 = +9
+|time_zone_DST               = not observed
+|utc_offset_DST             =
+|cctld                       = [[.jp]]
+|calling_code               = [[Japanese telephone numbering plan|81]]
+|ISO_3166-1_alpha2          = JP
+|ISO_3166-1_alpha3          = JPN
+|ISO_3166-1_numeric          = 392
+|sport_code                  = JPN
+|vehicle_code                = J
+|footnote1                  = [[Yokohama]] is the largest incorporated city.
+|footnote2                  = {{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#Econ |title=World Factbook; Japan—Economy |publisher=[[CIA]] |date=2006-12-19 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}
+|footnote3                  = According to legend, Japan was founded on this date by the [[Emperor Jimmu]], first emperor of Japan; it is seen as largely symbolic.
 }}
-<!-- Wikipedia:Lead section says that "The lead should briefly summarize the most important points covered in an article in such a way that it could stand on its own as a concise version of the article. It is even more important here than for the rest of the article that the text be accessible ... ."-->
+<!--
+Wikipedia:Lead section says that "The lead should briefly summarize the most important points covered in an article in such a way that it could stand on its own as a concise version of the article. It is even more important here than for the rest of the article that the text be accessible…"
+—>
+'''{{Audio|Ja-nippon_nihonkoku.ogg|Japan}}''' ({{lang-ja|日本}} ''Nihon'' or ''Nippon'',<sup>[[Help:Japanese|<span class="t nihongo icon" style="color:#00e;font:bold 80% sans-serif;text-decoration:none;padding:0 .1em;">?</span>]]</sup></span> officially {{lang|ja|日本国}} ''Nihon-koku'' or ''Nippon-koku'') is an [[island country]] in [[East Asia]]. Located in the [[Pacific Ocean]], it lies to the east of [[People's Republic of China|China]], [[Korea]] and [[Russia]], stretching from the [[Sea of Okhotsk]] in the north to the [[East China Sea]] in the south. The [[kanji|characters]] that make up [[Names of Japan|Japan's name]] mean "sun-origin," which is why Japan is sometimes identified as the "Land of the Rising Sun." [[Capital of Japan|Japan's capital]] and largest city is [[Tokyo]].
-'''Japan''' ([[Japanese language|Japanese]]: 日本国, '''Nihon'''; the older formal form is '''Nippon''') is an [[island]] [[nation]] located on the [[Pacific Ocean]], east of [[China]] and [[Korea]], stretching from the [[Sea of Okhotsk]] in the north to the [[East China Sea]] in the south. It is composed of over 3,000 islands, the largest of which are [[Hokkaido|Hokkaidō]], [[Honshu|Honshū]], [[Shikoku]], and [[Kyushu|Kyūshū]]. Most of Japan's islands are mountainous, and many are [[volcano|volcanic]]; the highest peak is [[Mount Fuji]].
+Japan comprises over three thousand islands,<ref>{{cite web | title = ''Nihon Rettō'' | url = http://dic.yahoo.co.jp/dsearch?enc=UTF-8&p=%E3%81%AB%E3%81%BB%E3%82%93%E3%82%8C%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A8%E3%81%86&dtype=0&stype=1&dname=0ss
+  | publisher = [[Daijirin]] / Yahoo Japan dictionary  | accessdate = 2007-05-07}}</ref> the largest of which are [[Honshū]], [[Hokkaidō]], [[Kyūshū]] and [[Shikoku]], together accounting for 97% of land area. Most of the islands are [[mountain]]ous, many [[volcano|volcanic]]; for example, Japan’s highest peak, [[Mount Fuji]], is a volcano. Japan has the world's [[List of countries by population|tenth largest population]], with about 128&nbsp;million people. The [[Greater Tokyo Area]], which includes [[Tokyo]] and several surrounding [[Japanese prefectures|prefectures]], is the [[World largest cities|largest metropolitan area]] in the world, with over 30 million residents.
-Japan is the world's [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|second-largest economy]] after the [[U.S.]] and one of the world's [[G8|leading industrialized]] countries. It is a [[unitary state|unitary]] [[constitutional monarchy]] with an [[Emperor of Japan|emperor]] and an elected [[Diet of Japan|parliament]], one of the oldest legislatures in Asia. Despite its rugged terrain, it is one of the most populous—and one of the most densely populated—countries in the world. Its capital [[Tokyo]], with over 30 million residents, is the largest metropolitan area in the world.
+[[Archaeology|Archaeological]] research indicates that people were living on the islands of Japan as early as the [[Upper Paleolithic]] period. The first written mention of Japan begins with brief appearances in [[History of China|Chinese history]] texts from the first century&nbsp;AD. Influence from the outside world followed by long periods of isolation has characterized Japan's history. Thus, its culture today is a mixture of outside influences and internal developments. Since adopting its [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]] in 1947, Japan has maintained a [[Unitary state|unitary]] [[constitutional monarchy]] with an [[Emperor of Japan|emperor]] and an elected parliament, the [[Diet of Japan|Diet]].
-Historically, Japan adopted many customs and institutions from China and Korea, beginning in the 5th and 6th centuries. From the 12th century to the mid-1800s, Japan was a [[feudalism|feudal]] country led by clans of warriors. After the [[Meiji Restoration]] of [[1868]], Japan adopted many European and American customs and institutions. Its culture today is a mixture of these influences along with traditional [[Japanese culture]].
+A [[great power]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Haass |first=Richard |url=http://www.cfr.org/publication/13144/asias_overlooked_great_power.html |title=Asia’s overlooked Great Power | publisher = Project Syndicate | date=2007-04-20 | accessdate=2007-06-12}}</ref>, Japan is the world's [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|second largest economy]] by nominal [[GDP]] after the [[United States of America]]. It is a member of the [[United Nations]], [[G8]], [[G4]] and [[APEC]], with the world's [[List of countries by military expenditures|fifth largest defense budget]]. It is the world's [[List of countries by exports|fourth largest exporter]] and [[List of countries by imports|sixth largest importer]].
-Japan's name in the [[kanji]] writing system is often translated as "Land of the Rising Sun", and comes from the country's location on the east coast of Asia.
-==Etymology==
-<!--Please try to keep this section as brief and general as possible. Specific information should be added to a more specific article. This section stresses the most important facts, and leaves details to the daughter articles. —>
-{{main|Names of Japan}}
-The English name "Japan" is believed to have been acquired by the Portuguese from [[southern China|southern Chinese]] [[Spoken Chinese|languages]] via Malaya in the 16th century. In southern China, the country is referred to as "Yih-pun" or "Yat-bun", which literally means Sun Origin, referring to the country's location on the east coast of Asia. The name was exported to Southeast [[Asia]] through Chinese merchants. The earliest European form was Marco Polo's "[[Cipangu|Chipangu]]" which later became Japan.
-The official Japanese name "Nippon" (in modern times, more commonly "Nihon") appeared in history only after 670. ''Old Book of Tang'' (舊唐書), one of the [[Twenty-Four Histories]], stated that the Japanese envoy disliked his country's name "Woguo" (倭國), meaning "dwarf state", and changed it to "Nippon" (日本), or "Origin of the Sun". Another 8th-century chronicle, ''True Meaning of Shiji'' (史記正義), stated that the Chinese Empress [[Wu Zetian]] ordered a Japanese envoy to change the country's name to Nippon.
 ==History==
 <!--Please try to keep this section as general as possible. Specific information should be added to a more specific article. This section stresses the most important facts, and leaves analysis of cause and effect to the daughter articles. —>
 {{main|History of Japan}}
+The first signs of [[civilization]] on the [[Japanese archipelago]] appeared around [[10th millennium B.C.E.|10,000&nbsp;BC]] with a [[culture]], characterized by a [[Mesolithic]] to [[Neolithic]] semi-sedentary [[hunter-gatherer]] lifestyle of pit dwelling and a rudimentary form of [[agriculture]]. Decorated clay vessels from this period, often with plaited patterns, are some of the oldest surviving examples of [[pottery]] in the world.<ref>Pottery in Japan:
+*"The earliest known pottery comes from Japan and is dated to about 10,500&nbsp;BC. China and Indo-China follow shortly afterwards." ((1995). "Past Worlds." ''The Times Atlas of Archeology''. p. 100.)
+*"That end of the Ice Age was accompanied by the first of the two most decisive changes in Japanese history: the invention of pottery. In the usual experience of archaeologists, inventions flow from mainlands to islands and small peripheral societies aren't supposed to contribute revolutionary advances to the rest of the world. It therefore astonished archaeologists to discover that the world's oldest known pottery was made in Japan 12,700 years ago." Diamond, Jared (June 1998), "Japanese Roots," ''[[Discover (magazine)|Discover]]'' '''19''' (6).
+*"Japan, however, was the seat of the earliest known development of ceramics." ([[Cavalli-Sforza]]. ''The History and Geography of Human Genes''. p. 249. [[ISBN]] 0-691-08750-4.)
+*Alternatively, the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]'s [http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/splash.htm Timeline of Art History] notes "Carbon-14 testing of the earliest known shards has yielded a production date of about 10,500&nbsp;BC, but because this date falls outside the known chronology of pottery development elsewhere in the world, such an early date is not generally accepted."[http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/02/eaj/ht02eaj.htm "Japan, 8000–2000 B.C.E."] Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. Retrieved on 2007-03-26.</ref>
-===Pre-history===
+The [[Yayoi period]], starting around the third century&nbsp;BC, introduced new practices, such as wet-rice farming, [[iron]] and [[bronze]]-making and a new style of pottery, brought by migrants from [[China]] or [[Korea]]. With the development of Yayoi culture, a predominantly agricultural society emerged in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-23121 |title=The Yayoi period (c.250 B.C.E. – c.AD 250) |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=2006 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= Diamond |first= Jared |title= Japanese Roots | journal = Discover Magazine Vol. 19 No. 6 | date =June 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761568150_4/Pottery.html#p26 |title=Pottery |publisher=MSN Encarta | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=De Bary |first=William Theodore |title=Sources of Japanese Tradition |publisher=Columbia University Press |date=2005 |pages=1304 | isbn = 023112984X |url=http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN023112984X&id=6wS_ijD6DSgC&pg=RA1-PA1304&lpg=RA1-PA1304&ots=MxkZKlTRlU&dq=%22Chinese+mainland%22+%22Korean+peninsula%22+%22Japanese+archipelago%22&sig=hc4ew2p4cGdppzY6O_b0zWgaB6E#PRA1-PA1304,M1 | accessdate=2007-01-29}}</ref>
-{{History_of_Japan}}
-[[Archeology|Archaeological]] research indicates that the earliest inhabitants of the [[Japanese archipelago]] migrated over [[land]] bridges from [[Northeast Asia]] about 30,000 years ago. Other evidence also suggests that some may have later come by sea from [[Southeast Asia]] during a period of migration toward the [[Pacific Ocean]].
-[[Image:MiddleJomonVessel.JPG|thumb|left|140px|A Middle [[Jomon]] vessel (3000 to 2000 BC)]]
-The first signs of civilization appeared around [[10th millennium B.C.E.|10,000 B.C.E.]] with the [[Jomon]] culture, characterized by a [[Mesolithic]] to [[Neolithic]] semi-sedentary [[hunter-gatherer]] lifestyle of pit dwelling and a rudimentary form of [[agriculture]]. [[Weaving]] was still unknown and clothes were often made of [[bark]]. Around that time, however, the Jomon people started to make [[clay]] vessels, [[decorated]] with patterns made by impressing the wet clay with braided or unbraided cord and sticks (Jomon means "patterns of plaited cord"). This led to the introduction of the earliest known type of [[pottery]] in the world.
-The start of the [[Yayoi]] period around [[300 B.C.E.]] marked the influx of new practices such as [[rice]] farming, [[shamanism]], and [[iron]] and [[bronze]]-making brought by migrants from Korea. These formed the basic elements of traditional Japanese [[culture]], still seen today. As the population increased and society became more complex, they wove cloth, lived in permanent farming villages, constructed buildings of wood and stone, accumulated wealth through landownership and the storage of grain, and developed distinct social classes.
-The ensuing  [[Kofun era]], beginning around [[250|AD 250]], saw the establishment of strong military states centered around powerful clans. The [[Yamato]] court, concentrated in the [[Asuka]] region, suppressed the clans and acquired agricultural lands, increasing their power. Based upon the Chinese model, they developed a central administration and an imperial court system (the [[Ritsuryo]] state) and society was organized into occupation groups: farmers, fishermen, weavers, potters, artisans, armorers, and ritual specialists.
+[[Image:MiddleJomonVessel.JPG|thumb|left|150px|A middle [[Jōmon period]] vessel (3000 to 2000&nbsp;BC).]]
+[[Image:NaraTodaijiDaibutsu0212.jpg||thumb|left|150px|The Great [[Buddha]] at [[Tōdai-ji]], [[Nara, Nara|Nara]], cast in 752.]]
+The Japanese first appear in written history in China’s ''[[Book of Han]]''. According to the Chinese ''[[Records of the Three Kingdoms]]'', the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago during the third century was called [[Yamataikoku]].
-===Classical era===
+Japan was first introduced to [[Buddhism]] from [[Korea]], but the subsequent development of [[Japanese Buddhism]] and Buddhist sculptures were primarily influenced by [[China]].<ref>{{cite book |editor=Delmer M. Brown (ed.) |year=1993 |title=The Cambridge History of Japan |publisher=Cambridge University Press |pages=140–149}}</ref> Despite early resistance, [[Buddhism in Japan|Buddhism]] was promoted by the ruling class and eventually gained growing acceptance since the [[Asuka period]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The Japanese Experience: A Short History of Japan |author=William Gerald Beasley |publisher=University of California Press |year=1999 |url=http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0520225600&id=9AivK7yMICgC&pg=PA42&lpg=PA42&dq=Soga+Buddhism+intitle:History+intitle:of+intitle:Japan&sig=V65JQ4OzTFCopEoFVb8DWh5BD4Q#PPA42,M1 |pages=42 |isbn=0520225600 |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
-The Japanese did not start writing their own histories until the 5th and 6th centuries, The beginning of Japanese historical writing culminated in the early 8th century with the massive chronicles, [[Kojiki]] (The Record of Ancient Matters, 712) and [[Nihonshoki]] (Chronicles of Japan, 720). Though Japan did not appear in written history until 57, when it is first mentioned in Chinese records as the nation of "[[Wa (Japan)|Wa]]" (in Chinese, "Wo"), or "dwarf state", these chronicles tell a much different and much more legendary history of Japan, deriving the people of Japan from the gods themselves.
-According to traditional Japanese mythology, Japan was founded in the 7th century B.C.E. by the ancestral [[Emperor Jimmu]], a direct descendant of the Shinto deity [[Amaterasu]]. It is claimed that he started a line of emperors that remains unbroken, to this day. However, historians believe the first emperor who actually existed was Emperor [[Ojin]], though the date of his reign is uncertain. Nonetheless, for most of Japan's history, real power has been in the hands of the court nobility, the [[shogun]]s, the military, or, more recently, prime ministers.
+The [[Nara period]] of the eighth century marked the first emergence of a strong central Japanese state, centered around an imperial court in the city of [[Heijō Palace|Heijō-kyō]], or modern day [[Nara, Nara|Nara]]. In addition to the continuing adoption of Chinese administrative practices, the Nara period is characterized by the appearance of a nascent written literature with the completion of the massive chronicles ''[[Kojiki]]'' (712) and ''[[Nihonshoki]]'' (720).<ref>{{cite book |author=Conrad Totman |year=2002 |title=A History of Japan |publisher=Blackwell |pages=64–79}}</ref>
-Through the [[Taika Reform Edicts]] of 645, Japanese intensified the adoption of Chinese cultural practices and reorganized the government in accordance with the Chinese administrative structure. This paved the way for the dominance of [[Confucianism|Confucian]] philosophy in Japan until the 19th century.
+In 784, [[Emperor Kammu]] moved the capital to [[Nagaokakyō]] for a brief ten-year period, before relocating it to Heian-kyō (modern day [[Kyoto]]) in 794, where it remained for more than a millennium.<ref>{{cite book |author=Conrad Totman |year=2002 |title=A History of Japan |publisher=Blackwell |pages=79–87}}</ref> This marked the beginning of the [[Heian period]], during which time a distinctly indigenous Japanese culture emerged, noted for its [[Japanese art|art]], [[Japanese poetry|poetry]] and [[Japanese literature|literature]]. [[Murasaki Shikibu|Lady Murasaki]]'s ''[[The Tale of Genji]]'' and the lyrics of modern Japan's national anthem, ''[[Kimi ga Yo]]'' were written during this time.<ref>{{cite book |author=Conrad Totman |year=2002 |title=A History of Japan |publisher=Blackwell |pages=122–123}}</ref>
-[[Image:TodaijiDaibutsu0224.jpg|thumb|160px|The Great [[Buddha]] at [[Todaiji]], [[Nara, Nara|Nara]], originally cast in 752]]
+Japan's [[feudal]] era was characterized by the emergence of a ruling class of warriors, the [[samurai]]. In 1185, following the defeat of the rival [[Taira clan]], [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]] was appointed [[Shogun]] and established a base of power in [[Kamakura, Kanagawa|Kamakura]]. After Yoritomo's death, the [[Hōjō clan]] came to rule as regents for the shoguns. [[Zen]] Buddhism was introduced from China in the [[Kamakura period]] (1185–1333) and became popular among the samurai class. The [[Kamakura shogunate]] managed to repel [[Mongol invasions of Japan|Mongol invasions]] in 1274 and 1281, aided by a storm that the Japanese interpreted as a [[Kamikaze (typhoon)|kamikaze]], or Divine Wind. The Kamakura shogunate was eventually overthrown by [[Emperor Go-Daigo]], who was soon himself defeated by [[Ashikaga Takauji]] in 1336.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[George Sansom]] |year=1961 |title=A History of Japan: 1334–1615 |publisher=Stanford |pages=42}}</ref> The succeeding [[Ashikaga shogunate]] failed to control the feudal warlords (''[[daimyo]]''), and a civil war erupted (the [[Ōnin War]]).<ref>{{cite book |author=[[George Sansom]] |year=1961 |title=A History of Japan: 1334–1615 |publisher=Stanford |pages=217}}</ref>
-The [[Nara period]] of the 8th century marked the first strong Japanese state, centered around an imperial court, in the city of Heijo-kyo (now [[Nara, Nara|Nara]]). The imperial court later moved briefly to [[Nagaoka]], and later Heian-kyo (now [[Kyoto]]), starting a "golden age" of classical Japanese culture called the [[Heian Period|Heian period]] which lasted for nearly four centuries and was characterized by the regency regime of the [[Fujiwara clan]].
+During the sixteenth century, traders and [[missionary|missionaries]] from [[Portugal]] reached Japan for the first time, initiating the ''[[Nanban trade period|Nanban]]'' ("southern barbarian") period of active commercial and cultural exchange between Japan and the West.
-===Medieval era===
+[[Oda Nobunaga]] conquered numerous other daimyo by using European technology and [[firearms]] and had almost unified the nation when he was assassinated in 1582. [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] succeeded Nobunaga and united the nation in 1590. Hideyoshi [[Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea|invaded Korea twice]], but following several defeats by [[Korea]]n and [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] [[China]] forces and Hideyoshi's death, Japanese troops were withdrawn in 1598.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Stephen Turnbull (historian)|Stephen Turnbull]] |year=2002 |title=Samurai Invasion: Japan's Korean War |publisher=Cassel |pages=227}}</ref>
-Japan's [[medieval]] era was characterized by the emergence of a ruling class of [[warrior]]s, the Bushi or commonly known in the West as [[samurai]]. In the year 1185, following the defeat of the rival Taira clan, general [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]] was declared Sei-tai Shogun and established a base of power in [[Kamakura, Kanagawa|Kamakura]]. After Yoritomo's death, another warrior clan, the [[Hojo clan|Hojo]], came to rule as regents for the [[shogun]]s. The shogunate managed to repel [[Mongols|Mongol]] invasions from [[Mongol invasions of Korea|Mongol-occupied]] [[Korea]] in 1274 and 1281, with assistance from a storm that the Japanese interpreted as divine intervention, and named  [[Kamikaze (typhoon)|kamikaze]] (Divine Wind). The [[Kamakura shogunate]] lasted another fifty years. Its successor, the [[Ashikaga shogunate]], was much weaker, and Japan soon fell into warring factions. Vassals rebelled against their liege lords and peasants rebelled against their superiors. The "Warring States" or [[Sengoku period]] ensued.
-[[Image:NanbanGroup.JPG|thumb|160px|left|A group of [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] [[Nanban]] foreigners, 17th century]]
+[[Image:RedSealShip.JPG|thumb|One of Japan's [[Red seal ship]]s (1634), which were used for trade throughout Asia.]]
-During the 16th century, traders and [[missionary|missionaries]] from [[Portugal]] reached Japan for the first time, initiating the ''[[Nanban trade period|Nanban]]'' ("southern barbarian") period of active commercial and cultural exchange between Japan and the West (and even China). During the last quarter of this century, [[Oda Nobunaga]], [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]], and [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]] established increasingly strong control over the warring states of Japan. Nobunaga died in a treacherous attack by one of his generals whom he had humiliated earlier. Hideyoshi, one of Nobunaga's other general, avenged his master's death, defeated other rivals and completed the reunification of the country. Hideyoshi launched two ill-fated invasions against Korea together called the [[Seven-Year War]], but [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] China came to Korea's aid and following Hideyoshi's death, Japanese troops were quickly withdrawn.
+[[Image:Satsuma-samurai-during-boshin-war-period.jpg|thumb|Samurai of the [[Satsuma]] clan during the [[Boshin war]], circa 1867.]][[Image:nagasakibomb.jpg|thumb|150px|The 1945 [[Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|atomic bomb]]ing of [[Nagasaki]].]]
+After Hideyoshi's death, [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]] utilized his position as regent for Hideyoshi's son [[Toyotomi Hideyori]] to gain political and military support. When open war broke out, he defeated rival clans in the [[Battle of Sekigahara]] in 1600. Ieyasu was appointed [[shogun|shōgun]] in 1603 and established the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] at [[Edo]] (modern [[Tokyo]]). The Tokugawa shogunate enacted a variety of measures to control the [[daimyo]], among them the ''[[sankin kōtai]]'' policy. In 1639, the shogunate began the isolationist ''[[sakoku]]'' ("closed country") policy that spanned the two and a half centuries of tenuous political unity known as the [[Edo period]]. The study of Western sciences, known as ''[[rangaku]]'', continued during this period through contacts with the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] enclave at [[Dejima]] in [[Nagasaki]]. The Edo period also gave rise to ''[[kokugaku]]'', or literally "national studies," the study of Japan by the Japanese themselves.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hooker |first=Richard |url=http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/KOKUGAKU.HTM |title=Japan Glossary; Kokugaku | publisher = Washington State University | date=1999-07-14 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>
-[[Image:Map of Japan by Keampfer.jpg|thumb|240px|Map of Japan, end of the 17th century.]]
+On March 31, 1854, [[Matthew Calbraith Perry|Commodore Matthew Perry]] and the "[[Black Ships]]" of the [[United States Navy]] forced the opening of Japan to the outside world with the [[Convention of Kanagawa]]. The [[Boshin War]] of 1867–1868 led to the resignation of the shogunate, and the [[Meiji Restoration]] established a government centered around the emperor. Adopting Western political, judicial and military institutions, a [[parliamentary system]] modeled after the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British parliament]] was introduced, with [[Itō Hirobumi]] as the first Prime Minister in 1882. [[Meiji era]] reforms transformed the [[Empire of Japan]] into an [[Industrialization|industrialized]] [[world power]] that embarked on a number of military conflicts to increase access to natural resources. After victories in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] (1894–1895) and the [[Russo-Japanese War]] (1904–1905), Japan gained control of [[Korea]], [[Taiwan]] and the southern half of [[Sakhalin]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://filebox.vt.edu/users/jearnol2/MeijiRestoration/imperial_japan.htm |title=Japan: The Making of a World Superpower (Imperial Japan) |author=Jesse Arnold | publisher = vt.edu/users/jearnol2 | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
-Ieyasu then dominated the political scene and defeated a coalition of rival clans. He was eventually declared Shogun and worked to consolidate the hold of his clan on Japan, setting up the bakuhan taisei system and implementing [[sankin-kotai]] to ensure the loyalty of the feudal lords. After Ieyasu, the Tokugawa shogunate began to pursue a policy of isolation. This period of isolation lasted for two and a half centuries, a time of tenuous political unity known as the [[Edo period]], considered to be the height of Japan's medieval culture.
+The early twentieth century saw a brief period of "[[Taishō period|Taisho democracy]]" overshadowed by the rise of [[Japanese expansionism]] and [[militarization]]. [[World War I]] enabled Japan, which joined the side of the victorious Allies, to expand its influence and territorial holdings. Japan continued its expansionist policy by occupying [[Manchuria]] in 1931. As a result of international condemnation for this occupation, Japan resigned from the [[League of Nations]] two years later. In 1936, Japan signed the [[Anti-Comintern Pact]] with [[Nazi Germany]], joining the [[Axis Powers]] in 1941.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.friesian.com/pearl.htm |title= The Pearl Harbor Strike Force |author= Kelley L. Ross | publisher = friesian.com |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
-===Modern era===
+In 1937, Japan invaded other parts of [[China]], precipitating the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] (1937–1945), after which the [[United States]] placed an oil embargo on Japan.<ref>{{cite book |author=Roland H. Worth, Jr. |title=No Choice But War: the United States Embargo Against Japan and the Eruption of War in the Pacific |publisher=McFarland |date=1995 |isbn=0-7864-0141-9}}</ref>
-====Meiji Restoration====
+On December 7, 1941, Japan [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|attacked the United States naval base]] in [[Pearl Harbor]] and declared war on the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[Netherlands]]. This act brought the United States into [[World War II]]. After the [[atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|atomic bombing]]s of [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]] in 1945, along with the Soviet Union joining the war against it, Japan agreed to an [[Surrender of Japan|unconditional surrender]] on August 15 ([[V-J Day]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://library.educationworld.net/txt15/surrend1.html |title=Japanese Instrument of Surrender |publisher=educationworld.net |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> The war cost Japan millions of lives and left much of the country's industry and infrastructure destroyed. The [[International Military Tribunal for the Far East]], was convened by the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] (on May 3, 1946) to prosecute Japanese leaders for [[Japanese war crimes|war crimes]] such as the [[Nanking Massacre]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/nankingatrocities/Tribunals/imtfe_01.htm |title=The Nanking Atrocities: The Postwar Judgment |publisher=University of Missouri-Columbia |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
-{{main article|Meiji Restoration}}
-[[Image:Japanese_Empire2.png|thumb|200px|The Empire of Japan encompassed most of East and Southeast Asia at its height, in 1942]]
-On [[March 31]], [[1854]], [[Matthew Perry (naval officer)|Commodore Matthew Perry]] of the [[United States Navy]] forced the opening of Japan to the West with the [[Convention of Kanagawa]]. The [[Boshin War]] of 1867 to 1868 led to the resignation of the shogunate, and the [[Meiji Restoration]] established a government centered around the emperor. One of the main figures that helped bring change was [[Fukuzawa Yukichi]], for example.
-====Imperial Japan====
+In 1947, Japan adopted a new [[Pacifism|pacifist]] [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]] emphasizing [[Liberal democracy|liberal democratic]] practices. Official [[Occupied Japan|American occupation]] lasted until 1952<ref>{{cite web |url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070306f3.html |title='52 coup plot bid to rearm Japan: CIA |author=Joseph Coleman| date=2006-03-06| publisher=[[The Japan Times]] |accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref> and Japan was granted membership in the [[United Nations]] in 1956. Under a subsequent program of aggressive industrial development aided by the US, Japan achieved [[Japanese post-war economic miracle|spectacular growth]] to become the second largest economy in the world, with an annual growth rate averaging 10% for four decades. This ended in the mid-1990s when Japan suffered [[Japanese asset price bubble|a major recession]]. Positive growth in the early twenty-first century has signaled a gradual recovery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5178822.stm |title=Japan scraps zero interest rates |publisher=[[BBC News Online]] |date=2006-07-14 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>
-{{main article|Imperial Japan}}
-Japan adopted numerous Western institutions during the [[Meiji period]], including a modern government, legal system, and military. These reforms helped transform the [[Empire of Japan]] into a world power, defeating [[China]] in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] (1894-1895) and [[Russia]] in the [[Russo-Japanese War]] (1904-1905). The Russo-Japanese war is  important because it was the first time that an Asian country  defeated an imperialistic power. By 1910, Japan controlled [[Korea]], [[Taiwan]], and the southern half of [[Sakhalin]].
-The early 20th century saw a brief period of "[[Taisho democracy]]" overshadowed by the rise of [[Japanese expansionism]]. [[World War I]] enabled Japan, which fought on the side of the victorious [[Allies]], to expand its influence in [[Asia]], and its territorial holdings in the [[Pacific]]. In 1936, however, Japan signed the [[Anti-Comintern Pact]], joining with Germany and Italy to form the [[Axis Powers|Axis]] alliance. During this period, Japan invaded China, occupying [[Manchuria]] in 1931, and continued its expansion into [[China]] in 1937, starting the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]], which lasted until the end of [[World War II]]. In 1941 Japan [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|attacked the United States naval base in Pearl Harbor]] as well as [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[Netherlands|Dutch]] colonies in [[Southeast Asia]], bringing the [[United States]] into the war.
-[[Image:nagasakibomb.jpg|200px|thumb|The [[Fat Man]] [[mushroom cloud]] resulting from the [[nuclear explosion]] over [[Nagasaki]] rises 18 km (60,000 ft) into the air from the [[hypocenter]]. ]]
-After a long campaign in the [[Pacific Ocean]], Japan lost its initial territorial gains, and American forces moved close enough to begin [[strategic bombing]] of [[Tokyo]], [[Osaka]], and other major cities, as well as the [[atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|atomic bombing]]s of [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]]. The Japanese eventually agreed to an unconditional surrender to the Allies on [[August 15]], [[1945]] ([[V-J Day]]). The [[International Military Tribunal for the Far East|Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal]] was convened on [[May 3]][[1946]] to prosecute [[Japanese war crimes]], including atrocities like the [[Nanking Massacre]]. Emperor [[Hirohito]], however, was given immunity and retained his title.
-====Modern Japan====
-The war cost millions of lives in Japan and other countries, especially in [[East Asia]], and left much of the country's industries and infrastructure destroyed. Official [[Occupied Japan|American occupation]] lasted until 1952, although [[United States Forces Japan|U.S. forces]] still retain important bases in Japan, especially in [[Okinawa]]. In 1947, Japan adopted a new [[pacifism|pacifist]] [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]], seeking international cooperation and emphasizing human rights and democratic practices.
-After the occupation, under a program of aggressive industrial development and U.S. assistance, Japan achieved spectacular growth to become one of the largest economies in the world. Despite a major [[stock market crash]] in 1990, from which the country is recovering gradually, Japan remains a global economic power today and is now bidding for a permanent seat on the [[United Nations Security Council]].
 ==Government and politics==
+[[Image:Kokkaigijido.jpg|thumb|left|The [[National Diet Building]], in [[Nagatachō, Tokyo]].]]
 {{main|Government of Japan|Politics of Japan}}
-In academic studies, Japan is generally considered a [[constitutional monarchy]], based largely upon the British system with strong influences from European continental [[civil law]] countries such as Germany and France. For example, in 1896 the Japanese government established ''Minpo'', the [[Civil Code]], on the French model. With post-World War II modifications, the code remains in effect in present-day Japan. <ref>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9043364?hook=6804 "Japanese Civil Code"], ''Encyclopædia Britannica''. Retrieved 14 May 2006.</ref>
+Japan is a [[constitutional monarchy]] where the power of the [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]] as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." Power is held chiefly by the [[Prime Minister of Japan]] and other elected members of the [[Diet of Japan|Diet]], while sovereignty is vested in the [[Japanese people]].<ref name="Constitution">{{cite web |url=http://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/law/index.htm |title=The Constitution of Japan |publisher=House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan |date=1946-11-03 |accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> The emperor effectively acts as the [[head of state]] on diplomatic occasions. [[Akihito]] is the current Emperor of Japan.
-===The parliament===
+Japan's legislative organ is the [[Diet of Japan|National Diet]], a bicameral [[parliament]]. The Diet consists of a [[House of Representatives of Japan|House of Representatives]], containing 480 seats, elected by popular vote every four years or when dissolved and a [[House of Councillors]] of 242 seats, whose popularly-elected members serve six-year terms. There is [[universal suffrage]] for adults over 20 years of age,<ref name="ciagen"/> with a [[secret ballot]] for all elective offices.<ref name="Constitution"/> The [[Liberal conservatism|liberal conservative]] [[Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)|Liberal Democratic Party]] (LDP) has been in power since 1955, except for a short-lived [[coalition government]] formed from opposition parties in 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jimin.jp/jimin/english/history/index.html |title=A History of the Liberal Democratic Party |publisher=Liberal Democratic Party of Japan |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The largest opposition party is the [[Social liberalism|social liberal]] [[Democratic Party of Japan]].
-[[Image:The Diet.jpg|thumb|240|The [[Parliament]] sits in joint session.]]
-The [[Constitution of Japan]] states that the nation's "highest organ of state power" is its bicameral [[parliament]], the [[Diet of Japan|National Diet]] (''Kokkai''). The Diet consists of a [[House of Representatives of Japan|House of Representatives]] (Lower House or ''Shūgi-in'') containing 480 seats, elected by popular vote every 4 years or when dissolved, and a [[House of Councillors]] (Upper House or ''Sangi-in'') of 242 seats, whose popularly-elected members serve six-year terms. There is universal adult (over 20 years old) [[suffrage]], with a [[secret ballot]] for all elective offices.
-The [[Cabinet of Japan|Cabinet]] is composed of a [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] and ministers of state, and is responsible to the Diet. The Prime Minister must be a member of the [[Diet]], and is designated by his colleagues. The Prime Minister has the power to appoint and remove ministers, a majority of whom must be Diet members. The [[Liberal conservatism|liberal conservative]] [[Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)|Liberal Democratic Party]] (LDP) has been in power since 1955, except for a short-lived [[coalition government]] formed from its opposition parties in 1993; the largest opposition party is the liberal-socialist [[Democratic Party of Japan]].
+The Prime Minister of Japan is the [[head of government]]. The position is appointed by the [[Emperor of Japan]] after being designated by the [[Diet of Japan|Diet]] from among its members and must enjoy the confidence of the [[House of Representatives of Japan|House of Representatives]] to remain in office. The Prime Minister is the head of the [[Cabinet of Japan|Cabinet]] (the literal translation of his Japanese title is "Prime Minister of the Cabinet") and appoints and dismisses the [[Ministers of State]], a majority of whom must be Diet members. [[Shinzo Abe]] currently serves as the Prime Minister of Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html |title=Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet |publisher=Office of the Prime Minister of Japan| accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
-===The Imperial household===
+Historically influenced by [[Chinese law]], the [[Japanese law|Japanese legal system]] developed independently during the [[Edo period]] through texts such as ''[[Kujikata Osadamegaki]]''. However, since the late nineteenth century, the [[judicial system of Japan|judicial system]] has been largely based on the [[Civil law (legal system)|civil law]] of [[Europe]], notably [[France]] and [[Germany]]. For example, in 1896, the Japanese government established a [[civil code]] based on the German model. With post-World War II modifications, the code remains in effect in present-day Japan.<ref name="civilcode">{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9043364?hook=6804 |title="Japanese Civil Code" |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> Statutory law originates in Japan's legislature, the National Diet of Japan, with the rubber-stamp approval of the Emperor. The current constitution requires that the Emperor promulgates legislation passed by the Diet, without specifically giving him the power to oppose the passing of the legislation.<ref name="Constitution"/> Japan's court system is divided into four basic tiers: the [[Supreme Court of Japan|Supreme Court]] and three levels of lower courts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/judiciary/0620system.html |publisher=Office of the Prime Minister of Japan |title=The Japanese Judicial System |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The main body of Japanese statutory law is a collection called the [[Six Codes]].<ref name="civilcode"/>
-[[Image:JapanTokyoNijubashi.jpg|thumb|The [[Kokyo|Imperial Palace]] in Tokyo is the primary residence of the emperor]]
-The [[Imperial Household of Japan]] is headed by the Emperor of Japan. The Constitution of Japan defines the emperor to be "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people". He performs ceremonial duties and holds no real power; not even emergency [[reserve power]]s. Power is mainly held by the Prime Minister, and other elected members of the [[Diet]]. Sovereignty is vested in the [[Japanese people]] by the constitution. Though his official status is disputed, on diplomatic occasions the emperor tends to behave (with widespread public support, it should be noted) as though he were a [[head of state]]. As of 2006 Japan is the only country in the world which is headed by an [[emperor]].
+==Foreign relations and military==
+[[Image:Shinzoandbush.jpg|thumb|[[Shinzo Abe]] with [[US President]] [[George W. Bush]]]]
+[[Image:japanese sailors jmsdf.jpg|thumb|Sailors aboard the [[JMSDF]] training vessel JDS Kashima]]
+{{main|Foreign relations of Japan|Japan Self-Defense Forces|Ministry of Defense (Japan)}}
+Japan maintains close economic and military relations with its key ally the [[United States]], with the [[Japanese-American relations|US-Japan security alliance]] serving as the cornerstone of its [[foreign policy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/03/japan_is_back_why_tokyos_new_a.html |title=Japan Is Back: Why Tokyo's New Assertiveness Is Good for Washington| author=Michael Green |publisher=Real Clear Politics | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> A member state of the [[United Nations]] since 1956, Japan has served as a non-permanent [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] member for a [[List of elected members of the United Nations Security Council#Scoretable|total of 18 years]], most recently in 2005–2006. It is also one of the [[G4 nations]] seeking permanent membership in the Security Council.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070111/1101194.htm |title=UK backs Japan for UNSC bid |publisher=Cenral Chronicle | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> As a member of the [[G8]], the [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation|APEC]], the "[[ASEAN Plus Three]]" and a participant in the [[East Asia Summit]], Japan actively participates in international affairs. It is also the world's second-largest donor of [[official development assistance]], donating 0.19% of its [[Gross National Income|GNP]] in 2004.<ref>{{PDFlink|[http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/40/3/35389786.pdf Table: Net Official Development Assistance In 2004 (PDF).]|32.9&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 33766 bytes —>}} Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2005-04-11). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref> Japan contributed non-combatant troops to the [[Iraq War]] but subsequently withdrew its forces from [[Iraq]].<ref name="Iraq deployment">{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/20/news/japan.php |title= Tokyo says it will bring troops home from Iraq |publisher=[[International Herald Tribune]] |date=2006-06-20 | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>
-===Foreign relations===
+Japan is engaged in several territorial disputes with its neighbors: with [[Russia]] over the [[Kuril Island conflict|South Kuril Islands]], with [[South Korea]] over the [[Liancourt Rocks]], with [[People's Republic of China|China]] and [[Republic of China|Taiwan]] over the [[Senkaku Islands]] and with China over the status of [[Okinotorishima]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiana.edu/~japan/iguides/disputes.htm |title=Japan's Territorial Disputes |publisher=Indiana University | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> Japan also faces an ongoing dispute with [[North Korea]] over its [[North Korean abductions of Japanese|abduction of Japanese citizens]] and its [[North Korea and weapons of mass destruction|nuclear weapons]] and missile program.
-{{main|Foreign relations of Japan}}
-Japan is a member state of the [[United Nations]] and a non-permanent member of the [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]]; it is currently one of the "[[G4 nations]]" seeking permanent membership.
+Japan's military is restricted by [[Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan|Article 9]] of the [[Constitution of Japan]], which renounces Japan's right to declare war or use military force as a means of settling international disputes, although the current government is seeking to amend the Constitution via a referendum.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6652809.stm|title=Japan approves constitution steps |publisher=[[BBC News]] | accessdate=2007-05-15}}</ref> Japan's military is governed by the [[Ministry of Defense (Japan)|Ministry of Defense]], and primarily consists of the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] (JGSDF), the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] (JMSDF) and the [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] (JASDF). The forces have been recently used in [[peacekeeping]] operations and the [[deployment of Japanese troops to Iraq]] marked the first overseas use of its military since [[World War II]].<ref name="Iraq deployment"/>
-Japan's current constitution prohibits the use of military forces to wage war against other countries. However, the government maintains "[[Japan Self-Defense Forces|Self-Defense Forces]]" which include air, land and sea components. [[Deployment of Japanese troops to Iraq|Japan's deployment of non-combat troops to Iraq]] marked the first overseas use of its military since [[World War II]].
+==Administrative divisions==
+[[Image:03-05-JPN192.jpg|thumb|[[Tokyo]]]]
+[[Image:Yokohama MinatoMirai21.jpg|thumb|[[Yokohama]]]]
+[[Image:OsakaFromOsakaCastleM0742.jpg|thumb|[[Osaka]]]]
+{{main|Prefectures of Japan|Cities of Japan|Towns of Japan|Villages of Japan|List of Japanese cities by population}}
+While there exist eight commonly defined [[regions of Japan]], administratively Japan consists of [[Prefectures of Japan|forty-seven prefectures]], each overseen by an elected governor, legislature and administrative bureaucracy. The [[Tokyo City|former city of Tokyo]] is further divided into [[Special wards of Tokyo|twenty-three special wards]], each with the same powers as cities.
-As an economic power, Japan is a member of the [[G8]] and [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation|APEC]], and has developed relations with [[ASEAN]] as a member of "ASEAN plus three" and the [[East Asia Summit]]. It is a major donor in [[international aid]] and development efforts, donating 0.19% of its [[Gross National Income]] in 2004. <ref>[http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/40/3/35389786.pdf Net Official Development Assistance In 2004], Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 11 April 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2006. {{PDFlink}}</ref>
+The nation is currently undergoing administrative [[Merger and dissolution of municipalities of Japan|reorganization by merging]] many of the cities, towns and villages with each other. This process will reduce the number of sub-prefecture administrative regions and is expected to cut administrative costs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mabuchi |first=Masaru |url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37175.pdf |title=''Municipal Amalgamation in Japan'' (PDF) |publisher=World Bank |date=May 2001 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>
-Japan currently has territorial disputes with [[Russia]] over the [[Kuril Island conflict|Kuril Islands]], with [[South Korea]] over the [[Liancourt Rocks]], with [[People's Republic of China|China]] and [[Taiwan]] over the [[Senkaku Islands]] and with China over the status of [[Okinotori]]. These disputes are in part about the control of marine and natural resources, such as possible reserves of [[crude oil]] and [[natural gas]].
+Japan has dozens of [[List of Japanese cities by population|major cities]], which play an important role in Japan's culture, heritage and economy. Those in the list below of the ten most populous are all prefectural capitals and [[City designated by government ordinance (Japan)|Government Ordinance Cities]], except where indicated:
-In recent years, Japan has an ongoing dispute with [[North Korea]] over its [[North Korean abductions of Japanese|abduction of Japanese citizens]] and [[North Korea and weapons of mass destruction|nuclear weapons program]].
+{| class="wikitable"
+! !! City !! Prefecture !! Population<ref name="population">{{cite web |url=http://www.citypopulation.de/Japan-Cities.html#Stadt_gross |title=Japan—City Population |publisher=citypopulation.de | accessdate=2007-02-01}}</ref>
+|-
+|  1  || '''[[Special wards of Tokyo|Tokyo]]'''<sup>a</sup>{{spaces|2}} || [[Tokyo]] || 8,535,792</tr>
+|  2  || '''[[Yokohama]]''' || [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]{{spaces|2}} || 3,602,758</tr>
+|  3  || '''[[Osaka]]'''    || [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]] || 2,635,420</tr>
+|  4  || '''[[Nagoya]]'''  || [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]] || 2,223,148</tr>
+|  5  || '''[[Sapporo]]'''  || [[Hokkaidō]]              || 1,888,953</tr>
+|  6  || '''[[Kobe]]'''    || [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]] || 1,528,687</tr>
+|  7  || '''[[Kyoto]]'''    || [[Kyoto Prefecture|Kyoto]] || 1,472,511</tr>
+|  8  || '''[[Fukuoka, Fukuoka|Fukuoka]]''' || [[Fukuoka Prefecture|Fukuoka]] || 1,414,417</tr>
+|  9  || '''[[Kawasaki, Kanagawa|Kawasaki]]'''<sup>b</sup> || [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]] || 1,342,262</tr>
+| 10  || '''[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]]''' || [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]|| 1,182,744</tr>
+|}
+{{small|<sup>a</sup> 23 municipalities. Also capital of Japan.<br/><sup>b</sup> Government Ordinance City only.}}
-==Physical geography==
+==Geography and climate==
-[[Image:329px-Ja-map.svg.png|thumb|right|200px|Map of Japan]]
+[[Image:Satellite image of Japan in May 2003.jpg|thumb|Japan from space, May 2003.]]
+[[Image:Mountfujijapan.jpg|thumb|right|[[Mount Fuji]], the highest point in Japan, with [[sakura]] and the [[Shinkansen]] in the foreground.]]
 {{main|Geography of Japan}}
+Japan is a country of over three thousand islands extending along the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are [[Hokkaidō]], [[Honshū]] (the main island), [[Shikoku]] and [[Kyūshū]]. The [[Ryukyu Islands]], including [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]], are a chain of islands south of Kyushū. Together they are often known as the [[Japanese Archipelago]].
-Japan, a country of [[island]]s, extends along the eastern or [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] coast of [[Asia]]. The main islands, running from north to south, are [[Hokkaido]], [[Honshū|Honshu]] (or the mainland), [[Shikoku]], and [[Kyushu]]. [[Naha, Okinawa|Naha]] in the [[Ryukyu Islands|Ryukyu]] archipelago is over 600 kilometres (375&nbsp;[[mile|mi]]) to the southwest of Kyushu. In addition, about 3,000 smaller islands may be counted in the full extent of the [[archipelago]].
+About 70% to 80% of the country is forested, mountainous,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761566679/Japan.html |title="Japan" |publisher=Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia |date=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldinfozone.com/country.php?country=Japan |title=Japan Information—Page 1 |publisher=WorldInfoZone.com |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. This is due to the generally steep elevations, climate and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, soft ground and heavy rain. This has resulted in an extremely high population density in the habitable zones that are mainly located in coastal areas. Japan is the thirtieth [[list of countries by population density|most densely populated country]] in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://esa.un.org/unpp/ |title=World Population Prospects |publisher=UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
-Japan is the 18th [[list of countries by population density|most densely populated country]] in the world. About 73% of the country is [[mountain]]ous {{citation needed}}, and unsuitable for [[Agriculture|agricultural]], [[Industry|industrial]], or residential use, due to the generally steep elevations, climate, and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, soft ground, and heavy rain. This has resulted in an extremely high population density in the habitable zones that are mainly located in coastal areas.
+Its location on the [[Pacific Ring of Fire]], at the juncture of three tectonic plates, gives Japan frequent low-intensity tremors and occasional volcanic activity. Destructive [[earthquake]]s, often resulting in [[tsunami]]s, occur several times each century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/north_asia/japan_tec.html |title=Tectonics and Volcanoes of Japan |publisher=Oregon State University |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The most recent major quakes are the [[2004 Chuetsu Earthquake|2004 Chūetsu Earthquake]] and the [[Great Hanshin earthquake|Great Hanshin Earthquake]] of 1995. [[Onsen|Hot springs]] are numerous and have been developed as resorts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/attractions/hotSprings.html |title=Attractions: Hot Springs |publisher=[[JNTO]] |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>
-Its location on the [[Pacific Ring of Fire]], at the juncture of three tectonic plates, gives Japan frequent low-intensity earth tremors and occasional volcanic activity. Destructive [[earthquake]]s, often resulting in [[tsunami]]s, occur several times each century. The most recent major quakes include the [[2004 Chuetsu Earthquake]] and the [[Great Hanshin earthquake|Great Hanshin Earthquake]] of [[1995]]. [[Onsen|Hot springs]] are numerous, and have been developed as resorts.
+The climate of Japan is predominantly [[temperate]], but varies greatly from north to south.<ref name="climate">{{cite web |url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/climate.html |title=Essential Info: Climate |publisher=[[JNTO]] |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones:
+* [[Hokkaidō]]: The northernmost zone has a temperate climate with long, cold winters and cool summers. [[precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]] is not heavy, but the islands usually develop deep snow banks in the winter.
+* [[Sea of Japan]]: On Honshū's west coast, the northwest wind in the wintertime brings heavy snowfall. In the summer, the region is cooler than the Pacific area, though it sometimes experiences extremely hot temperatures, due to the [[Föhn wind]] phenomenon.
+* [[Central Highland (Japan)|Central Highland]]: A typical inland climate, with large temperature differences between summer and winter, and between day and night. Precipitation is light.
+* [[Inland Sea|Seto Inland Sea]]: The mountains of the [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]] and [[Shikoku]] regions shelter the region from the seasonal winds, bringing mild weather throughout the year.
+* [[Pacific Ocean]]: The east coast experiences cold winters with little snowfall and hot, humid summers due to the southeast seasonal wind.
+* [[Ryukyu Islands|South-west Islands]]: The Ryukyu Islands have a subtropical climate, with warm winters and hot summers. Precipitation is very heavy, especially during the rainy season. [[Tropical cyclone|Typhoons]] are common.
-The climate of Japan is predominantly [[temperate]] but varies greatly from north to south. Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones:
+The main [[East Asian rainy season|rainy season]] begins in early May in Okinawa, and the stationary rain front responsible for this gradually works its way north until it dissipates in northern Japan before reaching Hokkaidō in late July. In most of Honshū, the rainy season begins before the middle of June and lasts about six weeks. In late summer and early autumn, [[typhoon]]s often bring heavy rain.<ref name="climate"/>
-*[[Hokkaido]]: The northernmost zone has a temperate climate with long, cold winters and cool summers. [[precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]] is not heavy, but the islands usually develop deep snow banks in the winter.
-*[[Sea of Japan]]: On Honshu's west coast, the northwest wind in the wintertime brings heavy snowfall. In the summer, the region is cooler than the Pacific area, though it sometimes experiences extremely hot temperatures, due to the [[Föhn wind]] phenomenon.
-*[[Chuo-kochi|Central Highlands]]: A typical inland climate, with large temperature differences between summer and winter, and between day and night. Precipitation is light.
-*[[Inland Sea|Seto Inland Sea]]: The mountains of the [[Chugoku region|Chugoku]] and [[Shikoku]] regions shelter the region from the seasonal winds, bringing mild weather throughout the year.
-*Pacific Ocean: The east coast experiences cold winters with little snowfall and hot, humid summers due to the southeast seasonal wind.
-*[[Ryukyu Islands|Southwest Islands]]: The Ryukyu Islands have a subtropical climate, with warm winters and hot summers. Precipitation is very heavy, especially during the rainy season. [[Tropical cyclone|Typhoons]] are common.
-The main [[Monsoon|rainy season]] begins in early May in Okinawa, and the stationary rain front responsible for this gradually works its way north until it dissipates in northern Japan before reaching Hokkaido in late July. In most of Honshu, the rainy season begins before the middle of June and lasts about six weeks. In late summer and early [[autumn]], [[typhoon]]s often bring heavy rain.
-Japan is home to nine forest [[Ecoregions of Japan|ecoregions]] which reflect the climate and geography of the islands. They range from [[Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests|subtropical moist broadleaf forests]] in the Ryukyu and Bonin islands, to [[temperate broadleaf and mixed forests]] in the mild climate regions of the main islands, to [[temperate coniferous forests]] in the cold, winter portions of the northern islands.
-==Administrative subdivisions==
-{{main|Prefectures of Japan}}
-Japan is divided into 47 [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]], which are commonly grouped into [[Regions of Japan|regions]]. [[Honshu]], by far the largest and most populated island, is typically divided into five (or more) regions. The other major islands constitute one region each. From north to south, the regions are:
-{| class=wikitable
-! Region
-! Prefectures
-|-
-! [[Hokkaido|Hokkaidō]]
-| [[Hokkaido|Hokkaidō]]
-|-
-! [[Tohoku region|Tōhoku]]
-| [[Akita Prefecture|Akita]], [[Aomori Prefecture|Aomori]], [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]], [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]], [[Yamagata Prefecture|Yamagata]]
-|-
-! [[Kanto region|Kantō]]
-| [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]], [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]], [[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]], [[Tokyo]]
-|-
-! [[Chubu region|Chubu]]
-| [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]], [[Fukui Prefecture|Fukui]], [[Gifu Prefecture|Gifu]], [[Ishikawa Prefecture|Ishikawa]], [[Nagano Prefecture|Nagano]], [[Niigata Prefecture|Niigata]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]], [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]], [[Yamanashi Prefecture|Yamanashi]]
-|-
-! [[Kansai]]
-| [[Hyogo Prefecture|Hyōgo]], [[Kyoto Prefecture|Kyoto]], [[Mie Prefecture|Mie]], [[Nara Prefecture|Nara]], [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]], [[Shiga Prefecture|Shiga]], [[Wakayama Prefecture|Wakayama]]
-|-
-! [[Chugoku region|Chūgoku]]
-| [[Hiroshima Prefecture|Hiroshima]], [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]], [[Shimane Prefecture|Shimane]], [[Tottori Prefecture|Tottori]], [[Yamaguchi Prefecture|Yamaguchi]]
-|-
-! [[Shikoku]]
-| [[Ehime Prefecture|Ehime]], [[Kagawa Prefecture|Kagawa]], [[Kochi Prefecture|Kōchi]], [[Tokushima Prefecture|Tokushima]]
-|-
-! [[Kyushu|Kyūshū]]
-| [[Fukuoka Prefecture|Fukuoka]], [[Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]], [[Kumamoto Prefecture|Kumamoto]], [[Miyazaki Prefecture|Miyazaki]], [[Nagasaki Prefecture|Nagasaki]], [[Oita Prefecture|Oita]], [[Saga Prefecture|Saga]]
-|-
-! [[Okinawa]]
-| [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]
-|}
-The prefectures are further subdivided into [[cities of Japan|cities]], [[towns of Japan|towns]] and [[villages of Japan|villages]]. Major cities are divided into [[wards of Japan|wards]], and the central portion of Tokyo is divided into [[23 special wards]].
+Japan is home to nine forest [[Ecoregions of Japan|ecoregions]] which reflect the climate and geography of the islands. They range from [[Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests|subtropical moist broadleaf forests]] in the Ryūkyū and Bonin islands, to [[temperate broadleaf and mixed forests]] in the mild climate regions of the main islands, to [[temperate coniferous forests]] in the cold, winter portions of the northern islands.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/spotflora.htm |title=Flora and Fauna: Diversity and regional uniqueness |publisher=Embassy of Japan in the USA |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>
 ==Economy==
-<div style="float:right;">
+[[Image:BoJ.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[Tokyo]] headquarters of the [[Bank of Japan]], the country's [[central bank]].]]
-[[Image:Wfm_kansai_closeup.jpg|thumb|none|Japan's construction industry has been aided by huge civil works projects. One of the most well known is [[Kansai International Airport]], built on an [[artificial island]] at a total cost of $30 billion.]]
-</div>
 {{main|Economy of Japan}}
+Close [[government]]-[[industry]] cooperation, a strong [[work ethic]], mastery of [[high tech]]nology, and a comparatively small [[Defense budget of Japan|defense allocation]] have helped Japan become the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|second largest]] economy in the world,<ref name="imf">{{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/02/data/weorept.aspx?sy=2005&ey=2005&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C686%2C218%2C688%2C963%2C518%2C616%2C728%2C223%2C558%2C516%2C138%2C918%2C353%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C965%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698%2C941&s=NGDPD&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=64&pr1.y=9 |title=World Economic Outlook Database; country comparisons |publisher=[[IMF]] |date=2006-09-01 |accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref> after the [[United States]], at around US$4.5 [[1000000000000 (number)|trillion]] in terms of [[nominal GDP]]<ref name="imf"/> and third after the United States and [[People's Republic of China|China]] in terms of [[purchasing power parity]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/eco_gdp_ppp-economy-gdp-ppp |title=NationMaster; Economy Statistics |publisher=[[NationMaster]] |accessdate=2007-03-26}}</ref>
-Japan is a major economic [[global power]]. Government-industry cooperation, a strong [[work ethic]] {{citation needed}}, mastery of [[High tech|high technology]] {{citation needed}}, emphasis on [[education]] {{citation needed}}, and a comparatively small [[Defense budget of Japan|defense allocation]]{{citation needed}} have helped Japan advance with extraordinary speed to become one of the largest economies in the world. For three decades, overall real economic growth had been spectacular: a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s {{citation needed}}. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s largely due to the after-effects of over-investment during the late 1980s and domestic policies intended to wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Government efforts to revive economic growth have met with little success and were further hampered in 2000 to 2001 by the slowing of the global economy.
+[[Bank]]ing, [[insurance]], [[real estate]], [[Retailer|retail]]ing, [[Transportation in Japan|transportation]] and [[telecommunication]]s are all major industries. Japan has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of [[motor vehicle]]s, [[Electronics|electronic equipment]], [[machine tool]]s, [[steel]] and nonferrous [[metal]]s, [[ship]]s, [[chemical]]s, [[textile]]s and [[processed food]]s. It is home to leading [[multinational corporation]]s and commercial [[brand]]s in [[technology]] and [[machinery]].<ref name="ciaecon"/> [[Construction]] has long been one of Japan's largest industries, with the help of multi-billion dollar government contracts in the civil sector. Distinguishing characteristics of the Japanese economy have included the cooperation of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and banks in closely-knit groups called ''[[keiretsu]]'' and the guarantee of [[lifetime employment]] in big corporations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=7193984 |title=Japan's Economy: Free at last |publisher=[[The Economist]] |date=2006-07-20 |accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> Recently, Japanese companies have begun to abandon some of these norms in an attempt to increase profitability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moneyweek.com/file/26181/why-germanys-economy-will-outshine-japan.html |title=Why Germany's economy will outshine Japan |publisher=MoneyWeek |date=2007-02-28 |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>
-However, the economy saw signs of strong recovery in 2005. GDP growth for the year was 2.8%, with a fourth quarter expansion of 5.5% {{citation needed}}, surpassing the growth rate of the US and European Union during the same period. Unlike previous recovery trends, domestic consumption has been the dominant factor in leading the growth. Hence, the Japanese government predicts that recovery will continue in 2006. In March 2006 the core Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a positive growth for the first time in 8 years {{citation needed}}.
+[[Image:Tokyo_Stock_Exchange_1146.jpg|thumb|right|200px|With a market capitalization of more than US$4 trillion, the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]] is the second largest in the world.]]
+Japan is home to the world's largest bank,<ref name="mufg">{{PDFlink|[http://www.mufg.jp/english/ir/fs/backnumber/2007mufg-mar-1q/pdffile/mufg2007_1q_e.pdf Consolidated financial information.]|202&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 207195 bytes —>}} Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (2006-07-31). Retrieved on 2006-12-29.</ref> the [[Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group]],<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A54352-2004Jul16.html Japan Merger Creates World's Largest Bank] [[Washington Post]] (2004-07-16). Retrieved on 2007-03-10.</ref> which has roughly US$1.7 [[1000000000000 (number)|trillion]] in [[asset]]s;<ref name="mufg"/> the world's largest [[postal savings system]]; and the largest holder of [[Saving|personal saving]]s, [[Japan Post]], holding personal savings valued at around US$3.3 trillion. It is home to the world's second largest [[stock exchange]], the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]], with a market [[capitalization]] of over US$4 trillion as of December 2006.<ref>[http://www.tse.or.jp/STATISTICS/e01.html Market data.] Tokyo Stock Exchange (2006-12-28). Retrieved on 2006-12-29.</ref> It is also home to some of the largest [[financial services]] companies, [[business group]]s and [[bank]]s. For instance several large [[keiretsu]]s (business groups) and multinational companies such as [[Sony]], [[Sumitomo]], [[Mitsubishi]] and [[Toyota]] own billion- and trillion-[[US dollar|dollar]] operating banks, [[investment|investment group]]s and/or financial services such as [[Sumitomo Bank]], [[Fuji Bank]], [[Mitsubishi Bank]], [[Toyota Financial Services]] and [[Sony Financial Holdings]].
-Distinguishing characteristics of the Japanese economy include the cooperation of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and banks in closely-knit groups called [[keiretsu]]; the powerful enterprise unions and ''[[shunto|shuntō]]''; cozy relations with government bureaucrats, and the guarantee of lifetime employment (''shushin koyo'') in big corporations and highly [[labour union|unionized]] [[blue-collar]] factories. Recently, Japanese companies have begun to abandon some of these norms in an attempt to increase profitability.
+From the 1960s to the 1980s, overall real economic growth has been called [[Japanese post-war economic miracle|a "miracle"]]: a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s and a 4% average in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-7176.html |title=Japan: Patterns of Development |publisher=country-data.com |date=January 1994 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, largely due to the after-effects of [[Japanese asset price bubble|over-investment during the late 1980s]] and domestic policies intended to wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Government efforts to revive economic growth met with little success and were further hampered in 2000 to 2001 by the deceleration of the global economy.<ref name="ciaecon">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#Econ |title=World Factbook; Japan—Economy |publisher=[[CIA]] |date=2006-12-19 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> However, the economy showed strong signs of recovery after 2005. GDP growth for that year was 2.8%, with an annualized fourth quarter expansion of 5.5%, surpassing the growth rates of the US and [[European Union]] during the same period.<ref>Masake, Hisane. [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/HC02Dh01.html A farewell to zero]. ''Asia Times Online'' (2006-03-02). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref>
-The current government of [[Junichiro Koizumi]] has enacted or attempted to pass (sometimes with failure) major privatization and foreign-investment laws intended to help stimulate Japan's dormant economy. Although the effectiveness of these laws is still ambiguous, the economy has begun to respond, but Japan's aging population is expected to place further strain on growth in the near future. <ref>"[http://www.btinternet.com/~pae_news/review/issue23.htm Japan, Refutation of Neoliberalism]", ''Post-Autistic Economics Network'', 5 January 2004. Retrieved 14 May 2006.</ref>
+Because only about 15% of Japan's land is suitable for cultivation,<ref>Kingshuk Roy. {{PDFlink|[http://www.nourin.tsukuba.ac.jp/~tasae/Japan.pdf Water Resources in relation to Major Agro-Environmental Issues in Japan]|111&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 114636 bytes —>}}. College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University (2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.</ref> a system of terrace farming is used to build in small areas. This results in one of the world's highest levels of crop yields per unit area. However, Japan's small [[Agriculture|agricultural]] sector is also highly subsidized and protected. Japan must import about 50%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ibi-iai.nsf/en/bi18701e.html |title=Japan: Country Information |publisher=Strategis |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> of its requirements of [[grain]] and fodder crops other than rice, and it relies on imports for most of its supply of [[meat]]. In fishing, Japan is ranked second in the world behind [[People's Republic of China|China]] in tonnage of fish caught. Japan maintains one of the world's largest [[fishing]] fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch.<ref name="ciaecon"/> Japan relies on foreign countries for almost all [[oil]] and [[food]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.go.jp/e/defense_policy/example/maritime/index.htm |title=An Example of Maritime Operations |publisher=[[Ministry of Defense (Japan)|Japanese Ministry of Defense]] |accessdate=2007-03-26}}</ref>
-===Agricultural sector===
+Transportation in Japan is highly developed. As of 2004, there are 1,177,278&nbsp;[[Kilometre|km]] (731,683&nbsp;[[mile|miles]]) of paved roadways, 173 airports, and 23,577&nbsp;km (14,653&nbsp;miles) of [[railway]]s.<ref name="ciaecon"/> Air transport is mostly operated by [[All Nippon Airways]] (ANA) and [[Japan Airlines]] (JAL). Railways are operated by [[Japan Railways]] among others. There are extensive international flights from many cities and countries to and from Japan.
-{{main|Agriculture, forestry, and fishing in Japan}}
-[[Image:Suburban_Rice_Fields.jpg|thumb|Suburban rice fields.]]
-Japan uses a system of terrace farming to build in a small area due to lack of available land. Japanese agriculture has one of the world's highest levels of productivity per unit area. Japan's small [[agriculture|agricultural]] sector, however, is also highly subsidized and protected, with government regulations that favor small-scale cultivation instead of large-scale agriculture as practiced in North America. Imported [[rice]], the most protected crop, is subject to tariffs of 490% {{citation needed}} and restricted to a quota of only 3% {{citation needed}} of the total rice market. Although Japan is usually self-sufficient in rice (except for its use in making rice crackers and processed foods), the country must import about 50% {{citation needed}} of its requirements of other [[Cereal|grain]] and fodder crops, and relies on imports for most of its supply of [[meat]]. Japan maintains one of the world's largest [[fishing]] fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch {{citation needed}}, prompting some claims that Japan's fishing is leading to depletion in fish stocks {{citation needed}} such as [[tuna]]. Japan has also sparked controversy {{citation needed}} by supporting quasi-commercial [[whaling in Japan|whaling]].
-===Industrial sector===
+Japan's main export partners are the [[United States]] 22.9%, [[People's Republic of China|China]] 13.4%, [[South Korea]] 7.8%, [[Republic of China|Taiwan]] 7.3% and [[Hong Kong]] 6.1% (for 2005). Japan's main exports are transport equipment, [[motor vehicles]], [[electronics]], electrical machinery and [[chemical]]s.<ref name="ciaecon"/> With very limited [[natural resources]] to sustain economic development, Japan depends on other nations for most of its raw materials; thus it imports a wide variety of goods. Its main import partners are China 21%, U.S. 12.7%, [[Saudi Arabia]] 5.5%, [[UAE]] 4.9%, [[Australia]] 4.7%, South Korea 4.7% and [[Indonesia]] 4% (for 2005). Japan's main imports are machinery and equipment, [[fossil fuels]], [[foodstuff]]s (in particular [[beef]]), [[chemicals]], [[textile]]s and raw materials for its industries. Overall, Japan's largest trading partner is China.<ref>Blustein, Paul. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40192-2005Jan26.html "China Passes U.S. In Trade With Japan: 2004 Figures Show Asian Giant's Muscle".] ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (2005-01-27). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref>
-[[Image:Actroid-DER_01.jpg|thumb|An Actroid-DER robot. It appears like a human and has a good command of four languages. Japan plans to replace some of its aging workforce with robots.]]
-Industry, one-fourth of Japan's [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]], depends heavily on imported raw materials and [[fuel]]s. Internationally, Japan is best known for its [[automobile|automotive]], [[optics]], [[Chemical compound|chemical]] and [[electronics]] industries, as the home of big manufacturers such as [[Toyota]], [[Sharp]], [[Yamaha]], [[Honda]], [[Nissan]], [[Mitsubishi]], [[Mazda]], [[Sony]], [[Matsushita]], [[Toshiba]], [[Suzuki]], and [[Hitachi, Ltd.|Hitachi]], as well as household names like [[Nikon Corporation]]. Japan also holds a large market share in high-technology industries such as [[semiconductor]]s, industrial chemicals, machine tools, and (in recent years) [[Aerospace engineering|aerospace]]. [[Construction]] has long been one of Japan's largest industries, with the help of multi-billion-dollar government contracts in the civil sector. [[Robot|Robotics]] constitutes a key long-term economic strength.
-===Service sector===
+==Science and technology==
-Japan's service sector accounts for about three-fourths of its total economic output. [[Bank|Banking]], [[insurance]], [[real estate]], [[Retailer|retail]]ing, [[transportation in Japan|transportation]], and [[telecommunication]]s are all major industries. The [[Junichiro Koizumi|Koizumi]] government is attempting to privatize [[Japan Post and Postal Services Agency|Japan Post]], one of the country's largest providers of savings and insurance services, by 2007.
+{{main|Science and technology in Japan}}
+Japan is a leading nation in the fields of [[scientific research]], [[technology]], [[machinery]] and [[medical research]]. Nearly 700,000 researchers share a [[US$]]130 billion [[research and development]] budget, the third largest in the world.<ref>McDonald, Joe. [http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8LQ0OI00.htm OECD: China to spend $136 billion on R&D]. ''BusinessWeek'' (2006-12-04). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref>
-{{seealso|List of Japanese companies}}
+Some of Japan's more important technological contributions are found in the fields of [[electronics]], [[machinery]], [[Industrial robots|industrial robotics]], [[optics]], [[chemical]]s, [[semiconductors]] and [[metal]]s. Japan leads the world in [[robotics]], possessing more than half (402,200 of 742,500) of the world's industrial robots used for manufacturing.<ref>[http://www.unece.org/press/pr2000/00stat10e.htm The Boom in Robot Investment Continues—900,000 Industrial Robots by 2003.] and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Press release 2000-10-17. Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref> It also produced [[QRIO]], [[ASIMO]] and [[Aibo]]. Japan is also home to six of the [[List of automobile manufacturers#World Motor Vehicle Production by Manufacturer|world's fifteen largest]] automobile manufacturers and seven of the [[Worldwide Top 20 Semiconductor Sales Leaders|world's twenty largest]] [[semiconductor]] sales leaders.
-==Society==
+Japan has significant plans in [[space exploration]], including building a [[moonbase]] by 2030.<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan Plans Moon Base by 2030 |publisher=MoonDaily |date=2006-08-03 |url=http://www.moondaily.com/reports/Japan_Plans_Moon_Base_By_2030_999.html |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The [[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency]] (JAXA) conducts space and planetary research, aviation research, and development of rockets and satellites. It also built the [[Japanese Experiment Module]], which is slated to be launched and added to the [[International Space Station]] during [[Space Shuttle]] assembly flights in 2007 and 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Homepage |publisher = Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency|date=2006-08-03 |url=http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>
-===Demographics===
-{{main|Demographics of Japan}}
-Japanese society is [[Linguistics|linguistically]], though not ethnically, homogeneous with small populations of primarily [[Ryukyuans]] (1.5 million), North and South [[Koreans]] (0.6 million), [[China|Chinese]] and [[Taiwan]]ese (0.5 million), [[Philippines|Filipino]]s (0.5 million) and [[Brazil]]ians (250,000) {{citation needed}}. Japan also has indigenous minority groups such as the [[Ainu people|Ainu]], [[Ryukyuans]] and ''[[burakumin]]''. Japanese [[citizenship]] is conferred <em>[[jus sanguinis]]</em>, and monolingual Japanese-speaking minorities often reside in Japan for generations under permanent residency status without acquiring citizenship in their country of birth. About 99% of the population speaks [[Japanese language|Japanese]] as their first language.
+==Demographics==
+[[Image:Shibuya tokyo.jpg|thumb|left|A view of [[Shibuya|Shibuya crossing]], an example of Tokyo's often crowded streets.]]
+[[Image:KyotoFushimiInariLarge.jpg|left|thumb|Shinto [[torii]] at [[Fushimi Inari-taisha]], Kyoto.]]
+{{main|Demographics of Japan|Japanese language|Religion in Japan}}
+Japan's population is estimated at around 127.4 million.<ref name="ciapeople">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#People |title=World Factbook; Japan—People |publisher=[[CIA]] |date=2006-12-19 |accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> For the most part, Japanese society is [[Linguistics|linguistically]] and culturally homogeneous with only small populations of foreign workers, [[Zainichi Korean]]s, [[Chinese in Japan|Japanese Chinese]], [[Japanese Brazilians]] and others. Japan also has indigenous [[minority group]]s such as the [[Ainu people|Ainu]] and [[Ryūkyūans]], as well as social minority groups like the ''[[burakumin]]''.
-Japan has the highest [[life expectancy]] in the world: 85.2 years for women and 78.3 years for men in 2002. <ref>[http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/DYB2003/Table04.pdf Vital statistics summary and expectation of life at birth: 1999-2003], United Nations Statistics Division. Retrieved 14 May 2006. {{PDFlink}}</ref> However, the Japanese population is rapidly aging, the effect of [[Post-WW2 baby boom|a postwar baby boom]] followed by a decrease in births in the latter part of the 20th century. By 2007, over 20% of the population will be over the age of 65 {{citation needed}}. The changes in the demographic structure have created a number of social issues, particularly a potential decline in the workforce population and increases in the cost of social securities like the [[pension|public pension plan]].
+Japan has one of the highest [[life expectancy]] rates in the world, at 81.25 years of age as of 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html |title=The World Factbook: Rank order—Life expectancy at birth |publisher=[[CIA]] |date=2006-12-19 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> However, the Japanese population is rapidly aging, the effect of [[Post-WW2 baby boom|a post-war baby boom]] followed by a decrease in births in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 2004, about 19.5% of the population was over the age of 65.<ref name="handbook">{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.go.jp/English/data/handbook/c02cont.htm |title=Statistical Handbook of Japan: Chapter 2—Population |publisher=Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>
-The population started declining in 2005, as the 1.067 million births were exceeded by the 1.077 million deaths {{citation needed}}. At current birth and death rates, the 2005 population of 128 million is expected to decline to 100 million in 2050, and to 64 million in 2100. Demographers and government planners are currently in a heated debate over how to cope with this problem. <ref>"[http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/japan/socsec/ogawa.html Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Japan's Future]", The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 7 March 1997. Retrieved 14 May 2006.</ref> [[Immigration]] and birth incentives are sometimes suggested as a possible solution to provide younger workers to support the nation's aging population. Immigration, however, is not publicly popular as recent increased [[crime]] rates are often attributed to foreigners living in Japan. {{citation needed}}
+The changes in the demographic structure have created a number of social issues, particularly a potential decline in the workforce population and increases in the cost of social security benefits such as the [[pension|public pension plan]]. It is also noted that many Japanese youth are increasingly preferring not to [[marry]] or have families as adults.<ref name="Ogawa"/> Japan's population is expected to drop to 100 million by 2050 and to 64 million by 2100.<ref name="handbook"/> Demographers and government planners are currently in a heated debate over how to cope with this problem.<ref name="Ogawa">Ogawa, Naohiro.[http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/japan/socsec/ogawa.html "Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Japan's Future"] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Transcript of speech delivered on (7 March, 1997). Retrieved on 14 May 2006.</ref> [[Immigration]] and birth incentives are sometimes suggested as a solution to provide younger workers to support the nation's aging population.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jipi.gr.jp/english/message.html |title=Japan Immigration Policy Institute: Director's message| author= Hidenori Sakanaka| publisher=Japan Immigration Policy Institute |date=2005-10-05 |accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> Immigration, however, is not popular.<ref>French, Howard.[http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/24/international/asia/24JAPA.html?ei=5007&en=53c7315175389e69&ex=1374379200&partner=USERLAND&pagewanted=all&position= "Insular Japan Needs, but Resists, Immigration".] "[[The New York Times]]" (2003-07-24). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.</ref>
-{{seealso|Japanese people}}
+Around 84% of Japanese people profess to believe both [[Shinto]] (the indigenous religion of Japan) and [[Buddhism]].<ref name="ciapeople">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#People |title=World Factbook; Japan—People |publisher=[[CIA]] |date=2006-12-19 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> Buddhism, [[Taoism]] and [[Confucianism]] from China have significantly influenced Japanese beliefs and mythology. Religion in Japan tends to be [[syncretic]] in nature, and this results in a variety of practices, such as parents and children celebrating Shinto rituals, students praying before exams, couples holding a wedding at a [[Christian]] [[church]] and funerals being held at [[Buddhist]] temples. A minority (0.7%) profess to [[Christianity]].<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (''[[Shinshūkyō]]'') have emerged in Japan.
-===Religion===
+About 99% of the population speaks [[Japanese language|Japanese]] as their first language.<ref name="ciapeople"> It is an [[agglutinative language]] distinguished by a system of [[Japanese honorifics|honorifics]] reflecting the [[Hierarchy|hierarchical]] nature of Japanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary which indicate the relative status of speaker and listener. Japanese has borrowed or derived large amounts of vocabulary from [[Chinese language|Chinese]] and, since the end of World War II, [[English language|English]]. The [[Japanese writing system|writing system]] uses [[kanji]] ([[Chinese character]]s) and two sets of [[kana]] ([[Syllabary|syllabaries]] based on simplified Chinese characters), as well as the [[Roman alphabet]] and [[Arabic numerals]]. The [[Ryūkyūan languages]], also part of the [[Japonic languages|Japonic language family]] to which Japanese belongs, are spoken in [[Okinawa]], but few children learn these languages.<ref>言語学大辞典セレクション：日本列島の言語 (''Selection from the Encyclopædia of Linguistics: The Languages of the Japanese Archipelago''). "琉球列島の言語" (''The Languages of the Ryukyu Islands''). 三省堂 1997</ref> The [[Ainu language]] is [[Moribund language|moribund]], with only a few elderly [[First language|native speakers]] remaining in [[Hokkaidō]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.un.org/works/culture/japan_story.html |title=15 families keep ancient language alive in Japan |publisher=[[UN]] | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> Most public and private schools require students to take courses in both Japanese and English.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20060427225148/http://www.indiana.edu/~japan/digest5.html |title=Japan Digest: Japanese Education |date=2005-09-01 |author= Lucien Ellington|publisher=Indiana University |accessdate=2006-04-27}}</ref>
-[[Image:Toshodaiji-1.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Toshodaiji]] Buddhist temple, part of a [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] in [[Nara, Nara|Nara]].]]
-{{main articles|[[Religion in Japan]] and [[Japanese mythology]]}}
-The Japanese people's concern towards religion is mostly related to [[mythology]], [[traditions]], and neighborhood activities rather than the source of morality or the guideline for one's life, for which sometimes [[Confucianism]], or even [[Taoism]], tends to serve as the basis for the moral code. When asked to identify their religion, most would profess to believe in either [[Shintoism]] (54%) or [[Buddhism]] (40%) {{citation needed}}, for simple reasons like their family has belonged to some sect of Buddhism or to avoid contention with religious foreigners. Nonetheless, most of the people are not [[atheist]]s, and the tendency is often identified with [[syncretism]], [[secularism]], and even [[irreligion]]. This results in a variety of practices such as parents and children celebrating [[Shinto]] rituals, students praying before exams, couples holding a wedding at a [[Christian]] church and funerals being held at [[Buddhist]] temples. A minority profess to [[Christianity]] (0.7%) and other religions (4.7%) like [[shamanism]], [[Islam]], and [[Hinduism in Japan|Hinduism]]. Also, since the mid-19th century, many religious sects called ''shinkoshukyo'', and later ''[[shinshukyo]]'', emerged.
+==Education and health==
+{{main|Education in Japan|Health care in Japan}}
+Primary, secondary schools and universities were introduced into Japan in 1872 as a result of the [[Meiji Restoration]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fpri.org/footnotes/087.200312.ellington.japaneseeducation.html |title=Beyond the Rhetoric: Essential Questions About Japanese Education |author=Lucien Ellington|publisher=Foreign Policy Research Institute |date=2003-12-01 |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> Since 1947, compulsory education in Japan consists of [[elementary school]] and [[middle school]], which lasts for nine years (from age 6 to age 15). Almost all children continue their education at a three-year senior [[high school]], and, according to the [[Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan)|MEXT]], about 75.9% of high school graduates attend a [[university]], [[junior college]], trade school, or other post-secondary institution in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.mext.go.jp/english/statist/05101901/005.pdf |title= School Education |publisher= [[Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan)|MEXT]] | format = [[PDF]] | accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> Japan's education is very competitive,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usyd.edu.au/news/international/226.html?newsstoryid=1568 |title=Rethinking Japanese education |author=Kate Rossmanith|publisher=The University of Sydney |date=2007-02-05| accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> especially for entrance to institutions of higher education. According to [[The Times Higher Education Supplement]], the two top-ranking universities in Japan are the [[University of Tokyo]] and [[Kyoto University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alnaja7.org/success/Education/times_world_ranking_2005.pdf |title=The Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings |date=2005-10-28 |publisher= TSL Education Ltd. |format = [[PDF]] | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
-===Education===
+In Japan, healthcare services are provided by national and local governments. Payment for personal medical services is offered through a universal health care insurance system that provides relative equality of access, with fees set by a government committee. People without insurance through employers can participate in a national health insurance program administered by local governments. Since 1973, all elderly persons have been covered by government-sponsored insurance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyu.edu/projects/rodwin/lessons.html |author=Victor Rodwin|title=Health Care in Japan |publisher=New York University |accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> Patients are free to select physicians or facilities of their choice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ipss.go.jp/s-info/e/Jasos/Health.html |title=Health Insurance: General Characteristics |publisher=National Institute of Population and Social Security Research |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>
-{{main|Education in Japan}}
-Compulsory education was introduced into Japan in 1872 as one result of the [[Meiji Restoration]]. Since 1947, compulsory education consists of [[elementary school]] and [[middle school]], which lasts for 9 years (from age 6 to age 15). Almost all children continue their education at a three-year senior [[high school]], and 96% of high school graduates attend a [[university]], [[junior college]], trade school, or other post-secondary institution.
+{{clear}}
-===Language===
+==Culture and recreation==
-{{main|Japanese Language}}
+[[Image:Tsunami by hokusai 19th century.jpg|thumb|left|''[[The Great Wave off Kanagawa]]'' (1832), an ''[[ukiyo-e]]'' from ''[[36 Views of Mount Fuji (Hokusai)|Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji]]'' by [[Hokusai]].]]
-[[Image:Nihongo.png|right|80px|日本語 (Japanese language)]]
-The [[Japanese language]] is an [[Agglutinative language|agglutinative]] language distinguished by a system of [[Japanese honorifics|honorifics]] reflecting the [[Hierarchy|hierarchical]]  nature of Japanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary which indicate the relative status of speaker and listener. There is no consensus on what, if any, relationship Japanese has with other languages, but scholars continue to [[Japanese language classification|research]] the issue.
-Japanese incorporates many foreign elements. Much as [[English language|English]] has borrowed learned vocabulary from [[Latin language|Latin]], Japanese has borrowed or derived significant amounts of vocabulary from [[Chinese language|Chinese]]. Japanese also has extensive borrowings from  [[English language|English]]. The [[Japanese writing system|writing system]] uses [[kanji]] ([[Chinese character]]s) and two sets of [[kana]] ([[syllabary|syllabaries]] based on simplified forms of Chinese characters), as well as the [[Roman alphabet]] and [[Hindu-Arabic numerals]].
-Japan's official language is Japanese, and about 99% of the population speaks Japanese as their first language. The [[Ryukyuan languages]], the other member of the [[Japonic languages|Japonic language family]], are spoken in [[Okinawa]], but few children are learning these languages now. [[Ainu language|Ainu]], the language of the indigenous minority, is moribund, with only a few elderly speakers remaining in [[Hokkaido]]. Most public and private schools require students to take courses in both Japanese and English.
-===Culture===
-[[Image:Japanese traditional dancer cropped.jpg|thumb|A Japanese [[Tradition|traditional]] dancer]]
 {{main|Culture of Japan}}
+[[Japanese culture]] has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original [[Jōmon]] culture to its contemporary culture, which combines influences from [[Asia]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]]. Traditional [[Japanese art]]s include [[Japanese crafts|crafts]] ([[ikebana]], [[origami]], [[ukiyo-e]], [[Japanese traditional dolls|dolls]], [[lacquer]]ware, [[Japanese pottery|pottery]]), performances ([[bunraku]], [[Japanese traditional dance|dance]], [[kabuki]], [[noh]], [[rakugo]]), traditions ([[List of Japanese games|games]], [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremony]], [[budo|budō]], [[Japanese architecture|architecture]], [[Japanese garden|gardens]], [[Katana|swords]]) and [[Cuisine of Japan|cuisine]]. The fusion of traditional [[woodblock printing]] and Western art led to the creation of [[manga]], a typically Japanese [[comic book]] format that is now popular within and outside Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnp.co.jp/museum/nmp/nmp_i/articles/manga/manga1.html |title= A History of Manga |publisher=NMP International |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> Manga-influenced [[animation]] for television and film is called [[anime]]. Japanese-made [[video game consoles]] have prospered since the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hov/index.html |title= The History of Video Games |author= Leonard Herman, Jer Horwitz, Steve Kent, and Skyler Miller|publisher=[[Gamespot]] |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>
-Japanese [[culture]] has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original [[Jomon]] culture to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from Asia, [[Europe]], and [[North America]].
+[[Music of Japan|Japanese music]] is eclectic, having borrowed instruments, scales and styles from neighboring cultures. Many instruments, such as the [[koto (musical instrument)|koto]], were introduced in the ninth and tenth centuries. The accompanied [[recitative]] of the [[Noh]] drama dates from the fourteenth century and the popular folk music, with the guitar-like [[shamisen]], from the sixteenth.<ref>Japanese Culture, The Concise [[Columbia Encyclopedia]], 1983 edition, © [[Columbia University Press]] ISBN 0-380-63396-5</ref> [[Western music]], introduced in the late nineteenth century, now forms an integral part of the culture. Post-war Japan has been heavily influenced by American and European modern music, which has led to the evolution of popular band music called [[J-Pop]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,1550807,00.html |title= J-Pop History |publisher=[[The Observer]]| accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> [[Karaoke]] is the most widely practiced cultural activity. A November 1993 survey by the [[Cultural Affairs Agency]] found that more Japanese had sung karaoke that year than had participated in traditional cultural pursuits such as [[floristry|flower arranging]] or [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremony]].<ref>Kelly, Bill. (1998). "Japan's Empty Orchestras: Echoes of Japanese culture in the performance of karaoke," ''The Worlds of Japanese Popular Culture: Gender, Shifting Boundaries and Global Cultures'', p. 76. Cambridge University Press.</ref>
-Historically, China and Korea and have been the most influential starting with the development of the [[Yayoi]] culture from around 300&nbsp;BC and culminating with the introduction of rice farming, ceremonial burial, pottery, painting, writing, poetry, etiquette, the [[Chinese written language|Chinese writing system]], and [[Mahayana]] [[Buddhism]] by the 7th century AD.
+The earliest works of [[Japanese literature]] include two history books the ''[[Kojiki]]'' and the ''[[Nihon Shoki]]'' and the eighth century poetry book ''[[Man'yōshū]]'', all written in Chinese characters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meijigakuin.ac.jp/~ascj/2000/200015.htm |title= Asian Studies Conference, Japan (2000) |publisher=Meiji Gakuin University |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> In the early days of the [[Heian period]], the system of transcription known as ''kana'' ([[Hiragana]] and [[Katakana]]) was created as phonograms. ''[[The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter]]'' is considered the oldest Japanese narrative.<ref name="ispmsu">{{cite web |url=http://www.isp.msu.edu/AsianStudies/wbwoa/eastasia/Japan/literature.html |title= Windows on Asia—Literature : Antiquity to Middle Ages: Recent Past |publisher=Michigan State University, Office of International Studies and Programs |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> An account of Heian court life is given by ''[[The Pillow Book]]'' written by [[Sei Shōnagon]], while ''[[The Tale of Genji]]'' by [[Murasaki Shikibu|Lady Murasaki]] is often described as the world's first novel. During the [[Edo Period]], literature became not so much the field of the samurai aristocracy as that of the [[chōnin]], the ordinary people. [[Yomihon]], for example, became popular and reveals this profound change in the readership and authorship.<ref name="ispmsu"/> The Meiji era saw the decline of traditional literary forms, during which Japanese literature integrated Western influences. [[Natsume Sōseki]] and [[Mori Ogai]] were the first "modern" novelists of Japan, followed by [[Ryūnosuke Akutagawa|Akutagawa Ryūnosuke]], [[Junichirō Tanizaki|Tanizaki Junichirō]], [[Kawabata Yasunari]], [[Mishima Yukio]] and, more recently, [[Murakami Haruki]]. Japan has two [[Nobel Prize for Literature|Nobel Prize-winning]] authors—Kawabata Yasunari (1968) and [[Oe Kenzaburo]] (1994).<ref name="ispmsu"/>
-In the pre-modern era, Japan developed a distinct culture, in its [[Japanese Art|arts]]: ([[ikebana]], [[origami]], [[ukiyo-e]]), [[Japanese crafts|crafts]] ([[Japanese traditional dolls|dolls]], [[Lacquer|lacquerware]], [[Japanese pottery|pottery]]), performances ([[bunraku]], [[Japanese traditional dance|dance]], [[kabuki]], [[noh]], [[rakugo]]), traditions ([[List of Japanese games|games]], [[onsen]], [[sento]], [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremony]], [[budo]], [[Japanese architecture|architecture]], [[Japanese garden|gardens]], [[Katana|swords]]), and [[Cuisine of Japan|cuisine]].
+==Sports==
+{{main|Sport in Japan}}
+[[Image:JapanSumoMatch.jpg|thumb|[[Sumo]], a traditional Japanese sport.]]
+Traditionally, [[sumo]] is considered Japan's [[national sport]] and is one of its most popular sport spectated within Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/sumoeastandwest/sumo.html |title=Sumo: East and West |publisher=[[PBS]] |accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> [[Japanese martial arts|Martial arts]] such as [[judo]], [[karate]] and [[kendo|kendō]] are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectators in the country. After the Meiji Restoration, many Western sports were introduced in Japan and began to spread through the education system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/facts/culture_dailylife.html#sports |title=Culture and Daily Life |publisher=Embassy of Japan in the UK |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
-From the mid-19th [[century]] onward, Western influence prevailed, with American influence becoming especially predominant following the end of [[World War II]]. This influence is apparent in Japan's contemporary popular culture, which combines Asian, European, and, 1950-onward, American influences.
+The [[Japanese Baseball League|professional baseball league in Japan]] was established in 1936.<ref>{{cite book |author=Nagata, Yoichi and Holway, John B. |editor=Pete Palmer |title=Total Baseball |edition=fourth edition |year=1995 |publisher=Viking Press |location=New York |pages=547 |chapter=Japanese Baseball}}</ref>  Today [[baseball]] is the most popular [[spectator sport]] in the country.  One of the most famous Japanese baseball players is [[Ichiro Suzuki]], who, having won Japan's Most Valuable Player award in 1994, 1995 and 1996, now plays in North American [[major league baseball]]. Since the establishment of the [[J. League|Japan Professional Football League]] in 1992, [[Football in Japan|association football (soccer)]] has also gained a wide following.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tjf.or.jp/takarabako/PDF/TB09_JCN.pdf |title= Soccer as a Popular Sport: Putting Down Roots in Japan |publisher= The Japan Forum |format = [[PDF]] | accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> Japan was a venue of the [[Intercontinental Cup (football)|Intercontinental Cup]] from 1981 to 2004 and co-hosted the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] with [[South Korea]].
-Today, Japan is a major [[exporter]] of its own [[popular culture]], which has gained popularity around the world, particularly in other East Asian countries and some areas of the [[United States]]. Many Japanese have also achieved international acclaim in [[fashion]], [[Cinema of Japan|film]], [[Japanese literature|literature]], [[Japanese television programs|television]], and [[Music of Japan|music]]. Emerging and growing trends in Japanese culture include some of the highest-quality [[video game]]s and [[game console]]s, as well as a wide variety of [[graphic novels]] (usually called [[manga]]) and [[animated films]] (usually called [[anime]]) with distinctive artistic styles imitated the world over. As a result, many aspects of Japanese popular culture have attracted many devotees in Europe and North America.
+[[Golf]] is popular in Japan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/604/sports.asp |title= Japanese Golf Gets Friendly |publisher=[[Metropolis (English magazine in Japan)|Metropolis]] |author=Fred Varcoe|accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> as is [[auto racing]], the [[Super GT]] sports car series and [[Formula Nippon]] formula racing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/623/sports.asp |title= Japanese Omnibus: Sports |publisher=[[Metropolis (English magazine in Japan)|Metropolis]] |author=Len Clarke|accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>
-{{seealso|Japanese clothing|Etiquette of Japan|Japanese festivals|Japanese New Year|Japanese sports|Tourism in Japan|Japanese media|Japanese traditional dance}}
+==See also==
+{{Japan topics}}
-==Notes==
-<div class="references-small">
-<references />
-</div>
 ==References==
-{{Portal}}
+{{reflist|2}}
-* S. N. Eisenstadt, ''Japanese Civilization: A Comparative View'', [[University of Chicago]] 1995. (ISBN 0226195589)
-* ''Japan a Profile of Nation'', [[Kodansha]] International, 1999. (ISBN 4770023847)
-* ''The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Japan'', [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge Univ]]. Press, 1993 (ISBN 0521403529)
-* De Mente, ''The Japanese Have a Word For It'', [[McGraw-Hill]], 1997 (ISBN 0844283169)
-* Henshall, ''A History of Japan'', Palgrave Macmillan, 2001 (ISBN 0312233701)
-* Jansen, ''The Making of Modern Japan'', Belknap, 2000 (ISBN 0674003349)
-* ''Japan At A Glance'', Kodansha, 1998 (ISBN 4770020805)
-* Johnson, ''Japan: Who Governs?'', W.W. Norton, 1996 (ISBN 0393314502)
-* ''Lonely Planet Japan'', Lonely Planet Publications, 2003 (ISBN 1740591623)
-* Reischauer, ''Japan: The Story of a Nation'', McGraw-Hill, 1989 (ISBN 0075570742)
-* Sugimoto et al., ''An Introduction to Japanese Society'', Cambridge Univ. Press, 2003 (ISBN 0521529255)
-* Totman, ''A History of Modern Japan'', 2d ed., Blackwell, 2005 (ISBN 1405123591)
-* Van Wolferen, ''The Enigma of Japanese Power'', Vintage, 1990 (ISBN 0679728023)
-==Miscellaneous topics==
+==External links==
 {{sisterlinks|Japan}}
-{| class=wikitable
-! Topic
-! Article
-|-
-! [[History of Japan|History]]
-| [[Japanese Paleolithic|Paleolithic]], [[Jomon]], [[Yayoi]], [[Yamato period|Yamato]], [[Nara period|Nara]], [[Heian Period|Heian]], [[Kamakura period|Kamakura]], [[Muromachi period|Muromachi]], [[Azuchi-Momoyama period|Azuchi-Momoyama]], [[Edo period|Edo]], [[Meiji period|Meiji]], [[Taisho Period|Taishō]], [[Shōwa Period|Shōwa]], [[Heisei]]
-|-
-! [[Government of Japan|Government]] & [[Politics of Japan|Politics]]
-|
-[[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] ([[List of Emperors of Japan|list]]), [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] ([[List of Prime Ministers of Japan|list]]), [[Cabinet of Japan|Cabinet]], [[Ministries of Japan|Ministries]], [[Diet of Japan|National Diet]], [[House of Councillors]], [[House of Representatives of Japan|House of Representatives]], [[Judicial system of Japan|Judicial system]], [[Elections in Japan|Elections]], [[List of political parties in Japan|Political parties]], [[Monetary and fiscal policy of Japan|Fiscal policy]], [[Foreign policy of Japan|Foreign policy]], [[Foreign relations of Japan|Foreign relations]], [[Human rights in Japan|Human rights]], [[Military of Japan]]
-|-
-! [[Geography of Japan|Geography]]
-|
-[[Environmental protection in Japan|Environment]], [[Regions of Japan|Regions]], [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefectures]], [[Cities of Japan|Cities]], [[Districts of Japan|Districts]], [[Towns of Japan|Towns]], [[Villages of Japan|Villages]], [[Japanese addressing system|Addresses]], [[List of islands of Japan|Islands]], [[List of lakes in Japan|Lakes]], [[Rivers of Japan|Rivers]]
-|-
-! [[Economy of Japan|Economy]]
-|
-[[Agriculture, forestry, and fishing in Japan|Agriculture, forestry, and fishing]], [[Manufacturing industries of Japan|Manufacturing]], [[Labor market of Japan|Labor]], [[Communications in Japan|Communications]], [[Transport in Japan|Transportation]], [[Japanese yen|Currency]], [[Bank of Japan]]
-|-
-! Society
-|
-[[Demographics of Japan|Demographics]], [[Religion in Japan|Religion]], [[Japanese mythology|Mythology]], [[Education in Japan|Education]], [[Japanese language|Language]], [[Culture of Japan|Culture]]
-|}
-==External links==
+; Official
-{{col-begin}}
+* [http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official [[Prime Minister of Japan|prime ministerial]] and cabinet site
-{{col-2}}
+* [http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html Kunaicho.go.jp]—Official site of the [[Imperial House of Japan|Imperial family]].
-===Official===
+* [http://www.mofa.go.jp/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs]—Detailed papers on Japan's foreign policy, education programs, culture and life.
-*[http://courtdomino2.courts.go.jp/home.nsf/ehome?OpenPage Courts.go.jp] - Official site of the Japanese Supreme Court
+* [http://www.shugiin.go.jp/index.nsf/html/index_e.htm Shugi-in.go.jp]—Official site of the House of Representatives
-*[http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp] - Official prime ministerial and cabinet site
+* [http://www.ndl.go.jp/en/index.html National Diet Library (English)]
-*[http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html Kunaicho.go.jp] - Official site of the Imperial family.
-*[http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/link/links_e.html Links to Ministries and other Organizations]
+; Media
-*[http://www.mofa.go.jp/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs] - Detailed papers on Japan's foreign policy, education programs, culture and life.
+* [http://www.nhk.or.jp/english/ NHK Online]
-*[http://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/index.htm Sangi-in.go.jp] - Official site of the House of Councillors
+* [http://home.kyodo.co.jp/ Kyodo News]
-*[http://www.shugiin.go.jp/index.nsf/html/index_e.htm Shugi-in.go.jp] - Official site of the House of Representatives
+* [http://www.asahi.com/english/index.html Asahi Shimbun (English)]
-*[http://www.stat.go.jp/english/index.htm Stat.go.jp] - Statistics Bureau Home Page (English)
+* [http://www.japantimes.co.jp/ The Japan Times]
-* [http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ jnto.go.jp] - Japan National Tourist Organization (English)
+; Tourism
+*[http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ Japan National Tourist Organization]
+* {{wikitravel}}
-{{col-2}}
+; Other
+* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html CIA World Factbook—''Japan'']
+* [http://www.britannica.com/nations/Japan Encyclopaedia Britannica's Japan portal site]
+* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/japan/0,7368,450622,00.html Guardian Unlimited—''Special Report: Japan'']
+*{{wikiatlas|Japan}}
+* {{gutenberg author | id=Japan | name=Government of Japan}} containing the 1889 and 1946 Constitutions
-===Media===
+==Further reading==
-*[http://www.nhk.or.jp/english/ NHK Online]
+* Christopher, Robert C., ''The Japanese Mind: the Goliath Explained'', Linden Press/Simon and Schuster, 1983 (ISBN 0330284193)
-*[http://www.crisscross.com/jp/ Crisscross News Japan]
+* De Mente, ''The Japanese Have a Word For It'', McGraw-Hill, 1997 (ISBN 0-8442-8316-9)
-*[http://home.kyodo.co.jp/ Kyodo News]
+* Henshall, ''A History of Japan'', Palgrave Macmillan, 2001 (ISBN 0-312-23370-1)
-*[http://www.3yen.com/ 3Yen (News blog)]
+* Jansen, ''The Making of Modern Japan'', Belknap, 2000 (ISBN 0-674-00334-9)
+* Johnson, ''Japan: Who Governs?'', W.W. Norton, 1996 (ISBN 0-393-31450-2)
+* Reischauer, ''Japan: The Story of a Nation'', McGraw-Hill, 1989 (ISBN 0-07-557074-2)
+* Sugimoto et al., ''An Introduction to Japanese Society'', Cambridge University Press, 2003 (ISBN 0-521-52925-5)
+* Van Wolferen, ''The Enigma of Japanese Power'', Vintage, 1990 (ISBN 0-679-72802-3)
-===Other===
+{{Template group
-*[http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ja.html CIA World Factbook - ''Japan'']
+|title = Geographic locale
-*[http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/crs/search.tkl?q=japan&search_crit=subject&search=Search&date1=Anytime&date2=Anytime&type=form Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports regarding Japan]
+|list  =
-*[http://www.japanesestudies.org.uk ''electronic journal of contemporary japanese studies'']
+{{Regions and administrative divisions of Japan}}
-*[http://www.guardian.co.uk/japan/0,7368,450622,00.html Guardian Unlimited - ''Special Report: Japan'']
+{{Countries and territories of East Asia}}
-*[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/jptoc.html Library of Congress - ''Country Study: Japan ''] data as of January 1994
-*{{wikitravel}}
-{{col-end}}
-{{UN Security Council}}
+}}
-{{APEC}}
+{{Template group
+|title = International membership
+|list  =
+{{East Asia Summit}}
 {{G8}}
-{{East Asia}}
+{{Monarchies|state=collapsed}}
+}}
+<!--Interwiki—>
+<!--Categories—>
 [[Category:Japan| ]]
-[[Category:Island nations]]
+[[Category:G8 nations]]
-[[Category:Monarchies]]
+[[Category:Island countries]]
-[[Category:Seafaring nations]]
+[[Category:Constitutional monarchies]]
+[[Category:Countries bordering the Philippine Sea]]
+[[Category:Liberal democracies]]
-[[category:nations and places]]
+<!--Other languages—>
-{{credit|53677492}}
+[[ang:Iapan]]
+[[frp:J·apon]]
+[[az:Yaponiya]]
+[[be:Японія]]
+[[be-x-old:Японія]]
+[[br:Japan]]
+[[bxr:Жибэн]]
+[[mh:Japan]]
+[[fy:Japan]]
+[[gu:જાપાન]]
+[[zh-classical:日本]]
+[[hak:Ngit-pún]]
+[[ilo:Japon]]
+[[iu:ᔭᐸᓐ/japan]]
+[[kn:ಜಪಾನ್]]
+[[ks:जापान]]
+[[csb:Japòńskô]]
+[[kk:Жапония]]
+[[sw:Japani]]
+[[ht:Japon]]
+[[lbe:Japan]]
+[[lo:ປະເທດຍີ່ປຸ່ນ]]
+[[ln:Yapan]]
+[[mg:Japana]]
+[[ml:ജപ്പാന്‍]]
+[[cdo:Nĭk-buōng]]
+[[mn:Япон]]
+[[mus:Japan]]
+[[nah:Xapōn]]
+[[nds-nl:Japan]]
+[[new:जापान]]
+[[nov:Japan]]
+[[or:ଜାପାନ]]
+[[pms:Giapon]]
+[[sq:Japonia]]
+[[ss:Japan]]
+[[so:Jabaan]]
+[[sh:Japan]]
+[[su:Jepang]]
+[[ti:ጃፓን]]
+[[ur:جاپان]]
+[[vec:Giapòn]]
+[[vo:Yapän]]
+[[cbk-zam:Japón]]
+[[bat-smg:Japuonėjė]]
+{{credit|142605650}}

Difference between revisions of "Japan" - New World Encyclopedia

Revision as of 01:49, 6 July 2007

History

Government and politics

Foreign relations and military

Administrative divisions

Geography and climate

Economy

Science and technology

Demographics

Education and health

Culture and recreation

Sports

See also

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External links

Further reading

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References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees