Geography

Japan extends over 3,000 kilometers from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. Approximately 75% of the country's terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, concentrating its agriculture and highly urbanized population along its eastern coastal plains. The highest peak is Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters. The country is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Notable seismic events include the 1923 Tokyo earthquake and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, which triggered a large tsunami.

Climate

Japan's climate varies from humid continental in the north to humid subtropical in the south. Hokkaido experiences long, cold winters and warm summers, while the Pacific coast has milder winters and hot, humid summers. The country is also subject to seasonal winds and typhoons, particularly during late summer and early autumn.

Government and Politics

Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The Emperor serves as a ceremonial figurehead, while executive power is vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The National Diet, Japan's bicameral legislature, consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. As of 2024, Shigeru Ishiba serves as the Prime Minister. Japan maintains close economic and military relations with the United States and is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, G7, and APEC.

Economy

Japan has the world's fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP. The service sector contributes approximately 70% of GDP, with the industrial sector, particularly the automobile industry, also playing a significant role. Toyota is the world's largest car manufacturer. Japan is known for its innovation, leading in global patent filings and spending around 3.7% of GDP on research and development as of 2022. However, the country faces economic challenges, including a shrinking population and high public debt.

Demographics

As of 2025, Japan's population is estimated at 123 million, making it the 11th most populous country. The nation is experiencing rapid aging, with over 29.3% of the population aged 65 or older. This demographic shift poses challenges such as a declining workforce and increased social security costs. The majority of the population is ethnically Japanese, with minority groups including the Ainu and Ryukyuan people.

Culture

Japanese culture blends traditional practices with modern influences. Traditional arts include tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arranging), and martial arts. Japan has a rich literary history, with works like "The Tale of Genji" considered the world's first novel. The country is also known for its contributions to media, including manga and anime, which have gained international popularity. Sports such as sumo wrestling, baseball, and soccer are widely followed.

Infrastructure

Japan has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including an extensive network of roads and railways. The Shinkansen (bullet trains) are renowned for their speed and punctuality. The country has 280 airports, with Haneda Airport in Tokyo being one of the busiest in Asia. Major ports like Keihin and Hanshin serve as key hubs for international trade.