Learn how, over the centuries, Japan changed from a nation that possessed ancient cultural traditions to become one of the most economically and technologically advanced societies in the world.

1. By Amita Vadlamudi

2. A Japanese Temple

3.  Japan, pronounced in Japanese as "Nippon" or "Nihon," is an
island country or archipelago that consists of four major islands
and several small islands. The four major islands account for most
of the Japanese land. Japanese sovereign territory consists of 6,852
islands that combine to make up the whole country. The country
is well known as an exceedingly modern nation. Japan, however,
holds importance in world history as being one of the most
culturally rich countries.
 Over the centuries, Japan changed from a nation that possessed
ancient cultural traditions to become one of the most economically
and technologically advanced societies in the world. It is one of
the most literate countries in the world with a heavy emphasis on
its education. Even today, life in Japan sees a slight tension
between the old and new in all its aspects.

4.  The island country lies off the east coast of Asia. The series of
islands that make the country form an arc that stretches for
approximately 1,500 miles through the western part of the North
Pacific Ocean. The islands of Japan are located in the part of the
Pacific ocean that forms the volcanic “Rim of Fire.”
 The four major islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu,
cover most of the land in the country, and Honshu is the most
significant Japanese island in terms of area. While the country
consists of almost 7,000 islands, Japan's total landmass is just
below 150,000 square miles. The closest neighboring countries to
Japan are Russia, Korea, and China.
 Japan has a rugged landscape. Most of its land surface comprises
mountainous terrain, and it contains several active and dormant
volcanoes. The highest mountain in Japan is Mount Fuji, which
stands at more than 12,000 feet tall. It is also a dormant volcano.

5.  The Japanese people constitute the majority of the
population in the country, and they are ethnically
closely related to other people from eastern Asia.
Despite the relatively small overall landmass, Japan
has a sizable population. According to the polls from
1950 to 2020, Japan currently has a population of 1.26
million people, and the median age in the country is
48.4 years, with a life expectancy of 85.03 years.
 Most of its population is concentrated in the city of
Tokyo, with a population of 8.3 million people living in
the country's capital. The infant mortality rate in the
country is very low at 1.6 deaths in every 1,000 live
births.

6.  The climate in Japan is mostly mild throughout the year due to its
pleasant temperatures and rains all year round. The high precipitation in
Japan also produces luscious vegetation throughout the country. Despite
the relatively harsh terrain, Japan is home to a host of crops.
 The northern areas of the country are colder compared to the more
temperate central regions. The smaller islands in the country towards the
south of the country have an almost tropical climate. Along with the
precipitation throughout the year, Japan also experiences torrential rains
and typhoons between summer and autumn. The monsoon circulation
has a major influence on the country’s overall climate. The cold currents
from the north-west affect the winter while the wet and humid currents
from the tropical regions affect its summers.
 Despite slight deviations throughout the country's northern, central, and
southern regions, there are two common features for its climate: Japan
has no real dry season, and there is a high volume of rainfall during the
summers throughout the country.

7.  Over its extensive history, Japan has seen several forms of
government come into power and transition into others. From the
imperial courts that oversaw a loose control over the feudal island
country to shogunates with puppet empires. The unification of
Japan under the Meiji era lasted until the end of the war. In 1947, a
new constitution was enacted in 1947 that transformed Japan into
a constitutional monarchy.
 Currently, the Crown Prince Naruhito rules as the Emperor of
Japan when his father Emperor Akihito abdicated in April 2019
after a reign of 30 years. While Emperor Akihito had no political
power in the country, he played a vital role in making amends for
Japan's actions during the war waged during his father, Emperor
Hirohito's rule. Shinzo Abe is the prime minister in Japan who
came into power after winning elections in 2017.

8.  The economy in Japan is a highly developed free-market
economy. Japan currently has the third-largest GDP in the world
of $5.6 trillion. Its GDP experiences a 0.8% annual growth. Japan is
among the largest manufacturers in the automobile industry, and
it has the largest electronics goods industry in the world. It is often
credited as the most innovative country when it comes to
technological advancements.
 Japan currently faces stiff competition from other countries in the
region. However, it holds an edge over other countries due to its
focus on hi-tech and precision goods that range from optical
instruments to hybrid vehicles, and even advanced robotics.
 Japan's industrial clusters are the main drivers for its economy,
and it typically manages to run an international investment
surplus.

9.  The indigenous religion of Japan is the Shinto that emerged with
the rise of the country as a nation. Currently, Shinto coexists with
several sects of Buddhism, Christianity, and new religions that
emerged during the 1800s. Japan is one of the rare countries where
there is no religion that dominates, or is affected by, the other
religions. It is not uncommon for people in a single Japanese
family to believe in several Shinto gods and belong to various
Buddhist sects simultaneously. Children in Japan traditionally do
not receive any formal religious training.
 Shinto is a polytheistic religion that has its roots in ancient
Japanese culture. Mainly historical figures, natural objects, several
Hindu gods, and Chinese spirits were introduced and deified in
the religion. Buddhism was introduced to the imperial court from
Korea in the mid-6th century. Contact with mainland China
introduced several sects of the religion, which was adopted as the
national religion in the 8th century.

10.  Christianity arrived in Japan during the 1500s and
Jesuit Franciscan missionaries. It was initially well-
received by the country, representing an image of
the western culture. Christianity was banned in
1603 by the Tokugawa shogunate, but it was
reintroduced late in the 1800s with the ban being
lifted by the Meiji government in 1873.
 The vast majority of what are called "new
religions" in the country were founded after the
mid-19th century, and they have roots in Shinto,
shamanism, Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, and
even Christianity.

11.  The language in Japan is primarily Japanese. The indigenous
language has several dialects spoken by people throughout the
country. The Tokyo dialect of Japanese is considered to be the
standard Japanese. Besides Japanese and several foreign
languages like English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and
Dutch, there are a few minority languages that exist in the country
as well.
 The art in Japan expresses exquisiteness in form and delicacy, in
combination with simplicity. Traditional art practices in Japan
range from ikebana and gardening, as well as puppetry,
calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and various forms of painting and
sculptures unique to the region. The traditional Japanese music in
the country was heavily influenced by music from China a
thousand years ago. Many traditional Japanese musical
instruments originated in China and were adapted to meet the
needs of Japan.

12.  The Japanese culture is multifaceted, and it has changed vastly over
thousands of years. During the last century, the culture changed rapidly
with the development of technology, the population boom, and the
introduction to new lifestyles. The modern developments in Japanese
culture contradict with its traditional culture.
 Japanese culture traditionally emphasizes a way of life that is
harmonious, patient, and gentle. However, today it is common for people
to be packed in trains and work tirelessly for long hours with no breaks.
Despite the adoption of several modern lifestyle changes, Japan
underpins its traditional values within its modern culture.
 Harmony is still an essential facet of Japanese philosophy, guiding its
society. Japanese people also have a predisposition for being polite. Even
if Japanese people disagree with you, it is rare for them to openly
disagree or say something that would spark friction.