Japan

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Japan is one of the world’s most industrialized nations and is the 18th most densely populated country in the world. It is situated in East Asia with its bordering countries being

  1. Korea in the west
  2. Russia to the north
  3. China and Taiwan to the southwest
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Geography

Japan comprises over 300 islands along the Pacific coast of Asia.

  • Area: 377,835 km² (including 3,091 km² of territorial water)
  • Major islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku
  • Coastline: 29,751 km
  • Highest peak: Mount Fuji: 3776 m (12,385 ft)
  • Lowest elevation: Hachinohe Mine -130 m (-426 ft)

The habitable areas of Japan are mainly in coastal areas as 73% of the country is mountainous and unsuitable. The country is located in a volcanic zone and is subjected to frequent earthquakes, some resulting in tsunamis.

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Climate

Japan is a temperate region with five seasons, including the rainy season. The average temperature varies from 4.7°C in the winter to 30°C in the summer. Regional variations occur with the north being colder and the south being subtropical. There are six main climatic zones:

  • Hokkaido: temperate climate with long, cold winters and cool summers.
  • Sea of Japan: the northwest wind brings heavy snowfall in winter. Summers are generally cooler than the Pacific area
  • Central Highlands: inland climate with large temperature differences between summer and winter, and between day and night
  • Seto Inland Sea: the mountains block the seasonal winds, giving mild weather.
  • Pacific Ocean: cold winters and hot, humid summers
  • Nansei-shoto or Southwest Islands: a subtropical climate, with warm winters and hot summers and very heavy precipitation during the rainy season
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Culture

Japanese culture has been subjected to the effects of a number of different countries over the centuries, including China, Korea and America.

Original Chinese and Korean influences include:

  • rice farming
  • ceremonial burials
  • painting
  • etiquette
  • writing system

Japan has developed its own distinct culture in a number of areas, especially:

  • arts - ikebana, origami, ukiyo-e
  • crafts - dolls, lacquerware, pottery
  • performances - bunraku, dance, kabuki, noh, rakugo
  • traditions - games, onsen, sento, tea ceremony, architecture, gardens, swords
  • cuisine.
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