History of Japan
Japan is an East Asian country that has appealed to people for millennia. Humans have inhabited it since the Upper Paleolithic era and have experienced many significant events that have written its culture, society, and politics.
Early History
Human presence in Japan started about 30,000 BC, starting the Jōmon period. People living in small communities and making distinctive cord-marked pottery had been the primary hunter-gatherers (except, perhaps, the Forrest People') at this time. The Jōmon period lasted around 10,000 years before the beginning of the Yayoi period, sometime around 300 BC. During the Yayoi period, Japanese people transformed into a more agrarian lifestyle and used iron and bronze tools. During this period, wet rice cultivation was introduced from mainland Asia, which had a massive transforming influence on Japanese society.
Feudal Japan
The Heian period began in 710 AD when Emperor Kammu made Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto) Japan's new capital. Japan was ruled by the imperial court at the time and was largely Chinese. Instead, in AD 1185, following a period dubbed the Kamakura period, power went to military clans who controlled the imperial court. With the advent of warrior clans like the Minamoto and Taira, a powerful samurai class emerged within Japanese society. From that point on, feudal Japan was in effect.
Etymology of Japan
Japan is also believed to have come from the Chinese pronunciation of the character 日本, meaning' sun origin'. Japan is, therefore, east of China and the 'land of the rising sun'.
From prehistoric to classical history
A very interesting time in Japan's prehistoric and classical times has seen the evolution of Japanese culture, society, and political systems. This was a time of dramatic change in Japan, the changes which formed the modern country we know today.
Feudal era
In Japan, the 12th through the 19th centuries are considered to be the feudal era. A tight social pyramid was observed, and the samurai class remained on top. This was when a very long period of peace and stability brought by the Tokugawa shogun ate ruled Japan. However, in the late 19th century, Japan was transformed politically and socially through what is known as the Meiji Restoration. The result of feudalism ending and the modernization in Japanese society.
Modern History
During the early 20th century, the Japanese began invading and conquering its neighboring territory in Asia. Eventually, this led to its involvement in World War II and an Allied defeat in 1945. During the war, Japan rapidly grew economically and became a great world power after the war. Today, it is famous for its technological advances, culture, and economy.
Post-War Japan
Following World War II, Japan experienced a time of reconstruction and reform. In 1947, the country was given a new constitution, creating a parliamentary system of government. This began modern-day Japan. In the post-war years, Japan's economy began to boom, thanks to the development of automotive and electronics manufacturing industries. It resulted in Japan becoming one of the world's largest economies.
Geography of Japan
Japan comprises four major islands, an archipelago of some 6,800 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Their four main islands are Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Honshu. Because of that, Japan has a variety of climates and natural landscapes. The country is also prone to seismic activities; earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur often because the county sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Nevertheless, these natural disasters were mitigated by the advantage of advanced technology and disaster preparedness.
Climate
Japan has four seasons: hot and humid summers and cold winters. The East Asian monsoon and southwestwardly flowing warm Kuroshio Current greatly affect the country's climate. Some of the factors responsible are that this gives Japan a temperate climate favorable for agriculture.
Biodiversity
There are more than 30,000 species of plants and animals in Japan. The country's geography and climate, unique among the world's nations, account for the evolution of many such endemic species confined to Japan.
Environment
In recent years, Japan has been confronted with environmental problems, such as pollution and deforestation. Nevertheless, the government has been enforcing tough measures, including initiatives and regulations to keep natural resources to a minimum and promoting sustainable development.
Government and politics
It is a quasi-democratic constitutional monarchy. The Emperor and the Prime Minister are served: the Emperor is the symbolic head of state, and the Prime Minister has executive power. 47 prefectures are into which the country is divided, each with its governor and elected assembly. Both national and local governments have elections held every four years, and everyone has fair representation and democracy.
Administrative divisions
Eight regions make up Japan and are subdivided into 47 prefectures. The distinctive culture, dialects, and traditions in each of its regions. They also represent elements of Japan's economy, and certain parts are known by the industries in which they operate, such as Kansai, which is used for manufacturing, and Hokkaido, which is used for agriculture.
International relations
Japan's foreign policy is founded on the values of democracy, peace, and international cooperation. The country has solid diplomatic ties with its friends and is one of the active participants in international organizations, including the United Nations. Japan recently increased its economic ties with other countries through trade agreements and partnerships. Moreover, Japan has also begun acting as a nuclear disarmament and peacebuilding actor, especially in Asia.
Military
The Japan Self-Defense Forces, Japan's military, was set up in 1954 with this mission: 'defense and disaster relief'. After World War II, the country renounced the right to declare war but could still participate in international peacekeeping operations.
Law enforcement
Japan has a low crime rate, and the law enforcement system manages crime whenever it occurs. The country's police force is arranged at national, prefectural, and municipal levels to ensure the safety and security of the country's inhabitants.
Human rights
The constitution enshrines universal human rights, and the government takes strong measures to protect people's rights, including equal rights and opportunities. It has also made moves to fix discrimination and gender equality issues.
Economy
This is an economy of a highly developed, technologically advanced, market-based, and highly industrialized country with growth potential. Its major industries are automotive manufacturing, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Japan faces challenges like an ageing population, slow economic growth, etc. Nevertheless, the government still pursues policies to promote innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
Agriculture and fishery
A highly industrialized country, Japan continues to rely on agriculture and fishery. Rice loans are sufficient for the country famous for its fish exports.
Industry and services
Most of Japan's GDP depends on Japan's industry and service industry. It is famous for its high technology and high-tech companies like robotics and biotechnology.
Science and technology
Japan is a world leader in science and technology and long on research and development. The country has made major technological advancements in transportation, communication, and healthcare. Apart from this, some of the world's top universities are found in Japan.
Transportation
Because Japan has one of the most efficient and advanced transportation systems, bullet trains, subways, and highways link the major cities of Japan. In addition, with its airport system, the country is easily reachable by tourists and business travelers.
Energy
Fossil fuels account for almost all of Japan's energy needs, and it is heavily dependent on imports. However, in recent years, the country has been attempting to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Demographics
91% of Japan's population comprises ethnic Japanese (a homogenous population with 98.5%). Rapidly ageing of the population and declining birth rate give rise to worries about the sustainability of the country's labor force and social security system.
Languages
Japanese is an official language spoken by almost all of the citizens of Japan. Several indigenous languages are spoken in some regions, such as Ainu in Hokkaido. In major cities (and tourist spots), English is also spoken.
Religion
Most Japanese citizens practice a mix of the two major religions: Shinto and Buddhism. However, many Japanese people don't care much about religion daily. Small percentages of the population also practice other religions, such as Christianity and Islam.
Culture
Japan has many traditional traditions because of its long history. When it comes to arts, the country is well known for its traditional forms, such as kabuki theatre and ukiyo-e woodblock prints, as well as its modern pop culture phenomenon, including anime and manga. Harmony is a concept deeply rooted in Japanese society and manifests itself in everyday life in all aspects: social, design, etc. And Japan's cuisine is well-known across the globe for its fresh point presentation and unique flavors.
Education
Japan has great esteem for education, academic achievement, and discipline. Nine years of compulsory education exist, with high secondary and tertiary education enrollment. Universities in Japan are also well-known and competitive, and students from around the world come to study in Japan.
Health care
Japan is considered one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with its citizens enjoying universal coverage. With advanced technology to the limit of medical technology and the focus on preventing care, which is also very developed in the country, there is a very high life expectancy rate.
Tourism
Japan has an important industry in the form of tourism, with many millions of visitors each year. There are a lot of places to see some of these attractions, such as historical sites, natural wonders, or modern cities. This is a popular place, specifically Tokyo, Kyoto and Hokkaido.
Art and Architecture
The history of Japanese art and architecture is very long, and the culture and religion of their teachings are highly influential. Traditional Japanese architecture is notable for its simplicity, balance, and use of natural unadorned materials—primarily wood, stone and earth (as in the shop) and paper (as indoors and window shades).
Literature and Philosophy
There is voluminous classical Japanese literature, from ancient poetry to the modern novel and manga. The country's also very philosophical, with Zen Buddhism and Shintoism being schools of thought.
Performing arts
Japan has many performing arts, including traditional forms such as Noh theatre, bunraku puppetry, and contemporary dance. Similarly, Japanese culture has music, with shamisen as a traditional instrument and J-pop as a modern popular music genre.
Media
Japan has a very active media industry, boasting many print, television and online outlets. The country's manga and anime industries are also known for their influence on fashion and beauty trends. In recent years, the media have come under fire for media censorship and existing ownership concentration.
Holidays
Japan has a variety of national holidays, for example, traditional festivals such as New Year's Day and Golden Week. Besides, many holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day are celebrated in the country, only with a little cultural twist.
Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is diverse and, worldwide, highly celebrated due to the quality of fresh ingredients used, the special flavors, and the way that meals are served for an artistic presentation. The country is most popular for its unique sushi, ramen, and tempura, and the Japanese have traditional tea ceremonies and sake tastings.
Sports
Japan is synonymous with martial arts such as judo and karate, but baseball is the most popular sport. Soccer, tennis, golf and sumo wrestling are also popular. It has also hosted the Olympics and World Cup.
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