Japan is not the name that the Japanese use to call their country, they use Nippon which means the suns origin, often translated to land of the rising sun.
Japan is an island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula, Most of the islands are mountainous and many volcanic. It gained independence in 660 B.C. when Japan was traditionally founded by Emperor JIMMU.
The capital city is Tokyo. Japan's has many attractions and is the third richest country in the world. The past meets the present in modern-day Japan, with its rich cultural history that dates back millenia and ultra-modern influences in technology, entertainment and lifestyle.
Popular tourist attractions alongside the national parks and museums include Tokyo, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Kyoto and of course Mount Fuji.
Japan
About Japan
National Olympic Committee
Sports
Traditionally, sumo is considered Japan's national sport and it is one of the most popular spectator sports in Japan.
Martial arts such as judo, karate and kendo are also widely practiced and enjoyed.
Other popular sports include baseball, football, motor racing and golf.
Climate
Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones: Hokkaid?, Sea of Japan, Central Highland, Seto Inland Sea, Pacific Ocean and Ryukyu Islands.
Two primary factors influence Japan's climate: a location near the Asian continent and the existence of major oceanic currents.
The climate from June to September is marked by hot, wet weather brought by tropical airflows from the Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia. These airflows are full of moisture and deposit substantial amounts of rain when they reach land.
There is a marked rainy season, beginning in early June and continuing for about a month. It is followed by hot, sticky weather. Five or six typhoons pass over or near Japan every year.
Religion
84% are Shinto and Buddhist, the remaining 16% comprises of other religions including Christians
Culture
Japanese culture has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original J?mon culture to its contemporary culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America.
Traditional Japanese arts include crafts i.e. origami, performances, traditions 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.
It also takes work seriously, Japan has the second largest economy in the world and its role in the international community is considerable.