Japan: An Overview
London Tokyo
Japan is a land of contrast. It is a land steeped in tradition and briming over with history yet it is also one of the most technologically advanced and forward looking nations on Earth. It is a land of snowy mountains and ski resorts as well as sandy beaches, thermal springs and sub-tropical climates. Japan's culture is welcoming to foreigners and foreign ideas, ideas which are often adapted into Japanese life in a distinctly Japanese way. Japan is a truly fascinating land. It is a land that has modernised, not westernised so it offers the convenience and choice of modern living but does so within a unique cultural context.
Japan is an nation of hundreds of islands. The vast majority of the population live on the four main islands: Honsu (largest city-Tokyo), Kyushu (largest city Fukuoka), Hokkaido (largest city - Sapporo) and Shikoku (largest city - Matsuyama). To the south-west of Japan lies the prefecture of Okinawa.
Population: 127.9 million (UN, 2008)
Capital: Tokyo
Area: 377,864 sq km (145,894 sq miles)
Major language: Japanese
Major religions: Shintoism, Buddhism
Life expectancy: 79 years (men), 86 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: yen
Main exports: Vehicles, computer parts, chemicals, scientific instruments and watches
GNI per capita: US $37,670 (World Bank, 2007)
Internet domain: .jp
International dialling code: +81
The Japanese head of state is the Emperor. Emperor Akihito succeeded his father, Hirohito, in 1989. Under the 1947 constitution, Japan's emperors have a purely ceremonial role.
Emperor Akihito
Japan's National Holidays
January 1st- New Year (shogatsu): This is the most important holiday in Japan. While only January 1 is designated as a national holiday, many businesses remain closed through January 3.
Second Monday of January- Coming of Age (seijin no hi): The coming of age of 20 year old men and women is celebrated on this national holiday.
February 11- National Foundation Day (kenkoku kinenbi): According to the earliest Japanese history records, on this day in the year 660 BC the first Japanese emperor was crowned.
Around March 20- Spring Eqinox Day (shunbun no hi): Graves are visited during the week (ohigan) of the Equinox Day.
April 29- Showa Day (Showa no hi): The birthday of former Emperor Showa. Before 2007, April 29 was known as Greenery Day (now celebrated on May 4). Showa Day is part of the Golden Week.
May 3- Constitution Day (kenpo kinenbi): A national holiday remembering the new constitution, which was put into effect after the war. Part of Golden Week
May 4- Greenery Day (midori no hi): Until 2006, Greenery Day was celebrated on April 29, the former Emperor Showa's birthday, due to the emperor's love for plants and nature. It is now celebrated on May 4. Part of Golden Week.
May 5- Children's Day (kodomo no hi): Also called boy's festival. Part of Golden Week.
Third Monday of July- Ocean Day (umi no hi): A recently introduced national holiday to celebrate the ocean. The day marks the return of Emperor Meiji from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876.
Third Monday of September- Respect for the Aged Day (keiro no hi): Respect for the elderly and longevity are celebrated on this national holiday.
Around September 23- Autum Equinox Day (shubun no hi): Graves are visited during the week (ohigan) of the Equinox Day.
Second Monday of October- Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi): On that day in 1964, the Olympic games of Tokyo were opened.
November 3- Culture Day (bunka no hi): A day for promotion of culture and the love of freedom and peace. On culture day, schools and the government award selected persons for their special, cultural achievements.
November 23- Labour Thanksgiving Day (kinro kansha no hi): A national holiday for honouring labour.
December 23- Emperor's Birthday (tenno no tanjobi): The birthday of the current emperor is always a national holiday. If the emperor changes, the national holiday changes to the birthday date of the new emperor.
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