Japan Flag

Japan is an island country located in East Asia. It is made up of a series of islands and is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The country is divided into 47 administrative prefectures and eight traditional regions, with the Greater Tokyo Area being the most populous metropolitan area in the world.

The history of Japan dates back to the Upper Paleolithic period, with the first written mention of the country appearing in a Chinese chronicle from the 2nd century AD. Throughout the centuries, Japan has been ruled by a series of emperors, military dictators, feudal lords, and warrior nobility. In the 19th century, Japan began a process of modernization and westernization, which led to the restoration of imperial power in 1868.

During the Meiji period, Japan underwent rapid industrialization and modernization, adopting a Western-style constitution and becoming a great power. In the early 20th century, Japan pursued a policy of overseas colonization and militarism, which led to its involvement in World War II as an Axis power. After suffering defeat in the war and two atomic bombings, Japan surrendered and underwent a seven-year Allied occupation, during which it adopted a new constitution.

Since the end of the war, Japan has become a developed country and a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It has the world's third-largest economy by nominal GDP and the fourth-largest by PPP, with a high per capita income ranking. Japan is also a leader in the automotive, robotics, and electronics industries and has made significant contributions to science and technology.

Japanese culture is well-known around the world and includes art, cuisine, film, music, and popular culture. It is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and the G20.