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'{{about|the country|other uses|Japan (disambiguation)}} {{redirect|Nippon}} {{pp-semi-indef}} {{pp-move-indef}} {{Coord|35|N|136|E|type:country_region:JP|display=title}} {{Use American English|date=August 2017}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2017}} {{Infobox country |conventional_long_name = Japan |common_name = Japan |linking_name = Japan |native_name = {{lang|ja|日本国}}<br>{{small|''Nippon-koku''}} or {{small|''Nihon-koku''}} |image_flag = Flag of Japan.svg |alt_flag = Centered deep red circle on a white rectangle<ref>{{cite web|title=National Flag and National Anthem|url=http://www.japan.go.jp/culture/flagandanthem.html|quote=The Rising Sun Flag and "Kimi Ga Yo" are respectively the national flag and anthem of Japan. This was formalized in 1999 with the Law Regarding the National Flag and National Anthem.|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref> |image_coat = Imperial Seal of Japan.svg |alt_coat = Golden circle subdivided by golden wedges with rounded outer edges and thin black outlines |symbol_type = Imperial Seal |other_symbol = {{unbulleted list |[[File:Goshichi no kiri.svg|75x75px|Seal of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Government of Japan]]|{{larger|{{nihongo||五七桐|Go-Shichi no Kiri}}}}}} |other_symbol_type = [[Government Seal of Japan]] |national_anthem = {{unbulleted list|"''[[Kimigayo]]''"|{{lower|0.25em|{{big|{{Nihongo2|君が代}}}}}}}}<br>{{small|"His Imperial Majesty's Reign"}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Explore Japan National Flag and National Anthem|url=http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/national/index.html|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=National Symbols|url=http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2270.html|accessdate=January 29, 2017|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202040038/http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2270.html|archivedate=February 2, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref><br><center>[[File:Kimi ga Yo instrumental.ogg]]</center> |image_map = Japan (orthographic projection).svg |map_width = 220px |alt_map = Projection of Asia with Japan's Area coloured green |map_caption = Area controlled by Japan shown in green—claimed, but uncontrolled shown in light green |capital = [[Tokyo]]<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Tokyo|url=http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/ABOUT/HISTORY/history01.htm|quote=The Edo Period lasted for nearly 260 years until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the Tokugawa Shogunate ended and imperial rule was restored. The Emperor moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Thus, Tokyo became the capital of Japan|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref> |coordinates = {{Coord|35|41|N|139|46|E|type:city}} |largest_city = capital |official_languages = None ([[Japanese language|Japanese]] ([[de facto]]))<ref>{{cite web|url=http://houseikyoku.sangiin.go.jp/column/column068.htm|script-title=ja:法制執務コラム集「法律と国語・日本語」|publisher=Legislative Bureau of the House of Councillors|accessdate=January 19, 2009|language=Japanese}}</ref> |regional_languages = {{collapsible list |title = [[Languages of Japan|11 languages]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ethnologue.com/country/JP/languages|title=Japan Languages|accessdate=January 29, 2017|language=English}}</ref> |[[Ainu language|Ainu Itak]] |[[Amami Ōshima language|Amami Ōshima]] |[[Kikai language|Kikai]] |[[Kunigami language|Kunigami]] |[[Miyako language|Miyako]] |[[Okinawan language|Okinawan]] |[[Okinoerabu language|Okinoerabu]] |[[Tokunoshima language|Tokunoshima]] |[[Yaeyama language|Yaeyama]] |[[Yonaguni language|Yonaguni]] |[[Yoron language|Yoron]] }} |languages_type = [[National language]] |languages = [[Japanese language|Japanese]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Literacy and Language Classes in Community Centers, Country Profile: Japan|url=http://www.unesco.org/uil/litbase/?menu=14&programme=131|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref> |ethnic_groups = {{unbulleted list |98.5% [[Japanese people|Japanese]] |0.5% [[Koreans in Japan|Korean]] |0.4% [[Chinese people in Japan|Chinese]] |0.6% other }} |ethnic_groups_year = 2011{{lower|0.4em|<ref name="cia"/>}} |demonym = [[Japanese people|Japanese]] |government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[constitutional monarchy]] |leader_title1 = [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] |leader_name1 = [[Akihito]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Shinzō Abe]] |leader_title3 = [[Deputy Prime Minister of Japan|Deputy Prime Minister]] |leader_name3 = [[Tarō Asō]] |legislature = [[National Diet]] |upper_house = [[House of Councillors (Japan)|House of Councillors]] |lower_house = [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]] |sovereignty_type = [[History of Japan|Formation]] |established_event1 = [[National Foundation Day]] |established_date1 = February 11, 660&nbsp;BCE<ref>According to legend, Japan was founded on this date by [[Emperor Jimmu]], the country's first Emperor.</ref> |established_event2 = [[Meiji Constitution]] |established_date2 = November 29, 1890 |established_event3 = {{nowrap|[[Constitution of Japan|Current constitution]]}} |established_date3 = May 3, 1947 |established_event4 = {{nowrap|[[Treaty of San Francisco|San Francisco<br>Peace Treaty]]}} |established_date4 = April 28, 1952 |established_event5 = |established_date5 = |area_km2 = 377,972 |area_footnote = <ref>{{cite web|title=Facts about Japan, General Information|url=http://www.japan.go.jp/japan/facts/|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref> |area_rank = 61st <!-- Area rank should match [[List of countries and dependencies by area]] --> |area_sq_mi = {{convert|377972|km2|sqmi|disp=output number only}}<!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]. --> |percent_water = 0.8 |population_census = 126,672,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-stat.go.jp/SG1/estat/GL08020101.do?_toGL08020101_&tstatCode=000001080615&requestSender=search|title=最新結果一覧　政府統計の総合窓口　GL08020101|publisher=Statistics Bureau of Japan|accessdate=April 27, 2016}}</ref> |population_census_year = 2017 |population_census_rank = 10th |population_density_km2 = 336 |population_density_rank = 36th |GDP_PPP = $5.420 trillion<ref name = imf2>{{cite web|title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2017 – Report for Selected Countries and Subjects|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2017/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2014&ey=2022&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=158&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CPPPEX&grp=0&a=&pr.x=87&pr.y=5|publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF)|accessdate=April 21, 2016}}</ref> |GDP_PPP_year = 2017 |GDP_PPP_rank = 4th |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $42,860<ref name=imf2/> |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 27th |GDP_nominal = $4.841 trillion<ref name=imf2/> |GDP_nominal_year = 2017 |GDP_nominal_rank = 3rd |GDP_nominal_per_capita = $38,281<ref name=imf2/> |GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 20th |Gini = 37.6 <!-- Number only. --> |Gini_year = 2008 |Gini_change = <!-- Increase/decrease/steady. --> |Gini_ref = <ref>{{cite web|title=World Factbook: Gini Index|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2172.html |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] |accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref> |Gini_rank = 76th |HDI = 0.903 <!-- Number only, between 0 and 1. --> |HDI_year = 2015<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year. --> |HDI_change = increase <!-- Increase/decrease/steady. --> |HDI_ref = <ref name="HDI">{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/2016_human_development_report.pdf |title=2016 Human Development Report |year=2016 |accessdate=March 23, 2017 |publisher=United Nations Development Programme}}</ref> |HDI_rank = 17th |currency = [[Japanese yen|Yen]] (¥){{\}}{{transl|ja|''En''}} {{nihongo2|円}} |currency_code = JPY |time_zone = [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] |utc_offset = +9 |utc_offset_DST = +9 |time_zone_DST = not observed |date_format = {{unbulleted list|yyyy-mm-dd|yyyy年m月d日|{{nowrap|[[Japanese era name|Era]]&nbsp;yy年m月d日 {{small|([[Common Era|CE]]−1988)}}}}}} |drives_on = [[Right- and left-hand traffic#Japan|left]] |calling_code = [[Telephone numbers in Japan|+81]] |cctld = [[.jp]] |official_website = [http://www.japan.go.jp/index.html www.japan.go.jp] |religion = {{ublist|item_style=white-space:nowrap;|51.82% [[Shinto]]|34.9% [[Buddhism in Japan|Buddhism]]|4% [[Shinto sects and schools|Shinto sects]]|2.3% [[Christianity in Japan|Christianity]]|7.0% No answer<ref name="Dentsu2006"/>}} |area_magnitude = 1 E11 |population_density_sq_mi = 882.7 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]. --> |country_code = JPN |iso3166code = JP }} {{Infobox Chinese |title = Japan |kanji = 日本国 |kyujitai = 日本國 |katakana = ニッポンコク<br>ニホンコク |hiragana = にっぽんこく<br>にほんこく |l = State of Japan |romaji = Nippon-koku<br>Nihon-koku |revhep = Nippon-koku<br>Nihon-koku }} {{Contains Japanese text|compact=yes}} '''Japan''' ({{lang-ja|日本}} ''Nippon'' {{IPA-ja|ɲippoɴ|}} or ''Nihon'' {{IPA-ja|ɲihoɴ|}}; formally {{nihongo2|日本国}} ''{{audio|help=no|Ja-nippon_nihonkoku.ogg|Nippon-koku}}'' or ''Nihon-koku'', meaning "State of Japan") is a [[Sovereign state|sovereign]] [[island country|island nation]] in [[East Asia]]. Located in the [[Pacific Ocean]], it lies off the eastern coast of the Asian mainland and stretches from the [[Sea of Okhotsk]] in the north to the [[East China Sea]] and [[China]] in the southwest. The [[kanji]] that make up [[Names of Japan|Japan's name]] mean "sun origin". 日 can be read as ''ni'' and means "sun", while 本 can be read as ''hon'' or ''pon'' and means "origin". Japan is often referred to by the famous epithet "Land of the Rising Sun" in reference to its Japanese name. Japan is a [[Stratovolcano|stratovolcanic]] [[archipelago]] consisting of about [[List of islands of Japan|6,852 islands]]. The four largest are [[Honshu]], [[Hokkaido]], [[Kyushu]] and [[Shikoku]], which make up about ninety-seven percent of Japan's land area and often are referred to as home islands. The country is divided into 47 [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]] in eight [[List of regions of Japan|regions]], with [[Hokkaido]] being the northernmost prefecture and [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]] being the southernmost one. The population of 127&nbsp;million is the [[List of countries by population|world's tenth largest]]. [[Japanese people]] make up 98.5% of Japan's total population. Approximately 9.1 million people live in [[Tokyo]],<ref>{{cite web|title=「東京都の人口（推計）」の概要（平成26年2月1日現在） (2014)|url=http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/INET/CHOUSA/2014/02/60o2r100.htm|work=Tokyo Metropolitan Government (JPN)|accessdate=March 20, 2014}}</ref> the [[capital of Japan]]. Archaeological research indicates that Japan was inhabited as early as the [[Upper Paleolithic]] period. The first written mention of Japan is in [[History of China|Chinese history]] texts from the 1st century AD. Influence from other regions, mainly [[Imperial China|China]], followed by periods of isolation, particularly from Western Europe, has characterized [[History of Japan|Japan's history]]. From the 12th century until 1868, Japan was ruled by successive feudal military [[shogun]]s who ruled in the name of the [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]]. Japan entered into a long [[Sakoku|period of isolation]] in the early 17th century, which was ended in 1853 when a United States fleet [[Bakumatsu|pressured Japan]] to open to the West. After nearly two decades of internal conflict and insurrection, the Imperial Court [[Meiji oligarchy|regained]] its political power in 1868 through the help of several clans from [[Chōshū Domain|Chōshū]] and [[Satsuma Domain|Satsuma]]—and the [[Empire of Japan]] was established. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, victories in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]], the [[Russo-Japanese War]] and [[World War I]] allowed Japan to expand its empire during a period of increasing [[Japanese militarism|militarism]]. The [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] of 1937 expanded into part of [[World War II]] in 1941, which came to an [[End of World War II in Asia|end in 1945]] following the [[atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki]] and the [[Surrender of Japan|Japanese surrender]]. Since adopting its revised [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]] on May 3, 1947, during the [[Occupation of Japan|occupation]] by the [[Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers|SCAP]], Japan has maintained a [[Unitary state|unitary]] [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[constitutional monarchy]] with an [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] and an elected legislature called the [[National Diet]]. Japan is a member of the [[United Nations|UN]], the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], the [[Group of Seven|G7]], the [[Group of Eight|G8]] and the [[G20]]—and is considered a [[great power]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-american-interest.com/2015/01/04/the-seven-great-powers/|title=The Seven Great Powers|publisher=American-Interest|accessdate=July 1, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Balance of Power">{{cite book|author1=T. V. Paul|author2=James J. Wirtz|author3=Michel Fortmann|title=Balance of Power|publisher=State University of New York Press, 2005|year=2005|location=United States of America|pages=59, 282|isbn=0-7914-6401-6|url=https://www.google.com/books?id=9jy28vBqscQC&pg=PA59&dq="Great+power"}} ''Accordingly, the great powers after the Cold War are Britain, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, and the United States'' p.59</ref><ref name="Joshua Baron">{{cite book|last1=Baron|first1=Joshua|title=Great Power Peace and American Primacy: The Origins and Future of a New International Order|date=January 22, 2014|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|location=United States|isbn=1-137-29948-7}}</ref> The country has the world's third-largest [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|economy by nominal GDP]] and the world's fourth-largest [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|economy by purchasing power parity]]. It is also the world's [[List of countries by exports|fourth-largest exporter]] and [[List of countries by imports|fourth-largest importer]]. The country benefits from a highly skilled workforce and is among the most highly educated countries in the world, with one of the highest percentages of its citizens holding a tertiary education degree.<ref name="OECD">{{cite web|title=OECD.Stat Education and Training > Education at a Glance > Educational attainment and labor-force status > Educational attainment of 25–64 year-olds|publisher=OECD|url=http://stats.oecd.org}}</ref> Although Japan has officially [[Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution|renounced its right to declare war]], it maintains a [[Japan Self-Defense Forces|modern military]] with the world's [[List of countries by military expenditures|eighth-largest military budget]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/milex/resultoutput/15majorspenders|title=SIPRI Yearbook 2012–15 countries with the highest military expenditure in 2011|publisher=Sipri.org|accessdate=April 27, 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328104327/http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/milex/resultoutput/15majorspenders|archivedate=March 28, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> used for [[self-defense]] and [[peacekeeping]] roles. Japan is a [[developed country]] with a very high standard of living and [[Human Development Index]]. Its population enjoys the [[List of countries by life expectancy|highest life expectancy]] and the third lowest [[infant mortality]] rate in the world. Japan is well-known internationally for its major contributions to science and modern-day technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.688?lang=en|title=WHO Life expectancy |publisher=World Health Organization|date=June 1, 2013|accessdate=June 1, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Table A.17">{{cite web|title=Table A.17|url=https://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/wpp2006/WPP2006_Highlights_rev.pdf|work=United Nations World Population Prospects'', 2006 revision''|publisher=UN|accessdate=January 15, 2011}}</ref> ==Etymology== {{Main article|Names of Japan}} The Japanese word for Japan is {{nihongo2|日本}}, which is pronounced ''Nihon'' or ''Nippon'' and literally means "the origin of the sun". The character {{nihongo||日|nichi}} means "sun" or "day"; {{nihongo||本|hon}} means "base" or "origin".<ref>{{cite web|title=Where does the name Japan come from?|url=http://www.sljfaq.org/afaq/japan.html|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref> The compound therefore means "origin of the sun" and is the source of the popular Western [[epithet]] "Land of the Rising Sun".<ref>{{cite book|title=The emergence of Japanese kingship|first=Joan R. |last=Piggott|year=1997|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=0-8047-2832-1|pages=143–144}}</ref> The earliest record of the name ''Nihon'' appears in the Chinese historical records of the [[Tang dynasty]], the ''[[Old Book of Tang]]''. At the end of the seventh century, a delegation from Japan requested that ''Nihon'' be used as the name of their country. This name may have its origin in a letter sent in 607 and recorded in the [[Book of Sui|official history]] of the [[Sui dynasty]]. [[Prince Shōtoku]], the Regent of Japan, sent a mission to China with a letter in which he called himself "the Emperor of the Land where the Sun rises" (日出處天子). The message said: "Here I the emperor of the country where the sun rises send a letter to the emperor of the country where the sun sets. How are you". [[File:King of Na gold seal faces.jpg|thumb|The "[[King of Na gold seal]]", said to have been granted to [[Nakoku|Na]] king of [[Wa (Japan)]] by [[Emperor Guangwu of Han]] in 57 CE. The seal reads "漢委奴國王". [[Tokyo National Museum]]]] Prior to the adoption of ''Nihon'', other terms such as {{Nihongo|''Yamato''|大和||extra=or "Great Wa"}} and {{Nihongo|''[[Wa (Japan)|Wakoku]]''|倭国}} were used. The term {{Nihongo|''Wa''|和}} is a homophone of ''Wo'' 倭 (pronounced "Wa" by the Japanese), which has been used by the Chinese as a designation for the Japanese as early as the third century [[Three Kingdoms]] period.<ref>{{cite web|title=121 AD: Wakoku, The Land Of The Submissive Dwarf People?|url=https://www.tofugu.com/japan/country-names-for-japan/|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref> However, the Japanese disliked some connotation of [[Wa (Japan)|Wa]] 倭 (which has been associated in China with concepts like "dwarf" or "pygmy"), and it was therefore replaced with the substitute character {{Nihongo|''Wa''|和}}, meaning "togetherness, harmony".<ref name="fuzita">{{cite web|title=Why Japan is Japan? How Japan became Japan? |url= http://www.fuzita.org/jpculture/howmanyi/howjapan.html|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wa: The Spirit of Harmony and Japanese Design Today &#124; Concept, Works, and Catalogue|url=https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/project/culture/exhibit/oversea/wa/works.html|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref> The English word Japan possibly derives from the historical [[Chinese language|Chinese]] pronunciation of 日本. The [[Old Mandarin]] or possibly early [[Wu Chinese]] pronunciation of Japan was recorded by [[Marco Polo]] as ''Cipangu''. In modern [[Shanghainese]], a Wu dialect, the pronunciation of characters {{nihongo2|日本}} Japan is ''Zeppen'' {{IPA-wuu|zəʔpən|}}. The old [[Malay language|Malay]] word for Japan, ''Japun'' or ''Japang'', was borrowed from a southern coastal Chinese dialect, probably [[Hokkien|Fukienese]] or [[Ningbo dialect|Ningpo]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Boxer|first=Charles Ralph|title=The Christian century in Japan 1549–1650|year=1951|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=1-85754-035-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2R4DA2lip9gC&pg=PA14|pages=1–14}}</ref>—and this Malay word was encountered by [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] traders in South East Asia in the 16th century.<ref name="ahd">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cZ88p_bSt1EC&pg=PA146 |title=Word Histories and Mysteries: From Abracadabra to Zeus|editor= Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |date=October 13, 2004|isbn=9780547350271 }}</ref> These [[Nanban trade|Early Portuguese traders]] then brought the word to [[Europe]].<ref>C. R. Boxer, The Christian Century In Japan 1549–1650, University of California Press, 1951p. 11, 28–36, 49–51, {{ISBN|1-85754-035-2}}</ref> The first record of this name in English is in a book published in 1577 and spelled ''Giapan'', in a translation of a 1565 letter written by a Portuguese Jesuit [[Luís Fróis]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Mancall|first=Peter C.|title=Travel narratives from the age of discovery: an anthology|year=2006|publisher=Oxford University Press|pages=156–157|chapter=Of the Ilande of Giapan, 1565}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=giZnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA79&lpg=PA79 |title=London: The Selden Map and the Making of a Global City, 1549–1689|first= Robert K. |last=Batchelor |pages= 76, 79 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0226080796 |date=2014-01-06}} In Richard Wille's 1577 book "The History of Travalye in the West and East Indies"</ref> From the [[Meiji Restoration]] until the end of [[World War II]], the full title of Japan was {{nihongo||大日本帝國|Dai Nippon Teikoku}}, meaning "the [[Empire of Japan|Empire of Great Japan]]".<ref>{{cite book|last1=Frédéric|first1=Louis|year=2002|title=Japan Encyclopedia|publisher=The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press|isbn=0674007700|page=143|url=https://books.google.com/?id=p2QnPijAEmEC&pg=PA143&lpg=PA143&dq=dai+nippon+teikoku#v=onepage&q=dai%20nippon%20teikoku&f=false|accessdate=January 29, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Today, the name {{nihongo||日本国|Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku}} is used as a formal modern-day equivalent with the meaning of "the State of Japan". Countries like Japan whose long form does not contain a descriptive designation are generally given a name appended by the character {{nihongo||国|koku}}, meaning "country", "nation" or "state". ==History== {{Main article|History of Japan}} {{History of Japan}} ===Prehistory and ancient history=== [[File:Emperor_Jimmu.jpg|thumb|left|{{Nihongo|[[Emperor Jimmu]]|神武天皇|Jinmu-tennō''}}, the first [[Emperor of Japan]] dated as 660 BCE<ref name="kelly">Kelly, Charles F. [http://www.t-net.ne.jp/~keally/kofun.html "Kofun Culture",] [http://www.t-net.ne.jp/~keally/index.htm Japanese Archaeology.] April 27, 2009.</ref><ref name="Understanding Japanese Religion p. 145">Kitagawa, Joseph. (1987). {{Google books|h1xcc4cGL5cC|''On Understanding Japanese Religion'|page=145}}; excerpt: "emphasis on the undisrupted chronological continuity from myths to legends and from legends to history, it is difficult to determine where one ends and the next begins. At any rate, the first ten legendary emperors are clearly not reliable historical records."<br />Boleslaw Szczesniak, "The Sumu-Sanu Myth. Notes and Remarks on the Jimmu Tenno Myth", in [[Monumenta Nipponica]], Vol. 10, No. 1/2 (1954), pp. 107–126.</ref>—in modern Japan his accession is marked as [[National Foundation Day]] on February 11]] A [[Japanese Paleolithic|Paleolithic]] culture around 30,000&nbsp;BC constitutes the first known habitation of the Japanese archipelago. This was followed from around 14,000&nbsp;BC (the start of the [[Jōmon period]]) by a [[Mesolithic]] to [[Neolithic]] semi-sedentary [[hunter-gatherer]] culture characterized by [[Pit-house|pit dwelling]] and rudimentary agriculture,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitt.edu/~annj/courses/notes/jomon_genes.html|title=Jomon Genes|last=Travis|first=John|publisher=University of Pittsburgh|accessdate=January 15, 2011}}</ref> including by ancestors of contemporary [[Ainu people]] and [[Yamato people]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Matsumara|first=Hirofumi; Dodo, Yukio|url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ase/117/2/117_080325/_article |title=Dental characteristics of Tohoku residents in Japan: implications for biological affinity with ancient Emishi|journal=Anthropological Science|year=2009|volume=117|issue=2|pages=95–105|doi=10.1537/ase.080325|last2=Dodo|first2=Yukio}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Hammer|first=Michael F.|url=http://www.nature.com/jhg/journal/v51/n1/abs/jhg20068a.html |title=Dual origins of the Japanese: common ground for hunter-gatherer and farmer Y chromosomes|journal=Journal of Human Genetics|year=2006|volume=51|issue=1|pages=47–58|doi=10.1007/s10038-005-0322-0|pmid=16328082|last2=Karafet|first2=TM|last3=Park|first3=H|last4=Omoto|first4=K|last5=Harihara|first5=S|last6=Stoneking|first6=M|last7=Horai|first7=S|display-authors=etal}}</ref> Decorated clay vessels from this period are some of the oldest surviving examples of pottery in the world. Around 300 BC, the [[Yayoi period#Origin of the Yayoi people|Yayoi people]] began to enter the Japanese islands, intermingling with the [[Jomon people|Jōmon]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Denoon|first=Donald; Hudson, Mark|title=Multicultural Japan: palaeolithic to postmodern|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2001|isbn=0-521-00362-8|pages=22–23}}</ref> The [[Yayoi period]], starting around 500&nbsp;BC, saw the introduction of practices like wet-[[rice]] farming,<ref>{{cite web|title=Road of rice plant|url=http://www.kahaku.go.jp/special/past/japanese/ipix/5/5-25.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430010530/http://www.kahaku.go.jp/special/past/japanese/ipix/5/5-25.html|archivedate=April 30, 2011|publisher=[[National Science Museum of Japan]]|accessdate=January 15, 2011}}</ref> a new style of [[pottery]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Kofun Period|url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/kofu/hd_kofu.htm|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art|accessdate=January 15, 2011}}</ref> and [[metallurgy]], introduced from China and Korea.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yayoi Culture|url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/yayo/hd_yayo.htm|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art|accessdate=January 15, 2011}}</ref> Japan first appears in written history in the Chinese ''[[Book of Han]]''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Takashi |first=Okazaki |last2=Goodwin |first2=Janet |title=The Cambridge history of Japan, Volume 1: Ancient Japan |year=1993 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-521-22352-0 |page=275 |chapter=Japan and the continent}}</ref> According to the ''[[Records of the Three Kingdoms]]'', the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago during the 3rd century was called [[Yamatai]]koku. Buddhism was introduced to Japan from [[Baekje]], [[Korea]] and was promoted by [[Prince Shōtoku]], but the subsequent development of [[Buddhism in Japan|Japanese Buddhism]] was primarily influenced by China.<ref>{{cite book |editor=Brown, Delmer M.|year=1993 |title=The Cambridge History of Japan |publisher=Cambridge University Press |pages=140–149}}</ref> Despite early resistance, Buddhism was promoted by the ruling class and gained widespread acceptance beginning in the [[Asuka period]] (592–710).<ref>{{cite book |title=The Japanese Experience: A Short History of Japan |first=William Gerald|last=Beasley |publisher=University of California Press |year=1999 |page=42 |isbn=0-520-22560-0}}</ref> The [[Nara period]] (710–784) of the 8th century marked an emergence of the centralized Japanese state centered on the Imperial Court in [[Heijō Palace|Heijō-kyō]] (modern [[Nara, Nara|Nara]]). The [[Nara period]] is characterized by the appearance of a nascent [[Japanese literature|literature]] as well as the development of Buddhist-inspired art and [[Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara|architecture]].<ref>{{cite book |first=Conrad|last=Totman |year=2002 |title=A History of Japan |publisher=Blackwell |pages=64–79 |isbn=978-1-4051-2359-4}}</ref> The [[smallpox]] epidemic of 735–737 is believed to have killed as much as one-third of Japan's population.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hays|first=J.N.|title=Epidemics and pandemics: their impacts on human history|year=2005|publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]|isbn=1-85109-658-2|page=31}}</ref> In 784, [[Emperor Kanmu]] moved the capital from Nara to [[Nagaoka-kyō]], then to [[Heian-kyō]] (modern [[Kyoto]]) in 794. This marked the beginning of the [[Heian period]] (794–1185), during which a distinctly indigenous Japanese culture emerged, noted for its [[Japanese art|art]], [[Japanese poetry|poetry]] and prose. [[Murasaki Shikibu]]'s ''[[The Tale of Genji]]'' and the lyrics of Japan's national anthem "[[Kimigayo]]" were written during this time.<ref>{{cite book |first=Conrad|last=Totman |year=2002 |title=A History of Japan |publisher=Blackwell |pages=79–87, 122–123 |isbn=978-1-4051-2359-4}}</ref> [[Buddhism]] began to spread during the [[Heian era]] chiefly through two major sects, [[Tendai]] by [[Saichō]] and [[Shingon]] by [[Kūkai]]. [[Pure Land Buddhism]] ([[Jōdo-shū]], [[Jōdo Shinshū]]) became greatly popular in the latter half of the 11th century. ===Feudal era=== [[File:Mōko Shūrai Ekotoba 2.jpg|thumb|[[Samurai]] warriors facing Mongols during the [[Mongol invasions of Japan]]; [[Takezaki Suenaga|Suenaga]], 1293]] Japan's feudal era was characterized by the emergence and dominance of a ruling class of warriors, the [[samurai]]. In 1185, following the defeat of the [[Taira clan]] in the [[Genpei War]], sung in the epic [[The Tale of the Heike|Tale of Heike]], samurai [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]] was appointed [[shogun]] by [[Emperor Go-Toba]], and Yoritomo established a base of power in [[Kamakura, Kanagawa|Kamakura]]. After his death, the [[Hōjō clan]] came to power as regents for the shoguns. The [[Zen]] school of Buddhism was introduced from China in the [[Kamakura period]] (1185–1333) and became popular among the samurai class.<ref>{{cite book|last=Totman|first=Conrad|title=A History of Japan ''(2nd ed.)''|year=2005|publisher=Blackwell|isbn=1-4051-2359-1|pages=106–112}}</ref> The [[Kamakura shogunate]] repelled [[Mongol invasions of Japan|Mongol invasions]] in 1274 and 1281, but was eventually [[Kenmu Restoration|overthrown by Emperor Go-Daigo]]. [[Emperor Go-Daigo]] was himself defeated by [[Ashikaga Takauji]] in 1336. [[File: Ｓａｍｕｒａｉ.jpg|thumb|right|Samurais could [[Kiri-sute gomen|kill a commoner]] for the slightest insult and were widely feared by the Japanese population. [[Edo period]], 1798]] Ashikaga Takauji established the shogunate in Muromachi, [[Kyoto, Kyoto|Kyoto]]. This was the start of the [[Muromachi period]] (1336–1573). The [[Ashikaga shogunate]] achieved glory at the age of [[Ashikaga Yoshimitsu]], and the culture based on Zen Buddhism ( the art of ''[[Miyabi]]'') prospered. This evolved to [[Higashiyama period|Higashiyama Culture]], and prospered until the 16th century. On the other hand, the succeeding Ashikaga shogunate failed to control the feudal warlords (''[[daimyō]]s'') and a civil war (the [[Ōnin War]]) began in 1467, opening the century-long [[Sengoku period]] ("Warring States").<ref>{{cite book |first=George|last=Sansom |year=1961 |title=A History of Japan: 1334–1615 |publisher=Stanford University Press|pages=42, 217 |isbn=0-8047-0525-9}}</ref> During the 16th century, traders and [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] [[Missionary|missionaries]] from [[Portugal]] reached Japan for the first time, initiating direct [[Nanban trade|commercial]] and [[Nanban art|cultural]] exchange between Japan and the West. This allowed [[Oda Nobunaga]] to obtain European technology and firearms, which he used to conquer many other ''daimyōs''. His consolidation of power began what was known as the [[Azuchi–Momoyama period]] (1573–1603). After Nobunaga was assassinated in 1582 by [[Akechi Mitsuhide]], his successor [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] unified the nation in 1590 and launched [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–98)|two unsuccessful invasions of Korea in 1592 and 1597]]. [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]] served as regent for Hideyoshi's [[Toyotomi Hideyori|son]] and used his position to gain political and military support. When open war broke out, Ieyasu defeated rival clans in the [[Battle of Sekigahara]] in 1600. Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed shogun by [[Emperor Go-Yōzei]] in 1603 and established the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] in [[Edo]] (modern [[Tokyo]]).<ref>{{cite book|last=Turnbull|first=Stephen|title=Toyotomi Hideyoshi|year=2010|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-84603-960-7|page=61}}</ref> The Tokugawa shogunate enacted measures including ''[[buke shohatto]]'', as a code of conduct to control the autonomous ''daimyōs'';<ref>{{cite book|last=Totman|first=Conrad|title=A History of Japan ''(2nd ed.)''|year=2005|publisher=Blackwell|isbn=1-4051-2359-1|pages=142–143}}</ref> and in 1639 the isolationist ''[[sakoku]]'' ("closed country") policy that spanned the two and a half centuries of tenuous political unity known as the [[Edo period]] (1603–1868).<ref>{{cite journal|last=Toby|first=Ronald P.|title=Reopening the Question of Sakoku: Diplomacy in the Legitimation of the Tokugawa Bakufu|journal=Journal of Japanese Studies|year=1977|volume=3|issue=2|pages=323–363|doi=10.2307/132115|jstor=132115}}</ref> The study of Western sciences, known as ''[[rangaku]]'', continued through contact with the Dutch enclave at [[Dejima]] in [[Nagasaki]]. The Edo period also gave rise to ''[[kokugaku]]'' ("national studies"), the study of Japan by the Japanese.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Ohtsu|first=M.|title=Japanese National Values and Confucianism|journal=Japanese Economy|year=1999|volume=27|issue=2|pages=45–59|doi=10.2753/JES1097-203X270245|last2=Ohtsu|first2=Makoto}}</ref> ===Modern era=== [[File:Meiji tenno1.jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[Emperor Meiji]] (1868–1912), in whose name imperial rule was [[Meiji Restoration|restored]] at the end of the [[Tokugawa shogunate]]]] On March 31, 1854, [[Matthew C. Perry|Commodore Matthew Perry]] and the "[[Black Ships]]" of the [[United States Navy]] forced the opening of Japan to the outside world with the [[Convention of Kanagawa]]. Subsequent similar treaties with Western countries in the [[Bakumatsu]] period brought economic and political crises. The resignation of the shogun led to the [[Boshin War]] and the establishment of a [[Abolition of the han system|centralized state]] nominally unified under the Emperor (the [[Meiji Restoration]]).<ref>{{cite book|last=Totman|first=Conrad|title=A History of Japan ''(2nd ed.)''|year=2005|publisher=Blackwell|isbn=1-4051-2359-1|pages=289–296}}</ref> Plunging itself through an active process of Westernization during the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan adopted Western political, judicial and military institutions and Western cultural influences integrated with its traditional culture for modern industrialization. The [[Cabinet of Japan|Cabinet]] organized the [[Privy Council (Japan)|Privy Council]], introduced the [[Meiji Constitution]], and assembled the [[National Diet|Imperial Diet]]. The Meiji Restoration transformed the [[Empire of Japan]] into an industrialized world power that pursued military conflict to expand its sphere of influence. After victories in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] (1894–1895) and the [[Russo-Japanese War]] (1904–1905), Japan gained control of Taiwan, Korea and the southern half of [[Sakhalin]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Matsusaka|first=Y. Tak|title=Companion to Japanese History|year=2009|publisher=Blackwell|isbn=978-1-4051-1690-9|pages=224–241|editor=Tsutsui, William M.|chapter=The Japanese Empire}}</ref> Japan's population grew from 35 million in 1873 to 70 million in 1935.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hiroshi|first=Shimizu|title=Japan and Singapore in the world economy : Japan's economic advance into Singapore, 1870–1965|year=1999|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-19236-1|author2=Hitoshi, Hirakawa|page=17}}</ref> [[File:Generals Pyongyang MigitaToshihide October1894.jpg|thumb|Chinese generals surrendering to the Japanese in the [[First Sino-Japanese War|Sino-Japanese War]] of 1894–1895]] [[World War I|World War&nbsp;I]] enabled Japan, on the side of the victorious [[Allies of World War I|Allies]], to [[Japan during World War I|widen its influence and territorial holdings in Asia]]. The early 20th century saw a brief period of "[[Taishō period|Taishō democracy (1912–1926)]]" but the 1920s saw a fragile democracy buckle under a political shift towards [[Statism in Shōwa Japan|fascism]], the passing of [[Peace Preservation Law#Public Security Preservation Law of 1925|laws against political dissent]] and a series of attempted [[May 15 Incident|coups]]. The subsequent "[[Shōwa period]]" initially saw the power of the military increased and brought about Japanese [[expansionism]] and [[Japanese militarism|militarization]] along with the totalitarianism and ultranationalism that are a part of fascist ideology. In 1931 Japan invaded and occupied [[Manchuria]] and following [[Lytton Report|international condemnation of this occupation]], Japan resigned from the [[League of Nations]] in 1933. In 1936, Japan signed the [[Anti-Comintern Pact]] with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] and the 1940 [[Tripartite Pact]] made it one of the Axis Powers.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Axis Alliance|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/pre-war/361125a.html#3|publisher=iBiblio|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref> In 1941, following its defeat in the brief [[Soviet–Japanese Border War (1939)|Soviet–Japanese Border War]], Japan negotiated the [[Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Totman|first=Conrad|title=A History of Japan ''(2nd ed.)''|year=2005|publisher=Blackwell|isbn=1-4051-2359-1|page=442}}</ref> which lasted until 1945 with the [[Soviet invasion of Manchuria]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soviets-declare-war-on-japan-invade-manchuria|title=Soviets declare war on Japan; invade Manchuria – Aug 08, 1945 |website=History.com|access-date=April 17, 2016}}</ref> [[File:Umezu.jpg|thumb|Japanese officials surrendering to the Allies on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, ending World War II]] The Empire of Japan invaded other parts of China in 1937, precipitating the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] (1937–1945). The Imperial Japanese Army swiftly captured the capital [[Nanjing]] and conducted the [[Nanking Massacre]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/PTO/IMTFE/IMTFE-8.html |title=Judgment International Military Tribunal for the Far East, Chapter VIII: Conventional War Crimes (Atrocities) |publisher=iBiblio |date=November 1948}}</ref> In 1940, the Empire [[Japanese invasion of French Indochina|invaded French Indochina]], after which the United States placed an oil embargo on Japan.<ref>{{cite book |first=Roland H., Jr. |last=Worth |title=No Choice But War: the United States Embargo Against Japan and the Eruption of War in the Pacific |publisher=McFarland |year=1995 |pages=56, 86|isbn=0-7864-0141-9}}</ref> On December 7–8, 1941, Japanese forces carried out surprise [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|attacks on Pearl Harbor]], British forces in [[Battle of Malaya|Malaya]], [[Bombing of Singapore (1941)|Singapore]] and [[Battle of Hong Kong|Hong Kong]] and [[Japanese declaration of war on the United States and the British Empire|declared war on the United States and the British Empire]], bringing the United States and the United Kingdom into [[Pacific War|World War II in the Pacific]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sankei.co.jp/seiron/koukoku/2005/0504/ronbun3-2.html |script-title=ja:インドネシア独立運動と日本とスカルノ（２） |work=馬 樹禮 |publisher=産経新聞社 |date=April 2005 |accessdate=October 2, 2009 |language=Japanese |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501141220/http://www.sankei.co.jp/seiron/koukoku/2005/0504/ronbun3-2.html |archivedate=May 1, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/1941/411208c.html |title=The Kingdom of the Netherlands Declares War with Japan |publisher=iBiblio |accessdate=October 2, 2009}}</ref> After Allied victories across the Pacific during the next four years, which culminated in the [[Soviet invasion of Manchuria]] and the [[atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki]] in 1945, Japan agreed to an [[Surrender of Japan|unconditional surrender]] on August 15.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Pape|first=Robert A.|title=Why Japan Surrendered|journal=International Security|year=1993|volume=18|issue=2|pages=154–201|doi=10.2307/2539100|jstor=2539100}}</ref> The war cost Japan, [[Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere|its colonies]], China and the war's other combatants tens of millions of lives and left much of Japan's industry and infrastructure destroyed. The [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] (led by the United States) repatriated millions of [[Japanese diaspora|ethnic Japanese]] from colonies and military camps throughout Asia, largely eliminating the Japanese empire and restoring the independence of its conquered territories.<ref>{{cite book|last=Watt|first=Lori|title=When Empire Comes Home: Repatriation and Reintegration in Postwar Japan|publisher=Harvard University Press|year=2010|isbn=978-0-674-05598-8|pages=1–4}}</ref> The Allies also convened the [[International Military Tribunal for the Far East]] on May 3, 1946, to prosecute some Japanese leaders for [[Japanese war crimes|war crimes]]. However, the [[Unit 731|bacteriological research units]] and members of the imperial family involved in the war were exonerated from criminal prosecutions by the [[Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers]] despite calls for the trial of both groups.<ref>{{cite book|last=Thomas|first=J.E.|title=Modern Japan|year=1996|publisher=Longman|isbn=0-582-25962-2|pages=284–287}}</ref> In 1947, Japan adopted a new [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]] emphasizing liberal democratic practices. The [[Occupation of Japan|Allied occupation]] ended with the [[Treaty of San Francisco]] in 1952<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/03/06/national/52-coup-plot-bid-to-rearm-japan-cia/ |title='52 coup plot bid to rearm Japan: CIA |first=Joseph |last=Coleman|date=March 6, 2007|work=The Japan Times |accessdate=April 3, 2007}}</ref> and Japan was granted membership in the United Nations in 1956. Japan later achieved [[Japanese post-war economic miracle|rapid growth]] to become the second-largest economy in the world, until surpassed by China in 2010. This ended in the mid-1990s when Japan suffered a [[Japanese asset price bubble|major recession]]. In the beginning of the 21st century, positive growth has signaled a gradual economic recovery.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5178822.stm |title=Japan scraps zero interest rates |publisher=BBC News |date=July 14, 2006 |accessdate=December 28, 2006}}</ref> On March 11, 2011, Japan suffered one of the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|largest earthquakes in its recorded history]]; this triggered the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]], one of the worst disasters in the history of [[nuclear power]].<ref name="nytimes-tsunami">{{cite news|last=Fackler|first=Martin; Drew, Kevin|title=Devastation as Tsunami Crashes Into Japan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/world/asia/12japan.html?ref=world|accessdate=March 11, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 11, 2011}}</ref> ==Geography== {{Main article|Geography of Japan|Geology of Japan}} [[File:Satellite View of Japan 1999.jpg|thumb|[[Japanese archipelago]] as seen from satellite]] Japan has a total of 6,852 islands extending along the [[Pacific coast]] of East Asia. The country, including all of the islands it controls, lies between latitudes 24° and 46°N, and longitudes 122° and 146°E. The main islands, from north to south, are [[Hokkaido]], [[Honshu]], [[Shikoku]] and [[Kyushu]]. The [[Ryukyu Islands]], which include [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]], are a chain to the south of [[Kyushu]]. Together they are often known as the [[Japanese archipelago]].<ref>{{cite book|last=McCargo|first=Duncan|title=Contemporary Japan|year=2000|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=0-333-71000-2 |pages=8–11}}</ref> About 73 percent of Japan is forested, mountainous and unsuitable for [[Agriculture, forestry, and fishing in Japan|agricultural]], [[Manufacturing in Japan|industrial]] or [[Housing in Japan|residential]] use.<ref name="cia"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Japan|url=https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4142.htm|publisher=US Department of State|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref> As a result, the habitable zones, mainly located in coastal areas, have extremely high population densities. Japan is one of the [[List of countries by population density|most densely populated countries]] in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://esa.un.org/unpp/ |title=World Population Prospects |publisher=''[[United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs|UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs]]'' |accessdate=March 27, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321013235/http://esa.un.org/unpp/ <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archivedate=March 21, 2007}}</ref> The islands of Japan are located in a [[Volcano|volcanic]] zone on the [[Ring of Fire|Pacific Ring of Fire]]. They are primarily the result of large oceanic movements occurring over hundreds of millions of years from the mid-Silurian to the [[Pleistocene]] as a result of the [[subduction]] of the [[Philippine Sea Plate]] beneath the continental [[Amurian Plate]] and [[Okinawa Plate]] to the south, and subduction of the [[Pacific Plate]] under the [[Okhotsk Plate]] to the north. The [[Boso Triple Junction]] off the coast of Japan is a triple junction where the [[North American Plate]], the [[Pacific Plate]] and the [[Philippine Sea Plate]] meets. Japan was originally attached to the eastern coast of the Eurasian continent. The subducting plates pulled Japan eastward, opening the [[Sea of Japan]] around 15 million years ago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shinku.nichibun.ac.jp/jpub/pdf/jr/IJ1501.pdf|last=Barnes|first=Gina L.|title=Origins of the Japanese Islands|publisher=[[University of Durham]]|year=2003|accessdate=August 11, 2009}}</ref> Japan has 108 active volcanoes. During the twentieth century several new volcanoes emerged, including [[Shōwa-shinzan]] on Hokkaido and [[Myōjin-shō]] off the [[Bayonnaise Rocks]] in the Pacific. Destructive earthquakes, often resulting in [[tsunami]], occur several times each century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/north_asia/japan_tec.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204064754/http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/north_asia/japan_tec.html |archivedate=February 4, 2007 |title=Tectonics and Volcanoes of Japan |publisher=Oregon State University |accessdate=March 27, 2007}}</ref> The [[1923 Great Kantō earthquake|1923 Tokyo earthquake]] killed over 140,000 people.<ref>{{cite web|last=James |first=C.D. |title=The 1923 Tokyo Earthquake and Fire |url=http://nisee.berkeley.edu/kanto/tokyo1923.pdf |publisher=University of California Berkeley |accessdate=January 16, 2011 |year=2002 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070316050633/http://nisee.berkeley.edu/kanto/tokyo1923.pdf |archivedate=March 16, 2007 |df= }}</ref> More recent major quakes are the 1995 [[Great Hanshin earthquake]] and the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 Tōhoku earthquake]], a 9.1-magnitude<ref name="USGS9.1">{{cite web |url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/official20110311054624120_30#executive |title=M 9.1 – near the east coast of Honshu, Japan |publisher=Earthquake.usgs.gov |date=July 11, 2016 |accessdate=August 29, 2017 }}</ref> quake which hit Japan on March 11, 2011, and triggered a large tsunami.<ref name="nytimes-tsunami"/> Japan is substantially prone to earthquakes, tsunami and volcanoes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livescience.com/30226-japan-tectonics-explosive-geology-ring-of-fire-110314.html |title=Japan's Explosive Geology Explained |publisher=Live Science |last=Israel |first=Brett |date=March 14, 2011 |access-date=June 17, 2016}}</ref> It has the [[List of countries by natural disaster risk|15th highest natural disaster risk]] as measured in the 2013 World Risk Index.<ref name="2013 World Risk Report">[http://www.worldriskreport.com/uploads/media/WorldRiskReport_2013_online_01.pdf 2013 World Risk Report] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816173655/http://www.worldriskreport.com/uploads/media/WorldRiskReport_2013_online_01.pdf |date=August 16, 2014 }}</ref> ===Climate=== {{Main article|Climate of Japan}} {{Multiple image |direction=vertical |width=250 |image1=Cherry blossoms at Yoshinoyama 01.jpg |caption1=[[Cherry blossom]]s of [[Mount Yoshino]] have been the subject of many plays and [[Waka (poetry)|waka poetry]] |image2=Kongobuji Koyasan07n3200.jpg |caption2=Autumn [[Maple tree|maple leaves]] ([[momiji]]) at [[Kongōbu-ji]] on [[Mount Kōya]], a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] }} The climate of Japan is predominantly temperate, but varies greatly from north to south. Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones: [[Hokkaido]], [[Sea of Japan]], [[Central Highland (Japan)|Central Highland]], [[Seto Inland Sea]], [[Pacific Ocean]], and [[Ryukyu Islands]]. The northernmost zone, Hokkaido, has a [[humid continental climate]] with long, cold winters and very warm to cool summers. [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]] is not heavy, but the islands usually develop deep snowbanks in the winter.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite book|last=Karan|first=Pradyumna Prasad|title=Japan in the 21st century|year=2005|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|isbn=0-8131-2342-9|pages=18–21, 41|author2=Gilbreath, Dick}}</ref> In the Sea of Japan zone on Honshu's west coast, northwest winter winds bring heavy snowfall. In the summer, the region is cooler than the Pacific area, though it sometimes experiences extremely hot temperatures because of the [[foehn wind|foehn]]. The Central Highland has a typical inland humid continental climate, with large temperature differences between summer and winter seasons, as well as large diurnal variation; precipitation is light, though winters are usually snowy. The mountains of the [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]] and [[Shikoku]] regions shelter the [[Seto Inland Sea]] from seasonal winds, bringing mild weather year-round.<ref name=autogenerated2/> The Pacific coast features a [[humid subtropical]] climate that experiences milder winters with occasional snowfall and hot, humid summers because of the southeast seasonal wind. The Ryukyu Islands have a [[subtropics|subtropical climate]], with warm winters and hot summers. Precipitation is very heavy, especially during the rainy season.<ref name=autogenerated2/> The average winter temperature in Japan is {{convert|5.1|C|°F}} and the average summer temperature is {{convert|25.2|C|°F}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Climate|url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/climate.html|publisher=[[Japan National Tourism Organization|JNTO]]|accessdate=March 2, 2011}}</ref> The highest temperature ever measured in Japan {{convert|41.0|°C}} was recorded on August 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/tcc/tcc/news/press_20130813.pdf |title=Extremely hot conditions in Japan in midsummer 2013 |publisher=Tokyo Climate Center, Japan Meteorological Agency |date=August 13, 2013 |accessdate=August 3, 2017}}</ref> The main [[East Asian rainy season|rainy season]] begins in early May in Okinawa, and the rain front gradually moves north until reaching Hokkaido in late July. In most of Honshu, the rainy season begins before the middle of June and lasts about six weeks. In late summer and early autumn, [[typhoon]]s often bring heavy rain.<ref name="climate">{{cite web |url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/climate.html |title=Essential Info: Climate |publisher=[[Japan National Tourism Organization|JNTO]] |accessdate=April 1, 2007}}</ref> ===Biodiversity=== {{Main article|Wildlife of Japan}} [[File:Jigokudani hotspring in Nagano Japan 001.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Japanese macaque]]s at [[Jigokudani Monkey Park|Jigokudani hot spring]] are notable for visiting the spa in the winter]] Japan has nine forest [[Ecoregions in Japan|ecoregions]] which reflect the climate and geography of the islands. They range from [[Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests|subtropical moist broadleaf forests]] in the Ryūkyū and [[Bonin Islands]], to [[temperate broadleaf and mixed forests]] in the mild climate regions of the main islands, to [[temperate coniferous forest]]s in the cold, winter portions of the northern islands.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/spotflora.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213035135/http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/spotflora.htm |archivedate=February 13, 2007 |title=Flora and Fauna: Diversity and regional uniqueness |publisher=Embassy of Japan in the USA |accessdate=April 1, 2007}}</ref> Japan has over 90,000 species of [[Wildlife of Japan|wildlife]], including the [[brown bear]], the [[Japanese macaque]], the [[Japanese raccoon dog]], the [[large Japanese field mouse]], and the [[Japanese giant salamander]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Wildlife in Japan |url=http://www.env.go.jp/nature/yasei/pamph/pamph01/en.pdf |publisher=[[Ministry of the Environment (Japan)|Ministry of the Environment]] |accessdate=February 19, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323165908/http://www.env.go.jp/nature/yasei/pamph/pamph01/en.pdf |archivedate=March 23, 2011}}</ref> A large network of [[List of national parks of Japan|national parks]] has been established to protect important areas of flora and fauna as well as thirty-seven [[Ramsar sites in Japan|Ramsar wetland sites]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/ |title=National Parks of Japan |publisher=Ministry of the Environment |accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-pubs-annolist-japan/main/ramsar/1-30-168^16573_4000_0__ |title=The Annotated Ramsar List: Japan |publisher=Ramsar |accessdate=May 11, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917191036/http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-pubs-annolist-japan/main/ramsar/1-30-168%5E16573_4000_0__ |archivedate=September 17, 2011 |df= }}</ref> [[World Heritage Sites in Japan|Four sites]] have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their outstanding natural value.<ref name="unesco1">{{cite web |url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/jp |title=Japan&nbsp;– Properties Inscribed on the World Heritage List |publisher=[[UNESCO]] |accessdate=July 5, 2011}}</ref> ===Environment=== {{Main article|Environmental issues in Japan}} In the period of rapid economic growth after [[World War II]], environmental policies were downplayed by the government and industrial corporations; as a result, [[Four Big Pollution Diseases of Japan|environmental pollution]] was widespread in the 1950s and 1960s. Responding to rising concern about the problem, the government introduced several environmental protection laws in 1970.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:日本の大気汚染の歴史 |url=http://www.erca.go.jp/taiki/history/ko_syousyu.html |publisher=Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency |accessdate=March 2, 2014 |language=Japanese |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501085231/http://www.erca.go.jp/taiki/history/ko_syousyu.html |archivedate=May 1, 2011}}</ref> The [[1973 oil crisis|oil crisis in 1973]] also encouraged the efficient use of energy because of Japan's lack of natural resources.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sekiyama|first=Takeshi|title=Japan's international cooperation for energy efficiency and conservation in Asian region|url=http://nice.erina.or.jp/en/pdf/C-SEKIYAMA.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216005103/http://nice.erina.or.jp/en/pdf/C-SEKIYAMA.pdf|archivedate=February 16, 2008|publisher=Energy Conservation Center|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref> Current environmental issues include urban air pollution ([[NOx]], suspended particulate matter, and toxics), [[waste management]], water [[eutrophication]], [[nature conservation]], climate change, chemical management and international co-operation for conservation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Environmental Performance Review of Japan|url=http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/0/17/2110905.pdf|publisher=[[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]]|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref> As of June 2015, more than 40 coal-fired power plants are planned or under construction in Japan. The NGO Climate Action Network announced Japan as the winner of its "Fossil of the Day" award for "doing the most to block progress on climate action".<ref>{{cite news |title =At G-7, Japan's energy plan is not all that green |author =Elaine Kurtenbach |date = June 6, 2015 |agency =Associated Press}}</ref> Japan ranks 39th in the 2016 [[Environmental Performance Index]], which measures a nation's commitment to environmental sustainability.<ref>{{cite web|title=Environmental Performance Index: Japan|url=http://epi.yale.edu/country/japan|publisher=Yale University|accessdate=April 19, 2016}}</ref> As a signatory of the [[Kyoto Protocol]] and host of the 1997 conference that created it, Japan is under treaty obligation to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and to take other steps to curb climate change.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUST191967 |title=Japan sees extra emission cuts to 2020 goal – minister |date=June 24, 2009 |agency=Reuters}}</ref> ==Politics== {{Main article|Politics of Japan}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-left:2px;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[File:Emperor Akihito cropped 2 Barack Obama Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko 20140424 1.jpg|126px]] || style="text-align:left;" | [[File:Shinzo Abe (2017).jpg|140px]] |- | style="text-align:center;"|[[Akihito|Emperor Akihito]] <br /><small>[[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] since 1989</small> | style="text-align:center;"|[[Shinzō Abe]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] since 2012</small> |} ===Government=== {{Main article|Government of Japan}} Japan is a [[constitutional monarchy]]. The [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] is a ceremonial figurehead and is defined by the [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]] as "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people". Executive power is wielded chiefly by the [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] and his [[Cabinet of Japan|cabinet]]. Sovereignty is vested in the Japanese people.<ref name="Constitution">{{cite web|url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html |title=The Constitution of Japan |publisher=Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet |date=November 3, 1946 |accessdate=February 14, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214104438/http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html |archivedate=December 14, 2013 |df= }}</ref> Japan's legislative body is the [[National Diet]], seated in [[Chiyoda, Tokyo]]. The Diet is a [[Bicameralism|bicameral]] body, comprising the lower [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]] with 475 seats, elected by popular vote every four years or when dissolved; and the upper [[House of Councillors (Japan)|House of Councillors]] with 242 seats, whose popularly elected members serve six-year terms. There is [[universal suffrage]] for adults over 18 years of age,<ref name="tst-">{{cite web |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-lowers-voting-age-from-20-to-18-to-better-reflect-young-peoples-opinions-in |title=Japan lowers voting age from 20 to 18 to better reflect young people's opinions in policies |publisher=''[[The Straits Times]]'' |date=June 20, 2015 |accessdate=August 28, 2017 }}</ref> with a [[secret ballot]] for all elected offices.<ref name="Constitution"/> The Diet is dominated by the social liberal [[Democratic Party (Japan)|Democratic Party of Japan]] (DP) and the conservative [[Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)|Liberal Democratic Party]] (LDP). The LDP has enjoyed near-continuous electoral success since 1955, except for brief periods between 1993 and 1994 and from 2009 to 2012. As of May 2017, it holds 294 seats in the lower house and 121 seats in the upper house. [[File:Diet_of_Japan_Kokkai_2009.jpg|thumb|left|[[National Diet Building]]]] The Prime Minister of Japan is the [[head of government]] and is [[Imperial Investiture|appointed]] by the Emperor after being designated by the Diet from among its members. The Prime Minister is the head of the Cabinet and he appoints and dismisses the [[Minister of State|Ministers of State]]. Following the LDP's landslide victory in the [[Japanese general election, 2012|2012 general election]], [[Shinzō Abe]] replaced [[Yoshihiko Noda]] as the Prime Minister on December 26, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fackler|first=Martin|title=Ex-Premier Is Chosen To Govern Japan Again|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/27/world/asia/shinzo-abe-selected-as-japans-prime-minister.html?_r=1&|accessdate=March 12, 2013|newspaper=''[[The New York Times]]''|date=December 27, 2013|location=New York}}</ref> Historically influenced by [[Chinese law]], the [[Law of Japan|Japanese legal system]] developed independently during the [[Edo period]] through texts such as ''[[Kujikata Osadamegaki]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Dean|first=Meryll|title=Japanese legal system: text, cases & materials|year=2002|publisher=Cavendish|isbn=978-1-85941-673-0|pages=55–58|edition=2nd}}</ref> However, since the late 19th century the [[judicial system of Japan|judicial system]] has been largely based on the [[civil law (legal system)|civil law]] of Europe, notably Germany. For example, in 1896, the Japanese government established a civil code based on a draft of the German [[Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch]]; with the code remaining in effect with post–World War II modifications.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Kanamori|first=Shigenari|title=German influences on Japanese Pre-War Constitution and Civil Code|journal=European Journal of Law and Economics|date=January 1, 1999|volume=7|issue=1|pages=93–95|doi=10.1023/A:1008688209052}}</ref> Statutory law originates in Japan's legislature and has the [[rubber stamp (politics)|rubber stamp]] of the Emperor. Japan's court system is divided into four basic tiers: the [[Supreme Court of Japan|Supreme Court]] and three levels of lower courts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/judiciary/0620system.html |publisher=Office of the Prime Minister of Japan |title=The Japanese Judicial System |accessdate=March 27, 2007}}</ref> The main body of Japanese statutory law is called the [[Six Codes]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Dean|first=Meryll|title=Japanese legal system: text, cases & materials|year=2002|publisher=Cavendish|isbn=978-1-85941-673-0|page=131|edition=2nd}}</ref> ===Administrative divisions=== {{Main article|Administrative divisions of Japan}} {{See also|Prefectures of Japan}} Japan consists of 47 prefectures, each overseen by an elected [[Governor (Japan)|governor]], legislature and administrative bureaucracy.<ref>In Japanese, 43 of the prefectures are called "ken" (県), Kyoto and Osaka are "fu" (府), Hokkaido is a "dō" (道) and Tokyo is a "to" (都). Although different in name they are functionally the same.</ref> Each prefecture is further divided into cities, towns and villages.<ref>{{cite book|last=McCargo|first=Duncan|title=Contemporary Japan|year=2000|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=0-333-71000-2|pages=84–85}}</ref> The nation is currently undergoing administrative [[Merger and dissolution of municipalities of Japan|reorganization by merging]] many of the cities, towns and villages with each other. This process will reduce the number of sub-prefecture administrative regions and is expected to cut administrative costs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mabuchi |first=Masaru |url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37175.pdf |title=''Municipal Amalgamation in Japan''|publisher=World Bank |date=May 2001 |accessdate=December 28, 2006}}</ref> {{Japan Regions and Prefectures Labelled Map}} ===Foreign relations=== {{Main article|Foreign relations of Japan}} [[File:Liancourt walleye view.jpg|thumb|The [[Liancourt Rocks]] known as Takeshima in Japan, has become an issue known as the [[Liancourt Rocks dispute]]]] Japan has diplomatic relations with nearly all independent nations and has been an active member of the [[United Nations]] since December 1956. Japan is a member of the [[Group of Eight (G8)|G8]], [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation|APEC]], and "[[ASEAN Free Trade Area#ASEAN Plus Three|ASEAN Plus Three]]", and is a participant in the [[East Asia Summit]]. Japan signed a security pact with [[Australia]] in March 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/australia/joint0703.html |title=Japan-Australia Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs|accessdate=August 25, 2010}}</ref> and with [[India]] in October 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/india/pmv0810/joint_d.html |title=Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation between Japan and India |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=October 22, 2008 |accessdate=August 25, 2010}}</ref> It is the world's fifth largest donor of [[official development assistance]], donating US$9.2 billion in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistics from the Development Co-operation Report 2015|url=http://www.oecd.org/dac/japan.htm|publisher=[[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]]|accessdate=November 15, 2015}}</ref> Japan has close ties to the [[United States]]. Since Japan's defeat by the Allies in [[World War II]], the two countries have maintained close economic and defense relations. The United States is a major market for Japanese exports and the primary source of Japanese imports, and is committed to defending the country, having military bases in Japan for partially that purpose.<ref>{{cite web|title=Japan's Foreign Relations and Role in the World Today|url=http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/japan/japanworkbook/fpdefense/foreign.htm|website=Asia for Educators|accessdate=November 13, 2016}}</ref> Japan contests [[Russia]]'s control of the [[Kuril Islands dispute|Southern Kuril Islands]] (including Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group) which were occupied by the [[Soviet Union]] in 1945.<ref>MOFA, [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/russia/territory/index.html Japan's Northern Territories]</ref> [[South Korea]]'s assertions concerning [[Liancourt Rocks]] (Japanese: "Takeshima", Korean: "Dokdo") are acknowledged, but not accepted by Japan.<ref name="takeshima">MOFA, [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/takeshima/index.html The Issue of Takeshima]</ref> Japan has strained relations with the [[China|People's Republic of China]] (PRC) and the [[Taiwan|Republic of China]] (ROC) over the [[Senkaku Islands]];<ref>MOFA, [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/senkaku/senkaku.html The Basic View on the Sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands]</ref> and with the People's Republic of China over the status of [[Okinotorishima]]. Japan's relationship with South Korea has been strained due to Japan's treatment of Koreans during [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese colonial rule]], particularly over the issue of [[comfort women]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35188135|title=Japan and South Korea agree WW2 'comfort women' deal|date=December 28, 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=July 8, 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref> These women were essentially sex slaves, and although there is no exact number on how many women were subjected to this treatment, experts believe it could be in the tens or hundreds of thousands. Between 1910–1945, the Japanese government rebuilt Korean infrastructure, introduced over 800,000 Japanese immigrants onto the peninsula, and carried out a campaign of cultural suppression through efforts to ban the Korean language in schools and force Koreans to adopt Japanese names.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://koreanhistory.info/japan.htm|title=Japanese Colony 1910–1945|website=koreanhistory.info|access-date=July 8, 2017}}</ref> With the surrender of Japan and the Axis at the end of WWII in 1945, the Korean Peninsula was once again independent. Despite their historical tensions, in December 2015, Japan agreed to settle the comfort women dispute with South Korea by issuing a formal apology, taking responsibility for the issue and paying money to the surviving comfort women. Today, South Korea and Japan have a stronger and more economically-driven relationship. Since the 1990s, the [[Korean Wave]] has created a large fanbase in East Asia, but most notably in Japan. Japan is the number one importer of Korean music ([[K-pop]]), television ([[Korean drama|K-dramas]]), and films, but this was only made possible after the South Korean government lifted the 30-year ban on cultural exchange with Japan that had been in place since 1948.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ju|first=Hyujung|date=2014|title=Transformations of the Korean Media Industry by the Korean Wave: The Perspective of Glocalization|url=|journal=Korean Popular Culture in Global Context|volume=|pages=|via=ProQuest ebrary}}</ref> Korean pop cultural products' success in the Japanese market is partially explained by the borrowing of Japanese ideas such as the star-marketing system and heavy promotion of new television shows and music. Korean dramas such as ''[[Winter Sonata]]'' and ''[[The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince|Coffee Prince]],'' as well as K-pop artists such as [[Big Bang (South Korean band)|BIGBANG]] and [[SHINee]] are extremely popular with Japanese consumers. Most recently, South Korean President Moon Jae-in met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the [[2017 G20 Hamburg summit|2017 G-20 Summit]] in Hamburg, Germany to discuss the future of their relationship and specifically how to cooperate on finding solutions for [[North Korea]]n aggression in the region. Both leaders restated their commitment to solving the comfort women dispute, building positive relations in the region, and pressuring China to be more assertive with North Korea as it continues to test [[North Korea and weapons of mass destruction|nuclear weapons]] and isolate themselves further form the international community.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/07/07/national/politics-diplomacy/tokyo-washington-seoul-vow-step-pressure-pyongyang-amid-perceived-china-inaction/|title=Abe and Moon hold first talks in Hamburg, agree to resume reciprocal visits|date=July 7, 2017|work=The Japan Times Online|access-date=July 8, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0447-5763}}</ref> ==Military== {{Main article|Japan Self-Defense Forces}} [[File:US Navy 051115-N-8492C-125 The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JDS Kongou (DDG 173) sails in formation with other JMSDF ships and ships assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group.jpg|thumb|left|[[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|JMSDF]] [[Kongō class destroyer|''Kongō'' class destroyer]]]] {{Multiple image |direction=vertical |width=220 |image1=SM3 from JDS Kongo.jpg |caption1=[[JDS Kongō|JDS ''Kongō'' (DDG-173)]], a [[guided missile destroyer]], launching a [[RIM-161 Standard Missile 3|Standard Missile 3]] [[anti-ballistic missile]] in 2007 |image2=Mitsubishi_F-2_landing.JPG |caption2=JASDF [[Mitsubishi F-2|F-2]], a [[multirole combat aircraft]] }} Japan maintains one of the largest military budgets of any country in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 15 countries with the highest military expenditure in 2009|url=http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/milex/resultoutput/milex_15|publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|accessdate=January 16, 2011|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217084451/http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/milex/resultoutput/milex_15|archivedate=February 17, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The country's military (the [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]]) is restricted by [[Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution]], which renounces Japan's right to declare war or use military force in international disputes. Accordingly, Japan's Self-Defence force is an unusual military that has never fired shots outside Japan.<ref>正論, May 2014 (171).</ref> Japan is the highest-ranked Asian country in the [[Global Peace Index]].<ref>Institute for Economics and Peace (2015). ''[http://www.visionofhumanity.org/sites/default/files/Global%20Peace%20Index%20Report%202015_0.pdf Global Peace Index 2015.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006145259/http://www.visionofhumanity.org/sites/default/files/Global%20Peace%20Index%20Report%202015_0.pdf |date=October 6, 2015 }}'' Retrieved October 5, 2015</ref> The military is governed by the [[Ministry of Defense (Japan)|Ministry of Defense]], and primarily consists of the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] (JGSDF), the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] (JMSDF) and the [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] (JASDF). The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is a regular participant in [[Exercise RIMPAC|RIMPAC]] maritime exercises.<ref>{{cite web|title=About RIMPAC |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/exrimpac/abt_rimpac.html |publisher=Government of Singapore |accessdate=March 2, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806203903/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/exrimpac/abt_rimpac.html |archivedate=August 6, 2013}}</ref> The forces have been recently used in peacekeeping operations; the [[Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group|deployment of troops to Iraq]] marked the first overseas use of Japan's military since World War II.<ref name="Iraq deployment">{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/20/news/japan.php |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070416075509/http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/20/news/japan.php |archivedate=April 16, 2007 |title= Tokyo says it will bring troops home from Iraq |work=International Herald Tribune |date=June 20, 2006 |accessdate=March 28, 2007}}</ref> [[Japan Business Federation]] has called on the government to lift the ban on arms exports so that Japan can join multinational projects such as the [[Joint Strike Fighter program|Joint Strike Fighter]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2010/07/13/idINIndia-50097320100713 |title=Japan business lobby wants weapon export ban eased |publisher=Reuters |date= July 13, 2010|accessdate=April 12, 2011}}</ref> The 21st century is witnessing a rapid change in global power balance along with globalization. The security environment around Japan has become increasingly severe as represented by nuclear and missile development by [[North Korea]]. Transnational threats grounded on technological progress including international terrorism and cyber attacks are also increasing their significance.<ref name="Japan's Security Policy">{{cite news |title= Japan's Security Policy |publisher= Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/security/}}</ref> Japan, including its Self Defense Forces, has contributed to the maximum extent possible to the efforts to maintain and restore international peace and security, such as [[UN peacekeeping]] operations. Building on the ongoing efforts as a peaceful state, the [[Government of Japan]] has been making various efforts on its security policy which include: the establishment of the [[National Security Council (Japan)|National Security Council]] (NSC), the adoption of the National Security Strategy (NSS), and the National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG).<ref name="Japan's Security Policy"/> These efforts are made based on the belief that Japan, as a "Proactive Contributor to Peace", needs to contribute more actively to the peace and stability of the region and the international community, while coordinating with other countries including its ally, the United States.<ref name="Japan's Security Policy"/> Japan has close economic and military relations with the United States; the [[Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan|US-Japan security alliance]] acts as the cornerstone of the nation's foreign policy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/03/japan_is_back_why_tokyos_new_a.html |title=Japan Is Back: Why Tokyo's New Assertiveness Is Good for Washington|author=Michael Green |publisher=Real Clear Politics |accessdate=March 28, 2007}}</ref> A member state of the United Nations since 1956, Japan has served as a non-permanent [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] member for a [[List of members of the United Nations Security Council#List by number of years as Security Council member|total of 20 years]], most recently for 2009 and 2010. It is one of the [[G4 nations]] seeking permanent membership in the Security Council.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070111/1101194.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221044357/http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070111/1101194.htm |archivedate=February 21, 2007 |title=UK backs Japan for UNSC bid |work=Central Chronicle |accessdate=March 28, 2007}}</ref> In May 2014, Prime Minister [[Shinzō Abe]] said Japan wanted to shed the passiveness it has maintained since the end of World War II and take more responsibility for regional security. Abe said Japan wanted to play a key role and offered neighboring countries Japan's support.<ref name="JapanAsia">{{cite news|title=Abe offers Japan's help in maintaining regional security|url=http://www.japanherald.com/index.php/sid/222467193/scat/c4f2dd8ca8c78044/ht/Abe-offers-Japans-help-in-maintaining-regional-security|accessdate=May 31, 2014|publisher=Japan Herald}}</ref> In recent years, they have been engaged in international [[peacekeeping]] operations including the [[United Nations peacekeeping|UN peacekeeping]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/intro.htm|title=Japan – Introduction|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|accessdate=March 5, 2006}}</ref> Recent tensions, particularly with North Korea,<ref>{{cite news |title= Japan fires on 'intruding' boat |date=December 22, 2001 |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1724913.stm}}</ref> have reignited the debate over the status of the JSDF and its relation to Japanese society.<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan Mulls Constitutional Reform |last=Herman |first=Steve |location=Tokyo |date=February 15, 2006 |publisher=[[Voice of America]] |url=http://voanews.com/english/2006-02-15-voa12.cfm?renderforprint=1&textonly=1&&CFID=30055922&CFTOKEN=90158930 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060216032116/http://voanews.com/english/2006-02-15-voa12.cfm?renderforprint=1&textonly=1&&CFID=30055922&CFTOKEN=90158930 |archivedate=February 16, 2006}}</ref> New military guidelines, announced in December 2010, will direct the JSDF away from its [[Cold War]] focus on the former [[Soviet Armed Forces|Soviet Union]] to a focus on [[People's Liberation Army|China]], especially regarding the territorial dispute over the [[Senkaku Islands]].<ref name="MARTIN FACKLER">{{cite news |last= Fackler |first= Martin |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/17/world/asia/17japan.html |title= Japan Announces Defense Policy to Counter China |publisher= The New York Times |date= December 16, 2010 |accessdate= December 17, 2010}}</ref> ==Economy== {{Main article|Economy of Japan}} [[File:Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.jpg|thumb|left|[[Bank of Japan]] headquarters in [[Chūō, Tokyo|Chuo]], [[Tokyo]]]] [[File:Tokyo stock exchange.jpg|thumb|The [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]], one of the largest stock exchanges in Asia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Equities/Tokyo-Stock-Exchange-ranked-third-in-Asia-in-2014 |title=Tokyo Stock Exchange ranked third in Asia in 2014 |work=Nikkei Asian Review |date=January 16, 2015 |accessdate=December 5, 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208112614/http://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Equities/Tokyo-Stock-Exchange-ranked-third-in-Asia-in-2014 |archivedate=December 8, 2015}}</ref>]] [[File:Ginza Wako Clock.jpg|thumb|[[Ginza]], a luxury shopping area in Tokyo]] Japan is the third largest national economy in the world, after the United States and China, in terms of [[nominal GDP]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=China confirmed as World's Second Largest Economy|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=January 21, 2011|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/jan/21/china-confirmed-worlds-second-largest-economy|accessdate=January 21, 2011 |first=James |last=Inman |location=London}}</ref> and the fourth largest national economy in the world, after the United States, China and India, in terms of [[purchasing power parity]]. {{As of|2016}}, Japan's [[Government debt|public debt]] was estimated at more than 230 percent of its annual gross domestic product, the largest of any nation in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2186rank.html |publisher=CIA |title=World Factbook, Country comparison: Public debt |accessdate=August 20, 2017}}</ref> In August 2011, [[Moody's]] rating has cut Japan's long-term sovereign debt rating one notch from Aa3 to Aa2 inline with the size of the country's deficit and borrowing level. The large budget deficits and government debt since the 2009 global recession and followed by the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 caused the rating downgrade.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14625969 |title=Moody's cuts Japan's debt rating on deficit concerns |date=August 24, 2011 |work=BBC News}}</ref> The [[service sector]] accounts for three quarters of the gross domestic product.<ref>{{cite web|title=Manufacturing and Construction|url=http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c0117.htm#c06|work=Statistical Handbook of Japan|publisher=Statistics Bureau|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref> Japan has a large industrial capacity, and is home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, [[electronics]], [[machine tool]]s, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, [[chemical substance]]s, textiles, and [[food processing|processed foods]]. [[Agriculture, forestry, and fishing in Japan|Agricultural businesses in Japan]] cultivate 13 percent of Japan's land, and Japan accounts for nearly 15 percent of the global fish catch, second only to China.<ref name="cia"/> {{As of|2016}}, Japan's labor force consisted of some 65.9 million workers.<ref name="cia"/> Japan has a [[List of countries by unemployment rate|low unemployment rate]] of around four percent. Some 20 million people, around 17 per cent of the population, were below the poverty line in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan Tries to Face Up to Growing Poverty Problem|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/world/asia/22poverty.html?source=patrick.net|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 21, 2010|first=Martin|last=Fackler}}</ref> [[Housing in Japan]] is characterized by limited land supply in urban areas.<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Housing and Land Survey|url=http://www.e-stat.go.jp/SG1/estat/NewListE.do?tid=000001028768|publisher=Statistics Bureau|accessdate=January 20, 2011}}</ref> Japan's exports amounted to US$4,210 per capita in 2005. {{as of|2014}}, Japan's main export markets were the United States (20.2 percent), China (17.5 percent), South Korea (7.1 percent), Hong Kong (5.6 percent) and Thailand (4.5 percent). Its main exports are transportation equipment, motor vehicles, iron and steel products, semiconductors and auto parts.<ref name="cia"/> Japan's main import markets {{as of|2015|lc=y}} were China (24.8 percent), the United States (10.5 percent), Australia (5.4 percent) and South Korea (4.1 percent).<ref name="cia"/> Japan's main imports are machinery and equipment, [[fossil fuel]]s, foodstuffs (in particular beef), chemicals, textiles and raw materials for its industries. By market share measures, domestic markets are the least open of any [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]] country.<ref name="oecd2008"/> [[Junichirō Koizumi]]'s administration began some pro-competition reforms, and foreign investment in Japan has soared.<ref>{{cite news|title=Foreign investment in Japan soars|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4632747.stm|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=''BBC''|date=June 29, 2005}}</ref> Japan ranks 27th of 189 countries in the 2014 [[ease of doing business index]] and has [[List of countries by tax revenue as percentage of GDP|one of the smallest tax revenues]] of the developed world. The Japanese variant of capitalism has many distinct features: [[keiretsu]] enterprises are influential, and [[Permanent employment|lifetime employment]] and seniority-based career advancement are relatively common in the [[Japanese work environment]].<ref name="oecd2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.oecd.org/document/17/0,3343,en_2649_34111_40353553_1_1_1_1,00.html |title=Economic survey of Japan 2008 |publisher=[[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]] |accessdate=August 25, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109122744/http://www.oecd.org/document/17/0%2C3343%2Cen_2649_34111_40353553_1_1_1_1%2C00.html |archivedate=November 9, 2010 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/node/7193984?story_id=7193984 |title=Japan's Economy: Free at last |newspaper=The Economist |date=July 20, 2006 |accessdate=January 23, 2011}}</ref> Japanese companies are known for management methods like "[[The Toyota Way]]", and [[shareholder activism]] is rare.<ref>{{cite news|title=Activist shareholders swarm in Japan|url=http://www.economist.com/node/9414552?story_id=9414552|accessdate=January 23, 2011|date=June 28, 2007|newspaper=The Economist}}</ref> Japan's top global brands include [[Toyota]], [[Honda]], [[Canon Inc.|Canon]], [[Nissan]], [[Sony]], [[Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group|Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG)]], [[Panasonic]], [[Uniqlo]], [[Lexus]], [[Subaru]], [[Nintendo]], [[Bridgestone]], [[Mazda]] and [[Suzuki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rankingthebrands.com/The-Brand-Rankings.aspx?rankingID=33|title=Japan's Best Global Brands 2017|date=February 17, 2017|accessdate=November 2, 2017|website=Ranking the Brands}}</ref> ===Economic history=== {{Main article|Economic history of Japan}} Modern Japan's economic growth began in the [[Edo period]]. Some of the surviving elements of the Edo period are [[Kaidō|roads]] and water transportation routes, as well as financial instruments such as [[futures contract]]s, banking and insurance of the [[Osaka rice brokers]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The Origins of Japanese Trade Supremacy |author=Howe, Christopher |publisher=Hurst & Company |year=1996 |isbn=1-85065-538-3|pages=58f}}</ref> During the Meiji period from 1868, Japan expanded economically with the embrace of the [[market economy]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Totman|first=Conrad|title=A History of Japan ''(2nd ed.)''|year=2005|publisher=Blackwell|isbn=1-4051-2359-1|pages=312–314}}</ref> Many of today's enterprises were founded at the time, and Japan emerged as the most developed nation in Asia.<ref>{{cite book|last=McCargo|first=Duncan|title=Contemporary Japan|year=2000|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=0-333-71000-2 |pages=18–19}}</ref> The period of overall real economic growth from the 1960s to the 1980s has been called the [[Japanese post-war economic miracle]]: it averaged 7.5 percent in the 1960s and 1970s, and 3.2 percent in the 1980s and early 1990s.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Ryan|first=Liam|title=The "Asian economic miracle" unmasked: The political economy of the reality|journal=International Journal of Social Economics|date=January 1, 2000|volume=27|issue=7–10|pages=802–815|doi=10.1108/03068290010335235}}</ref> Growth slowed in the 1990s during the [[Lost Decade (Japan)|"Lost Decade"]] due to after-effects of the [[Japanese asset price bubble]] and government policies intended to wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Efforts to revive economic growth were unsuccessful and further hampered by the [[Dot-com bubble|global slowdown in 2000]].<ref name="cia"/> The economy recovered after 2005; GDP growth for that year was 2.8 percent, surpassing the growth rates of the US and [[European Union]] during the same period.<ref>{{cite news|last=Masake|first=Hisane|title=A farewell to zero|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/HC02Dh01.html|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=Asia Times|date=March 2, 2006}}</ref> Today Japan ranks highly for [[competitiveness]] and [[economic freedom]]. It is ranked sixth in the [[Global Competitiveness Report]] for 2015–2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2015-2016/economies/#indexId=GCI&economy=JPN |title=Country/Economy Profiles: Japan|publisher=World Economic Forum |accessdate=February 24, 2016 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2015-2016/competitiveness-rankings/ |title=Competitiveness Rankings |publisher=World Economic Forum |accessdate=February 24, 2016 |language=English}}</ref> ===Agriculture and fishery=== {{Main article|Agriculture, forestry, and fishing in Japan}} [[File:Rice_Paddies_In_Aizu,_Japan.JPG|thumb|A [[rice paddy]] in [[Aizu]], [[Fukushima Prefecture]]]] The Japanese agricultural sector accounts for about 1.4% of the total country's GDP.<ref name="Japan Country Report"/> Only 12% of Japan's land is suitable for cultivation.<ref name="As Farmers Age, Japan Rethinks Relationship With Food, Fields">{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/social_issues/jan-june12/9billion_06-12.html |title=As Farmers Age, Japan Rethinks Relationship With Food, Fields |work=[[PBS]] |date=June 12, 2012 |accessdate=November 21, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121103417/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/social_issues/jan-june12/9billion_06-12.html |archivedate=November 21, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Trip Report - Japan Agricultural Situation">{{cite web |url=http://www.pecad.fas.usda.gov/highlights/2012/08/Japantrip/ |title=Trip Report – Japan Agricultural Situation |work=[[United States Department of Agriculture]] |date=August 17, 2012 |accessdate=November 21, 2013}}</ref> Due to this lack of arable land, a system of terraces is used to farm in small areas.<ref name="Urbanites Help Sustain Japan's Historic Rice Paddy Terraces">{{cite web |url=http://ourworld.unu.edu/en/the-people-who-sustain-japans-historic-terraced-rice-fields |title=Urbanites Help Sustain Japan's Historic Rice Paddy Terraces |work=Our World |date=May 22, 2012 |accessdate=November 21, 2013 |author1=Nagata, Akira |author2=Chen, Bixia}}</ref> This results in one of the world's highest levels of crop yields per unit area, with an overall agricultural self-sufficiency rate of about 50% on fewer than {{convert|56000|km²|acres|lk=out|abbr=off}} cultivated. Japan's small agricultural sector, however, is also highly subsidized and protected, with government regulations that favor small-scale cultivation instead of large-scale agriculture as practiced in North America.<ref name="As Farmers Age, Japan Rethinks Relationship With Food, Fields"/> There has been a growing concern about farming as the current farmers are aging with a difficult time finding successors.<ref name="How will Japan's farms survive?">{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2013/06/28/editorials/how-will-japans-farms-survive/#.UoyT2b-lf-k |title=How will Japan's farms survive? |work=[[The Japan Times]] |date=June 28, 2013 |accessdate=November 21, 2013}}</ref> Rice accounts for almost all of Japan's cereal production.<ref name="Japan - Agriculture">{{cite web |url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Japan-AGRICULTURE.html#b |title=Japan – Agriculture |work=Nations Encyclopedia |accessdate=November 21, 2013}}</ref> Japan is the second-largest agricultural product importer in the world.<ref name="Japan - Agriculture"/> Rice, the most protected crop, is subject to tariffs of 777.7%.<ref name="Trip Report - Japan Agricultural Situation"/><ref name="With fewer, bigger plots and fewer part-time farmers, agriculture could compete">{{cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21576154-fewer-bigger-plots-and-fewer-part-time-farmers-agriculture-could-compete-field-work |title=With fewer, bigger plots and fewer part-time farmers, agriculture could compete |work=[[The Economist]] |date=April 13, 2013 |accessdate=November 21, 2013}}</ref> In 1996, Japan ranked fourth in the world in [[fishing industry by country|tonnage of fish caught]].<ref name="World review of fisheries and aquaculture">{{cite web |url=http://www.fao.org/docrep/w9900e/w9900e02.htm |title=World review of fisheries and aquaculture |work=[[Food and Agriculture Organization]] |accessdate=January 18, 2014}}</ref> Japan captured 4,074,580 metric tons of fish in 2005, down from 4,987,703 tons in 2000, 9,558,615 tons in 1990, 9,864,422 tons in 1980, 8,520,397 tons in 1970, 5,583,796 tons in 1960 and 2,881,855 tons in 1950.<ref name="Fish capture by country">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/datablog/2009/sep/02/fish-capture-country |title=Fish capture by country |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=September 2, 2003 |accessdate=January 18, 2014 |author=Brown, Felicity}}</ref> In 2003, the total aquaculture production was predicted at 1,301,437 tonnes.<ref name="Japan National Aquaculture Sector Overview">{{cite web |url=http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/naso_japan/en |title=Japan |work=[[Food and Agriculture Organization]] |accessdate=January 18, 2014}}</ref> In 2010, Japan's total fisheries production was 4,762,469 fish.<ref name="World fisheries production, by capture and aquaculture, by country (2010)">{{cite web |url=ftp://ftp.fao.org/FI/STAT/summary/a-0a.pdf |title=World fisheries production, by capture and aquaculture, by country (2010) |work=Food and Agriculture Organization |accessdate=January 18, 2014}}</ref> Offshore fisheries accounted for an average of 50% of the nation's total fish catches in the late 1980s although they experienced repeated ups and downs during that period. Today, Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#Econ |title=The World Factbook |work=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |accessdate=February 1, 2014}}</ref> prompting some claims that Japan's fishing is leading to depletion in fish stocks such as [[tuna]].<ref name="UN tribunal halts Japanese tuna over-fishing">{{cite web |url=http://www.atimes.com/oceania/AH31Ah01.html |title=UN tribunal halts Japanese tuna over-fishing |work=[[Asia Times]] |date=August 31, 1999 |accessdate=February 1, 2014}}</ref> Japan has also sparked controversy by supporting quasi-commercial [[whaling in Japan|whaling]].<ref name="Japanese whaling 'science' rapped">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4118990.stm |title=Japanese whaling 'science' rapped |work=[[BBC News]] |date=June 22, 2005 |accessdate=February 1, 2014 |author=Black, Richard}}</ref> ===Industry=== {{Main article|Manufacturing in Japan}} [[File:Toyota_Plant_Ohira_Sendai.jpg|thumb|Toyota factory in [[Ohira, Miyagi|Ohira]], [[Miyagi Prefecture]]]] Japan's industrial sector makes up approximately 27.5% of its GDP.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#Econ|title=Japan|last=|first=|date=November 3, 2016|website=CIA World Factbook|publisher=|accessdate=November 13, 2016}}</ref> Japan's major industries are motor vehicles, electronics, machine tools, metals, ships, chemicals and processed foods; some major Japanese industrial companies include [[Toyota]], [[Canon Inc.]], [[Toshiba]] and [[Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal|Nippon Steel]].<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Forbes Global 2000|url=https://www.forbes.com/global2000/list/#country:Japan|website=Forbes|accessdate=November 14, 2016}}</ref> Japan is the third largest automobile producer in the world, and is home to [[Toyota]], the world's largest automobile company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oica.net/category/production-statistics/|title=Production Statistics|last=OICA|first=|date=2016|website=|publisher=|accessdate=November 13, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andreamurphy/2015/05/06/2015-global-2000-the-worlds-biggest-auto-companies/#361753666e48|title=2015 Global 2000: The World's Biggest Auto Companies|last=|first=|date=May 6, 2015|website=Forbes|publisher=|accessdate=November 13, 2016}}</ref> The Japanese consumer electronics industry, once considered the strongest in the world, is currently in a state of decline as competition arises in countries like [[South Korea]], the [[United States]] and [[China]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The era of Japanese consumer electronics giants is dead|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/the-era-of-japanese-consumer-electronics-giants-is-dead|website=cnet|accessdate=November 13, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=What happened to Japan's electronic giants?|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-21992700|accessdate=November 13, 2016|agency=BBC News|date=April 2, 2013}}</ref> However, despite also facing similar competition from South Korea and China, the Japanese shipbuilding industry is expected to remain strong due to an increased focus on specialized, high-tech designs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Why the sun has yet to set on Japanese shipbuilding|url=http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/asia/why-the-sun-has-yet-to-set-on-japanese-shipbuilding.html|website=Seatrade Maritime News|accessdate=November 13, 2016}}</ref> ===Services=== {{Main article|Trade and services in Japan}} Japan's service sector accounts for about three-quarters of its total economic output.<ref name="Japan Country Report">{{cite web |url=http://www.gfmag.com/gdp-data-country-reports/247-japan-gdp-country-report.html#axzz2kmA1XTXk |title=Japan Country Report |work=Global Finance |accessdate=November 16, 2013}}</ref> Banking, insurance, real estate, retailing, [[transportation in Japan|transportation]], and telecommunications are all major industries, with companies such as [[Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group|Mitsubishi UFJ]], [[Mizuho Financial Group|Mizuho]], [[Nippon Telegraph and Telephone|NTT]], [[Tokyo Electric Power Company|TEPCO]], [[Nomura Holdings|Nomura]], [[Mitsubishi Estate Co.|Mitsubishi Estate]], [[ÆON (company)|ÆON]], [[Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance|Mitsui Sumitomo]], [[Softbank]], [[East Japan Railway Company|JR East]], [[Seven & I Holdings Co.|Seven & I]], [[KDDI]] and [[Japan Airlines]] listed as some of the largest in the world.<ref name="Fortune Global 500 ">{{cite news |url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2013/full_list/?iid=G500_sp_full |title=Fortune Global 500 |work=[[CNNMoney]] |accessdate=November 16, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/global2000/list/#page:1_sort:0_direction:asc_search:_filter:All%20industries_filter:Japan_filter:All%20states |title=The World's Biggest Public Companies |work=[[Forbes]] |accessdate=November 16, 2013}}</ref> Four of the five [[List of newspapers in the world by circulation|most circulated newspapers in the world]] are [[Japanese newspapers]].<ref name="National Newspapers Total Circulation 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.ifabc.org/site/assets/media/National-Newspapers_total-circulation_IFABC_17-01-13.xls |title=National Newspapers Total Circulation 2011 |publisher=[[International Federation of Audit Bureaux of Circulations]] |accessdate=February 2, 2014}}</ref> [[Japan Post]], one of the country's largest providers of savings and insurance services, was slated for privatization by 2015.<ref name="Japan govt aims to list Japan Post in three years">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/26/us-japanpost-ipo-idUSBRE89P03420121026 |title=Japan govt aims to list Japan Post in three years |work=[[Reuters]] |date=October 26, 2013 |accessdate=November 16, 2013 |author=Fujita, Junko}}</ref> The six major [[keiretsu]]s are the [[Mitsubishi]], [[Sumitomo]], [[Fuyo]], [[Mitsui]], [[Dai-Ichi Kangyo]] and [[Sanwa Group|Sanwa]] Groups.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/keiretsu.htm |title=The Keiretsu of Japan |work=San José State University}}</ref> ===Tourism=== {{Main article|Tourism in Japan}} [[File:Tokyo Skytree 2014 Ⅲ.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tokyo Sky Tree]], the [[List of tallest towers|tallest tower]] in the world]] {{Multiple image | align = |direction=vertical |width=220 |image1=Mount Fuji and Fujinomiya.jpg |caption1=[[Mount Fuji]], the highest peak, is considered as one of the most iconic [[landmark]]s of Japan |image2=Castle_Himeji_sakura01_adjusted.jpg |caption2=[[Cherry blossom]] with [[Himeji Castle]] in the background, a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] |image3=KyotoFushimiInariLarge.jpg |caption3=[[Fushimi Inari-taisha]] in [[Kyoto]] |image4=The A-Bomb Dome and oyster boat "Kanawa"（2015.08.22）.JPG |caption4=[[Hiroshima Peace Memorial]] }} Japan attracted 19.73 million international tourists in 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/19/national/japan-sets-new-inbound-tourism-record-2015-comes-just-short-20-million-target/|title=Visitors to Japan surge to record 19.73 million, spend all-time high ¥3.48 trillion|first=Tomoko|last=Otake|date=January 19, 2016|publisher=|via=Japan Times Online}}</ref> and increased by 21.8% to attracted 24.03 million international tourists in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ttp/sta/PDF/E2016.pdf|title=2016 Foreign Visitors & Japanese Departures|accessdate=January 29, 2017|publisher=|via=Japan National Tourism Organization}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/10/national/number-foreign-visitors-japan-tops-20-million-mark-first-time/#.WI3lmDg4sbk|title=Number of foreign visitors to Japan tops 20 million mark for first time|first=Tomoko|last=Otake|date=January 29, 2017|publisher=|via=Japan Times Online}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seejapan.co.uk/jnto_consumer/media/press-releases/press-release-detail/17-01-17/japan-total-visitor-numbers-over-24-million-in-2016|title=Japan Total Visitor Numbers Over 24 Million in 2016!|accessdate=January 29, 2017|publisher=Japan National Tourism Organization-UK Global Office|via=Japan Times Online}}</ref> Tourism from abroad is one of the few promising businesses in Japan. Foreign visitors to Japan doubled in last decade and reached 10 million people for the first time in 2013, led by increase of Asian visitors. In 2008, the Japanese government has set up Japan Tourism Agency and set the initial goal to increase foreign visitors to 20 million in 2020. In 2016, having met the 20 million target, the government has revised up its target to 40 million by 2020 and to 60 million by 2030.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japanmacroadvisors.com/page/category/economic-indicators/gdp-and-business-activity/number-of-visitors-to-japan/|title=Number of visitors to Japan|accessdate=January 29, 2017|publisher=|via=Japan Macro Advisors}}</ref><ref name="Number of Foreign Visitors Surpassed 20 million (Japan)">{{cite web |url=http://www.smam-jp.com/documents/www/english/market_info/2016/11/22/SMAM_Market_Keyword_No139.pdf|title=SMAM Market Keyword (No.139)|work=SMAM-jp.com |accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref> Japan has 20 [[World Heritage Site]]s, including [[Himeji Castle]], [[Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)|Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto]] and [[Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara|Nara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/jp|title=Japan Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List|date=January 29, 2017|publisher=|via=UNESCO}}</ref> Popular tourist attractions include [[Tourism in Tokyo|Tokyo]] and [[Hiroshima]], [[Mount Fuji]], ski resorts such as [[Niseko]] in [[Hokkaido]], [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]], riding the [[shinkansen]] and taking advantage of Japan's [[Ryokan (Japanese inn)|hotel]] and [[onsen|hotspring]] network. For inbound tourism, Japan was [[World Tourism rankings|ranked]] 16th in the world in 2015.<ref name="WTO Tourism Highlights 2015 Edition">{{cite press release |title= UNWTO Tourism Highlights 2015 Edition|publisher=UNWTO |date=June 25, 2015 |url=http://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284416899 |accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> In 2009, the ''[[Yomiuri Shimbun]]'' published a modern list of famous sights under the name ''[[Heisei Hyakkei]]'' (the Hundred Views of the Heisei period). The ''[[Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report]] 2017'' ranks Japan 4th out of 141 countries overall, which was the best in Asia. Japan gained relatively high scores in almost all aspects, especially health and hygiene, safety and security, cultural resources and business travel.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 |publisher=World Economic Forum |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TTCR_2017_web_0401.pdf |date=April 2017}}</ref> In 2016, 24,039,053 foreign tourists visited Japan.<ref>[http://www.jnto.go.jp/jpn/news/data_info_listing/pdf/160420_monthly.pdf 2015年推計値] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508231752/http://www.jnto.go.jp/jpn/news/data_info_listing/pdf/160420_monthly.pdf |date=May 8, 2016 }}, [[Japan National Tourism Organization]]</ref> Neighbouring South Korea is Japan's most important source of foreign tourists. In 2010, the 2.4 million arrivals made up 27% of the tourists visiting Japan.<ref name=Dickie>{{cite news|last=Dickie|first=Mure|title=Tourists flock to Japan despite China spat|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/6a76579a-2945-11e0-ab2f-00144feab49a.html#axzz1pHkH12kF|accessdate=March 16, 2012|newspaper=The Financial Times|date=January 26, 2011}}</ref> Chinese travelers are the highest spenders in Japan by country, spending an estimated 196.4 billion yen (US$2.4 billion) in 2011, or almost a quarter of total expenditure by foreign visitors, according to data from the Japan Tourism Agency.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tokyu Group in steadfast pursuit of Chinese tourists|url=http://www.ttgmice.com/article/tokyu-group-in-steadfast-pursuit-of-chinese-tourists/|publisher=TTGmice|accessdate=April 18, 2013}}</ref> The Japanese government hopes to receive 40 million foreign tourists every year by 2020.<ref name="10year">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.sg/japan-offer-10-year-multi-entry-visas-chinese-part-tourism-push-1462 |title=Japan to offer 10-year multi-entry visas for Chinese as part of tourism push |work=[[International Business Times]] |date=May 17, 2016 |accessdate=May 17, 2016 |author=Bhattacharjya, Samhati}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! Rank !! Country !! Number (people)<br />in 2016 !! Percentage change<br />2015 to 2016 !! Number (people)<br />in 2015 !! Percentage change<br />2014 to 2015 |- | 1 || {{flagcountry|China}}|| 6,373,000 || 27.6% ||4,993,689 || 107.3% |- | 2|| {{flagcountry|South Korea}} || 5,090,300 || 27.2% || 4,002,095 || 45.3% |- | 3 ||{{flagcountry|Taiwan}}|| 4,167,400 || 13.3% || 3,677,075 || 29.9% |- | 4 || {{flagcountry|Hong Kong}}|| 1,839,200 || 20.7% || 1,524,292 || 64.6% |- | 5 ||{{flagcountry|United States}} || 1,242,700 || 20.3% || 1,033,258 || 15.9% |- | 6 || {{flagcountry|Thailand}} || 901,400 || 13.1% || 796,731 || 21.2% |- | 7 ||{{flagcountry|Australia}} || 445,200 || 18.4% || 376,075 || 24.3% |- | 8 || {{flagcountry|Malaysia}} || 394,200 || 29.1% || 305,447 || 22.4% |- | 9 || {{flagcountry|Singapore}} || 361,800 || 17.2% || 308,783 || 35.5% |- | 10 || {{flagcountry|Philippines}} || 347,800 || 29.6% || 268,361|| 45.7% |- | 11 || {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} || 292,500 || 13.2% || 258,488 || 17.5% |- | 12 || {{flagcountry|Canada}} || 273,100 || 18.0% || 231,390 || 26.5% |- | || All countries || 24,039,053 || 21.8% || 19,737,409 || 47.1% |} ==Science and technology== {{Main article|Science and technology in Japan}} Japan is a leading nation in [[scientific research]], particularly in fields related to the natural sciences and engineering. The country ranks second among the most innovative countries in the [[Bloomberg Innovation Index]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2015-innovative-countries/ |work=Bloomberg |title=The Bloomberg Innovation Index}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nocamels.com/2015/02/bloomberg-innovation-index-israel/ |title=Bloomberg: Israel Is World's 5th Most Innovative Country, Ahead Of US, UK |publisher=No Camels |date=February 4, 2015 |accessdate=October 29, 2016 |author=David Shamah}}</ref> Nearly 700,000 researchers share a US$130 billion [[research and development]] budget.<ref>{{cite news|last=McDonald|first=Joe|title=China to spend $136 billion on R&D|newspaper=BusinessWeek|date=December 4, 2006}}</ref> The amount spent on [[research and development]] relative to its gross domestic product [[List of countries by research and development spending|third highest in the world]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.investinisrael.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/D8B76E12-BC96-436A-9CA5-B53D9B8060E1/0/IsraelWhereBreakthroughsHappen.pdf |title=Invest in Israel – Where Breakthroughs Happen |date=December 4, 2011 |work=Investment Promotion Center |publisher=Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry |page=17 |accessdate=October 14, 2012}}</ref> The country is a world leader in [[fundamental research|fundamental scientific research]], having produced twenty-two [[Nobel Prize|Nobel laureates]] in either physics, chemistry or medicine<ref>{{cite web |title=Japanese Nobel Laureates |publisher=[[Kyoto University]] |year=2009 |url=http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/profile/intro/honor/nobel.htm/ |accessdate=November 7, 2009}}</ref> and three [[Fields Medal|Fields medalists]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Japanese Fields Medalists |publisher=Kyoto University |year=2009 |url=http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/profile/intro/honor/fields.htm |accessdate=November 7, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310203313/http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/profile/intro/honor/fields.htm/ |archivedate=March 10, 2010}}</ref> Japanese scientists and engineers have contributed to the advancement of agricultural sciences, electronics, [[industrial robot]]ics, [[optics]], chemicals, [[semiconductor]]s, [[life science]]s and various fields of engineering. Japan leads the world in [[robotics]] production and use, possessing more than 20% (300,000 of 1.3 million) of the world's industrial robots {{as of|2013|lc=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifr.org/industrial-robots/statistics/ |title=Statistics – IFR International Federation of Robotics |publisher= |accessdate=October 5, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327031517/http://www.ifr.org/industrial-robots/statistics/ |archivedate=March 27, 2016 |df= }}</ref>—though its share was historically even higher, representing one-half of all industrial robots worldwide in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Boom in Robot Investment Continues|url=http://www.unece.org/press/pr2000/00stat10e.htm|publisher=UN Economic Commission for Europe|accessdate=December 28, 2006|date=October 17, 2000}}</ref> Japan boasts the third highest number of scientists, technicians, and engineers per capita in the world with 83 scientists, technicians and engineers per 10,000 employees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sun.inc.hse.ru/sites/default/files/Shteinbuk.pdf |title=R&D and Innovation as a Growth Engine |last=Shteinbuk |first=Eduard |date=July 22, 2011 |publisher=National Research University – Higher School of Economics |accessdate=May 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.investinisrael.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/61BD95A0-898B-4F48-A795-5886B1C4F08C/0/israelcompleteweb.pdf|title=InvestinIsrael|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nyjtimes.com/Heritage/News/2003/Aug/InvestinginIsrael.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=March 18, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509230619/http://www.nyjtimes.com/Heritage/News/2003/Aug/InvestinginIsrael.htm |archivedate=May 9, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ===Electronics and automotive engineering=== {{Main article|Electronics industry in Japan|Automotive industry in Japan}} [[File:Prius Plug-in Hybrid-11-09-04-iaa-by-RalfR-108.jpg|thumb|A plug-in [[hybrid vehicle|hybrid car]] manufactured by [[Toyota]], one of the world's largest carmakers—Japan is the second-largest maker of automobiles in the world<ref>{{cite web|title=World Motor Vehicle Production by Country|url=http://oica.net/wp-content/uploads/worldprod_country.PDF|publisher=[[Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles|OICA]]|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref>]] The Japanese electronics and automotive manufacturing industry is well known throughout the world, and the country's electronic and automotive products account for a large share in the global market, compared to a majority of other countries. Brands such as [[Fujifilm]], [[Sony]], [[Nintendo]], [[Panasonic]], [[Toyota]], [[Nissan]] and [[Honda]] are internationally famous. It is estimated that 16% of the world's gold and 22% of the world's silver is contained in Japanese electronics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/japan-wants-citizens-to-donate-their-phone-to-make-2020-olympic-medals-1326938|title=Japan wants citizens to donate their old phone to make 2020 Olympics medals|publisher=}}</ref> Japan has started a project to build the world's fastest supercomputer by the end of 2017. ===Aerospace=== [[File:Kibo PM and ELM-PS.jpg|thumb|The [[Japanese Experiment Module]] (Kibo) at the [[International Space Station]]]] The [[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency]] (JAXA) is Japan's [[space agency]]; it conducts space, planetary, and aviation research, and leads development of rockets and satellites. It is a participant in the [[International Space Station]]: the [[Japanese Experiment Module]] (Kibo) was added to the station during [[Space Shuttle]] assembly flights in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Homepage |publisher=Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency |date=August 3, 2006 |url=http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html |accessdate=March 28, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321160909/http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html |archivedate=March 21, 2007}}</ref> The [[space probe]] ''[[Akatsuki (spacecraft)|Akatsuki]]'' was launched May 20, 2010, and achieved orbit around Venus on December 9, 2015. Japan's plans in [[space exploration]] include: developing the ''[[Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter]]'' to be launched in 2016;<ref name=FACTS>{{cite web |url=http://sci.esa.int/bepicolombo/47346-fact-sheet/ |title=ESA Science & Technology: Fact Sheet |publisher=esa.int |accessdate=February 5, 2014}}</ref> and building a [[colonization of the Moon|moon base]] by 2030.<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan Plans Moon Base by 2030 |publisher=MoonDaily |date=August 3, 2006 |url=http://www.moondaily.com/reports/Japan_Plans_Moon_Base_By_2030_999.html |accessdate=March 27, 2007}}</ref> On September 14, 2007, it launched lunar explorer [[SELENE]] (Selenological and Engineering Explorer) on an [[H-IIA]] (Model H2A2022) carrier rocket from [[Tanegashima Space Center]]. SELENE is also known as Kaguya, after the lunar princess of ''[[The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter]]''.<ref name="jaxa_nickname">{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/special/nickname_e.html|title="KAGUYA" selected as SELENE's nickname|accessdate=October 13, 2007}}</ref> Kaguya is the largest lunar mission since the [[Apollo program]]. Its purpose is to gather data on the [[Moon#Formation|moon's origin and evolution]]. It entered a lunar orbit on October 4,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=15429 |title=Japan Successfully Launches Lunar Explorer "Kaguya" |publisher=Japan Corporate News Network |accessdate=August 25, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430010519/http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=15429 |archivedate=April 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6994272.stm |title=Japan launches first lunar probe |publisher=BBC News |date=September 14, 2007 |accessdate=August 25, 2010}}</ref> flying at an altitude of about {{convert|100|km|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/10/20081009_kaguya_e.html |title=JAXA, KAGUYA (SELENE) Image Taking of "Full Earth-Rise" by HDTV |publisher=Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency |accessdate=August 25, 2010}}</ref> The probe's mission was ended when it was deliberately crashed by JAXA into the Moon on June 11, 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8094863.stm |title=Japanese probe crashes into Moon |publisher=BBC News |date=June 11, 2009 |accessdate=April 12, 2011}}</ref> ===Nobel laureates=== {{Main article|List of Japanese Nobel laureates}} Japan has received the most science [[Nobel Prize]]s in Asia and ranked 8th in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/lists/countries.html|title=Nobel Laureates and Country of Birth|publisher=}}</ref> [[Hideki Yukawa]], educated at [[Kyoto University]], was awarded the [[Nobel Prize in Physics|prize in physics]] in 1949. [[Sin-Itiro Tomonaga]] followed in 1965. Solid-state physicist [[Leo Esaki]], educated at the [[University of Tokyo]], received the prize in 1973. [[Kenichi Fukui]] of Kyoto University shared the 1981 [[Nobel Prize in Chemistry|prize in chemistry]], and [[Susumu Tonegawa]], also educated at Kyoto University, became Japan's first laureate in [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine|physiology or medicine]] in 1987. Japanese chemists took prizes in 2000 and 2001: first [[Hideki Shirakawa]] ([[Tokyo Institute of Technology]]) and then [[Ryōji Noyori]] (Kyoto University). In 2002, [[Masatoshi Koshiba]] (University of Tokyo) and [[Koichi Tanaka]] ([[Tohoku University]]) won in physics and chemistry, respectively. [[Makoto Kobayashi (physicist)|Makoto Kobayashi]], [[Toshihide Masukawa]] and [[Yoichiro Nambu]], who was an American citizen when awarded, shared the physics prize and [[Osamu Shimomura]] also won the chemistry prize in 2008. [[Isamu Akasaki]], [[Hiroshi Amano]] and [[Shuji Nakamura]], who is an American citizen when awarded, shared the physics prize in 2014 and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to [[Yoshinori Ohsumi]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/lists/year/|title=Nobel Prizes 2016|publisher=}}</ref> ==Infrastructure== ===Transportation=== {{Main article|Transport in Japan}} [[File:Japan Airlines, Boeing 787-9 JA861J NRT (19455285040).jpg|thumb|left|[[Japan Airlines]], [[flag carrier]] of Japan]] [[File:Series L0.JPG|thumb|right|A JR Central [[L0 Series]] [[shinkansen]] (bullet train)]] Japan's road spending has been extensive.<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan's Road to Deep Deficit is Paved with Public Works|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9500E3DC1031F932A35750C0A961958260|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Andrew|last=Pollack|date=March 1, 1997}}</ref> Its {{convert|1.2|e6km|abbr=off}} of paved road are the main means of transportation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Transport |url=http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c09cont.htm |work=Statistical Handbook of Japan 2007 |publisher=Statistics Bureau |accessdate=March 2, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427071603/http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c09cont.htm |archivedate=April 27, 2011}}</ref> As of April 2012 Japan has approximately {{convert|1215000|km|abbr=off}} of roads made up of {{convert|1022000|km|abbr=off}} of city, town and village roads, {{convert|129000|km|abbr=off}} of prefectural roads, {{convert|55000|km|abbr=off}} of general national highways and {{convert|8050|km|abbr=off}} of national [[Expressways of Japan|expressways]].<ref>[http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/nenkan/1431-12.htm Chapter 12 Transport – Microsoft Excel Sheet], Statistical Handbook of Japan</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlit.go.jp/road/road_e/statistics.html|title=Road Bureau – MLIT Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism|publisher=}}</ref> A single network of high-speed, divided, limited-access [[toll road]]s connects major cities on [[Honshu]], [[Shikoku]] and [[Kyushu]]. [[Hokkaido]] has a separate network, and [[Okinawa Island]] has a highway of this type. A single network of high-speed, divided, limited-access [[toll road]]s connects major cities and is operated by toll-collecting enterprises. New and used cars are inexpensive; car ownership fees and fuel levies are used to promote energy efficiency. However, at just 50 percent of all distance traveled, car usage is the lowest of all G8 countries.<ref name="transtatsjp">{{cite web|url=http://www.iraptranstats.net/jp|title=Transport in Japan|accessdate=February 17, 2009|work=International Transport Statistics Database|publisher=[[International Road Assessment Program]]}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Since privatisation in 1987, [[List of railway companies in Japan|dozens of Japanese railway companies]] compete in regional and local passenger transportation markets; major companies include seven [[Japan Railways Group|JR]] enterprises, [[Kintetsu Railway|Kintetsu]], [[Seibu Railway]] and [[Keio Corporation]]. Some 250 high-speed [[Shinkansen]] trains connect major cities and Japanese trains are known for their safety and punctuality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.jr-central.co.jp/about/safety.html|title=About the Shinkansen&nbsp;– Safety|accessdate=October 17, 2011|publisher=Central Japan Railway Company}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitachi-rail.com/rail_now/column/just_in_time/index.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513230217/http://www.hitachi-rail.com/rail_now/column/just_in_time/index.html|archivedate=May 13, 2008|title=Corporate Culture as Strong Diving Force for Punctuality- Another "Just in Time"|accessdate=April 19, 2009|publisher=Hitachi}}</ref> Proposals for a new [[JR–Maglev|Maglev]] route between Tokyo and Osaka are at an advanced stage.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/japan-to-approve-plans-for-new-supertrain-2275308.html |title=Japan to approve plans for a new super-train |work=The Independent |date=April 27, 2011 |accessdate=May 11, 2011 |location=London}}</ref> There are 175 airports in Japan;<ref name="cia"/> the largest domestic airport, [[Haneda Airport]], is [[World's busiest airports by passenger traffic|Asia's second-busiest airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airports.org/cda/aci_common/display/main/aci_content07_c.jsp?zn=aci&cp=1-5-212-218-222_666_2__ |title=Year to Date Passenger Traffic |publisher=Airports Council International |date=November 11, 2010 |accessdate=March 2, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111152406/http://www.airports.org/cda/aci_common/display/main/aci_content07_c.jsp?zn=aci&cp=1-5-212-218-222_666_2__ |archivedate=January 11, 2011}}</ref> The largest international gateways are [[Narita International Airport]], [[Kansai International Airport]] and [[Chūbu Centrair International Airport]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Nakagawa|first=Dai|title=Transport Policy and Funding|year=2006|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=0-08-044852-6|page=63|author2=Matsunaka, Ryoji}}</ref> [[Nagoya Port]] is the country's largest and busiest port, accounting for 10 percent of Japan's trade value.<ref>{{cite web|title=Port Profile|url=http://www.port-of-nagoya.jp/english/about_port.htm|publisher=Port of Nagoya|accessdate=January 7, 2011}}</ref> ===Energy=== {{Main article|Energy in Japan}} [[File:Kashiwazaki Kariwa-April 2011.jpg|thumb|The [[Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant]], a nuclear plant with seven units, the largest single nuclear power station in the world]] {{As of|2011}}, 46.1% of energy in Japan was produced from petroleum, 21.3% from coal, 21.4% from natural gas, 4.0% from [[Nuclear power in Japan|nuclear power]] and 3.3% from [[hydropower]]. Nuclear power produced 9.2 percent of Japan's electricity, {{As of|2011|lc=y}}, down from 24.9 percent the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Energy|url=http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c0117.htm#c07|work=Statistical Handbook of Japan 2013|publisher=Statistics Bureau|accessdate=February 14, 2014}}</ref> However, by May 2012 all of the country's nuclear power plants had been taken offline because of ongoing public opposition following the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]] in March 2011, though government officials continued to try to sway public opinion in favor of returning at least some of Japan's 50 nuclear reactors to service.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tsukimori|first=Osamu|title=Japan nuclear power-free as last reactor shuts|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/05/us-nuclear-japan-idUSBRE84405820120505|accessdate=May 8, 2012|agency=[[Reuters]]|date=May 5, 2012}}</ref> {{As of|November 2014}}, two reactors at Sendai are likely to restart in early 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-29947564|title=Japan governor approves Sendai reactor restart|publisher=BBC News|date=November 7, 2014}}</ref> Japan lacks significant domestic reserves and so has a heavy dependence on [[List of countries by oil imports|imported energy]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Can nuclear power save Japan from peak oil?|url=http://ourworld.unu.edu/en/can-nuclear-power-save-japan-from-peak-oil/|publisher=Our World 2.0|accessdate=March 15, 2011|date=February 2, 2011}}</ref> Japan has therefore aimed to diversify its sources and maintain high levels of energy efficiency.<ref>{{cite web|title=Japan|url=https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4142.htm|publisher=U.S. Department of State|accessdate=March 15, 2011}}</ref> ===Water supply and sanitation=== {{Main article|Water supply and sanitation in Japan}} [[File:Tokuyama_Dam.jpg|thumb|[[Tokuyama Dam]] in [[Gifu Prefecture]] is the largest dam in Japan]] The government took responsibility for regulating the water and sanitation sector is shared between the [[Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan)|Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare]] in charge of water supply for domestic use; the [[Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan)|Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism]] in charge of water resources development as well as sanitation; the [[Ministry of the Environment (Japan)|Ministry of the Environment]] in charge of ambient water quality and environmental preservation; and the [[Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications]] in charge of performance benchmarking of utilities.<ref>[http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health/water_supply/dl/3-1a.pdf Waterworks Vision Summary], June 2004, retrieved on January 6, 2011</ref> Access to an [[improved water source]] is universal in Japan. 97% of the population receives piped water supply from public utilities and 3% receive water from their own wells or unregulated small systems, mainly in rural areas.<ref>Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare:[http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health/water_supply/1.html Coverage], retrieved on January 6, 2011</ref> Access to [[improved sanitation]] is also universal, either through sewers or on-site sanitation. All collected waste water is treated at secondary-level treatment plants. All effluents discharged to closed or semi-closed water bodies, such as [[Tokyo Bay]], [[Osaka Bay]], or [[Lake Biwa]], are further treated to tertiary level. This applies to about 15% of waste water. The effluent quality is remarkably good at 3–10&nbsp;mg/l of [[Biological Oxygen Demand|BOD]] for secondary-level treatment, well below the national effluent standard of 20&nbsp;mg/l.<!--need to find missing ref <ref name="Ueda"/>--> Water supply and sanitation in Japan is facing some challenges, such as a decreasing population, declining investment, fiscal constraints, ageing facilities, an ageing workforce, a fragmentation of service provision among thousands of municipal utilities, and the vulnerability of parts of the country to droughts that are expected to become more frequent due to [[climate change]]. ==Demographics== {{Main article|Demographics of Japan|Japanese people|Ethnic groups of Japan|List of metropolitan areas in Japan}} ===Population=== [[File:Tokyo from the top of the SkyTree.JPG|thumb|left|View of [[Tokyo]]]] [[File:Bjs48 02 Ainu.jpg|thumb|[[Ainu people|Ainu]], an ethnic minority people from Japan]] Japan's population is estimated at around {{#expr:{{replace|{{UN_Population|Japan}}|,||}}/1e6 round 0}} million,{{UN_Population|ref}} with 80% of the population living on [[Honshū]]. Japanese society is [[linguistics|linguistically]], ethnically and culturally homogeneous,<ref name=MulticulturalJapan>{{cite news|title='Multicultural Japan' remains a pipe dream|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20070327zg.html|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=Japan Times|date=March 27, 2007|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414035203/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20070327zg.html|archivedate=April 14, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Gentensei Shinko Shinbun 2010">Atsushi Kotani ''The Fascination of the Japanese Cultural Theory'' (日本文化論のインチキ) {{ISBN|978-4-344-98166-9}} (Gentensei Shinko Shinbun, 2010)</ref> composed of 98.5% ethnic Japanese,<ref name="cia">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html |title=CIA Factbook: Japan |publisher=Cia.gov |accessdate=November 9, 2011}}</ref> with small populations of foreign workers.<ref name=MulticulturalJapan/> [[Koreans in Japan|Zainichi Koreans]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan-born Koreans live in limbo|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/01/news/01iht-nurse.html|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 2, 2005}}</ref> [[Chinese people in Japan|Chinese]], [[Filipinos in Japan|Filipinos]], [[Brazilian people|Brazilians]] mostly [[Japanese Brazilian|of Japanese descent]],<ref name="nikkeijin">{{cite news|title=An Enclave of Brazilians Is Testing Insular Japan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/world/asia/02japan.html|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 1, 2008|first=Norimitsu|last=Onishi}}</ref> [[Peruvian people|Peruvians]] mostly [[Japanese Peruvian|of Japanese descent]] and [[Americans in Japan|Americans]] are among the small minority groups in Japan.<ref>{{cite news|title='Home' is where the heartbreak is for Japanese-Peruvians|url=http://www.atimes.com/japan-econ/AJ16Dh01.html|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=Asia Times|date=October 16, 1999}}</ref> In 2003, there were about 134,700 non-Latin American Western (not including more than 33,000 [[United States Forces Japan|American military personnel]] and their dependents stationed throughout the country)<ref>{{cite news|title=Global Partners Report: 80,000 Americans Reside in Japan|url=http://www.asiamattersforamerica.org/japan/80000-americans-reside-in-japan|accessdate=June 15, 2015}}</ref> and 345,500 [[Latin Americans|Latin American]] expatriates, 274,700 of whom were [[Brazilians in Japan|Brazilians]] (said to be primarily Japanese descendants, or ''[[nikkeijin]]'', along with their spouses),<ref name="nikkeijin"/> the largest community of Westerners.<ref>{{cite web|title=Registered Foreigners in Japan by Nationality|url=http://www.stat.go.jp/data/nenkan/pdf/y0213014.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050824195238/http://www.stat.go.jp/data/nenkan/pdf/y0213014.pdf|archivedate=August 24, 2005|publisher=Statistics Bureau|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref> The most dominant native ethnic group is the [[Yamato people]]; primary minority groups include the indigenous [[Ainu people|Ainu]]<ref>{{cite news |first= Philippa |last= Fogarty|title= Recognition at last for Japan's Ainu|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7437244.stm|publisher=BBC|date= June 6, 2008|accessdate=June 7, 2008}}</ref> and [[Ryukyuan people]]s, as well as social minority groups like the ''[[burakumin]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Invisible Race|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,910511,00.html|accessdate=January 16, 2011|newspaper=Time|date=January 8, 1973}}</ref> There are persons of mixed ancestry incorporated among the Yamato, such as those from [[Bonin Islands|Ogasawara Archipelago]].<ref name="mccormack1999">McCormack, Gavan. [http://www.jpri.org/publications/occasionalpapers/op15.html "Dilemmas of Development on The Ogasawara Islands,"] ''JPRI Occasional Paper'', No. 15 (August 1999).</ref> In 2014, foreign-born non-naturalized workers made up only 1.5% of the total population.<ref>"[http://www.stat.go.jp/data/nenkan/zuhyou/y650214000.xls Japan Statistical Yearbook 2016] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519215124/http://www.stat.go.jp/data/nenkan/zuhyou/y650214000.xls |date=May 19, 2016 }}".</ref> Japan is widely regarded as ethnically homogeneous, and does not compile ethnicity or race statistics for Japanese nationals; sources varies regarding such claim, with at least one analysis describing Japan as a [[multiethnic society]]<ref>[[John Lie]] ''Multiethnic Japan'' (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2001)</ref> while another analysis put the number of Japanese nationals of recent [[Hāfu|foreign descent]] to be of less than 0.5% of the population.<ref name="Gentensei Shinko Shinbun 2010"/> Most Japanese continue to see Japan as a [[Monoculturalism|monocultural society]]. Former Japanese Prime Minister and current Finance Minister [[Tarō Asō]] described Japan as being a nation of "one race, one civilization, one language and one culture", which drew criticism from representatives of ethnic minorities such as the [[Ainu people|Ainu]].<ref>"[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2005/10/18/national/aso-says-japan-is-nation-of-one-race/ Aso says Japan is nation of 'one race']". The Japan Times. October 18, 2005.</ref> Japan has the second longest overall [[life expectancy]] at birth of any country in the world: 83.5 years for persons born in the period 2010–2015.<ref name="Table A.17"/><ref name="haaretz.com">{{cite news|title=WHO: Life expectancy in Israel among highest in the world|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/who-life-expectancy-in-israel-among-highest-in-the-world-1.276618|accessdate=January 15, 2011|newspaper=Haaretz|date=May 2009}}</ref> The [[Aging of Japan|Japanese population is rapidly aging]] as a result of a [[post–World War II baby boom]] followed by a decrease in birth rates. In 2012, about 24.1 percent of the population was over 65, and the proportion is projected to rise to almost 40 percent by 2050.<ref name="handbook">{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c0117.htm#c02 |title=Statistical Handbook of Japan 2013: Chapter 2—Population |publisher=Statistics Bureau |accessdate=February 14, 2014}}</ref> {{Largest cities of Japan}} ===Religion=== {{Main article|Religion in Japan}} {{Pie chart |thumb = right |caption = Religion in Japan (data from 2000)<ref name="Dentsu2006">Dentsu Communication Institute, Japan Research Center: ''[http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/honkawa/9460.html Sixty Countries' Values Databook]'' (世界60カ国価値観データブック) (2000).</ref> |label1 = Folk [[Shinto]], or "not religious"{{refn|group=note|''Routledge Handbook of Japanese Culture and Society'' (2011) edited by Victoria Bestor, Theodore C. Bestor, and Akiko Yamagata, pp. 66–67 {{ISBN|978-0-415-43649-6}}: 無宗教 ''mushūkyō'', "no religion", in Japanese language and mindset identifies those people who do not belong to organised religion. To the Japanese, the term "religion" or "faith" means [[organized religion]]s on the model of Christianity, that is a religion with specific doctrines and requirement for church membership. So, when asked "what is their religion", most of the Japanese answer that they "do not belong to any religion". According to [[NHK]] studies, those Japanese who identify with ''mushūkyō'' and therefore do not belong to any organised religion, actually take part in the folk ritual dimension of ''Shinto''. Ama Toshimaru in ''Nihonjin wa naze mushukyo na no ka'' ("Why are the Japanese non-religious?") of 1996, explains that people who do not belong to organised religions but regularly pray and make offerings to ancestors and protective deities at private altars or Shinto shrines will identify themselves as ''mushukyo''. Ama designates "natural religion" what NHK studies define as "folk religion", and other scholars have named "Nipponism" (''Nipponkyō'') or "common religion".}} |value1 = 51.82 |color1 = FireBrick |label2 = [[Buddhism in Japan|Buddhism]] |value2 = 34.9 |color2 = Yellow |label3 = [[Shinto sects and schools#Shintō inspired religions|Shinto organisations and others]] |value3 = 4 |color3 = GreenYellow |label4 = [[Christianity in Japan|Christianity]] |value4 = 2.3 |color4 = DodgerBlue |label5 = No answer |value5 = 6.98 |color5 = Black }} [[File:Itsukushima Gate.jpg|thumb|left|The [[torii]] of [[Itsukushima Shrine|Itsukushima Shinto Shrine]] near [[Hiroshima]], one of the [[Three Views of Japan]] and a UNESCO World Heritage Site]] [[File:Phoenix Hall, Byodo-in, November 2016 -01.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Byōdō-in]] Buddhist temple, located in [[Uji, Kyoto]]]] Japan has full religious freedom based on Article 20 of its [[Constitution of Japan|Constitution]]. Upper estimates suggest that 84–96 percent of the Japanese population subscribe to [[Shinto]] as its indigenous religion (50% to 80% of which considering degrees of syncretism with [[Buddhism in Japan|Buddhism]], [[shinbutsu-shūgō]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A View of Religion in Japan |url=https://www.japansociety.org/a_view_of_religion_in_japan |accessdate=January 29, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123023617/http://www.japansociety.org/a_view_of_religion_in_japan |archivedate=January 23, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=ReischauerJansen215>{{cite book|publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-47184-9|first1=Edwin O.|last1= Reischauer|author1-link=Edwin O. Reischauer|first2=Marius B.|last2=Jansen|author2-link=Marius Jansen|title=The Japanese today: change and continuity|year=1988|edition=2nd|page=215}}</ref> However, these estimates are based on people [[Danka system|affiliated]] with a temple, rather than the number of true believers. The number of [[Shinto shrine]]s in Japan is estimated to be around 100,000.<!--need to find missing ref <ref name="Breen Teeuwen">Breen, Teeuwen in ''Breen, Teeuwen'' (2000:1)</ref>--> Other studies have suggested that only 30 percent of the population identify themselves as belonging to a religion.<ref name=Kisala>{{cite book|last = Kisala |first = Robert |editor= Wargo, Robert|title = The Logic Of Nothingness: A Study of Nishida Kitarō |publisher = University of Hawaii Press|year = 2005|pages = 3–4 |isbn = 0-8248-2284-6}}</ref> According to [[Edwin O. Reischauer|Edwin Reischauer]] and [[Marius Jansen]], some 70–80% of the Japanese do not consider themselves believers in any religion. Nevertheless, the level of participation remains high, especially during [[Japanese festivals|festivals]] and occasions such as the [[Hatsumōde|first shrine visit]] of the [[Japanese New Year|New Year]]. [[Taoism]] and [[Confucianism]] from China have also influenced Japanese beliefs and customs.<ref>{{cite book|last=Totman|first=Conrad|title=A History of Japan ''(2nd ed.)''|year=2005|publisher=Blackwell|isbn=1-4051-2359-1|page=72}}</ref> Japanese streets are decorated on [[Tanabata]], [[Obon]] and [[Christmas]].<ref name=ReischauerJansen215/> Shinto is the largest religion in Japan, practiced by nearly 80% of the population, yet only a small percentage of these identify themselves as "Shintoists" in surveys.<!--need to find missing ref <ref name="Breen Teeuwen"/>--> This is due to the fact that "Shinto" has different meanings in Japan: most of the Japanese attend Shinto shrines and beseech [[kami]] without belonging to Shinto organisations,<!--need to find missing ref <ref name="Engler, Price. 2005. p. 95"/>--> and since there are no formal rituals to become a member of folk "Shinto", "Shinto membership" is often estimated counting those who join organised Shinto sects.<!--need to find missing ref <ref name="Williams, 2004. pp. 4-5"/>--> Shinto has 100,000 [[Shinto shrine|shrines]]<!--need to find missing ref <ref name="Breen Teeuwen"/>--> and 78,890 [[kannushi|priests]] in the country.<ref name=BY65>''Routledge Handbook of Japanese Culture and Society'' (2011) edited by Victoria Bestor, Theodore C. Bestor, and Akiko Yamagata, p. 65 {{ISBN|978-0-415-43649-6}}</ref> [[Buddhism]] first arrived in Japan in the 6th century; it was introduced in the year 538 or 552<ref name="Brown, 1993. p. 455">Brown, 1993. p. 455</ref> from the kingdom of [[Baekje]] in [[Korea]].<ref name="Brown, 1993. p. 455"/> [[Christianity]] was first introduced into Japan by [[Jesuit]] missions starting in 1549.<ref name="Higashibaba, 2002. p. 1">Higashibaba, 2002. p. 1</ref> Today, fewer than 1%<ref name="Mariko Kato">{{cite web|title=Christianity's long history in the margins|url= http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2009/02/24/reference/christianitys-long-history-in-the-margins/|work=[[The Japan Times]]|date=February 24, 2009|author=Mariko Kato|quote=The Christian community itself counts only those who have been baptized and are currently regular churchgoers — some 1 million people, or less than 1 percent of the population, according to Nobuhisa Yamakita, moderator of the United Church of Christ in Japan}}</ref><ref name="Mission Network News">{{cite web|publisher=[[Mission Network News]]|title=Christians use English to reach Japanese youth|date=September 3, 2007|url=http://mnnonline.org/article/10318|quote=The population of Japan is less than one-percent Christian}}</ref><ref name="Heide Fehrenbach, Uta G. Poiger 2000 62">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RB2goIgxF68C&pg=PA62|title=Transactions, transgressions, transformations: American culture in Western Europe and Japan|page=62|publisher=Berghahn Books|year=2000|isbn=1-57181-108-7|quote=... followers of the Christian faith constitute only about a half percent of the Japanese population|author=Heide Fehrenbach, Uta G. Poiger}}</ref> to 2.3% are [[Christianity in Japan|Christians]].{{refn|group=note| According to the Dentsu survey of 2006: 1% [[Protestantism|Protestants]], 0.8% members of the [[Catholic Church]], and 0.5% members of the [[Orthodox Church]].<ref name="Dentsu2006"/>}} Most of them living in the western part of the country, where the missionaries' activities were greatest during the 16th century. [[Nagasaki Prefecture]] has the highest percentage of Christians: about 5.1% in 1996.<ref>[http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/honkawa/7770.html Religion in Japan by prefecture]. 1996 statistics.</ref> {{As of|2007}}, there are 32,036 Christian priests and pastors in Japan.<ref name="BY65"/> Throughout the latest century, some Western customs originally related to Christianity (including [[marriage in Japan|Western style weddings]], [[Valentine's Day]] and [[Christmas]]) have become popular as secular customs among many Japanese.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kato|first=Mariko|title=Christianity's long history in the margins|newspaper=Japan Times|date=February 24, 2009}}</ref> [[Islam in Japan]] is estimated to constitute, about 80–90%, of foreign born migrants and their children, primarily from [[Indonesia]], [[Pakistan]], [[Bangladesh]], and [[Iran]].<ref>[http://www.nbr.org/publications/asia_policy/Preview/AP5_IslamJapan_preview.pdf Emile A. Nakhleh, Keiko Sakurai and Michael Penn; "Islam in Japan: A Cause for Concern?", ''Asia Policy'' 5, January 2008]</ref> Much of the ethnic Japanese Muslims are those who convert upon marrying immigrant Muslims.<ref>[http://www.japanfocus.org/-kawakami-yasunori/2436#sthash.4FOVJMP9.dpuf Yasunori Kawakami, "Local Mosques and the Lives of Muslims in Japan", Japan Focus, May 2007]</ref> The Pew Research Center estimated that there were 185,000 Muslims in Japan in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2011/01/27/table-muslim-population-by-country/|title=Table: Muslim Population by Country|publisher=Pew Research Center|date=January 27, 2011|accessdate=March 19, 2017}}</ref> Other minority religions include [[Hinduism in Japan|Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Judaism]], and since the mid-19th century numerous [[Japanese new religions|new religious movements]] have emerged in Japan.<ref name="Clarke">{{cite book|title=The World's religions : understanding the living faiths|year=1993|publisher=Reader's Digest|isbn=978-0-89577-501-6|editor=Clarke, Peter|page=208}}</ref> ===Languages=== {{Main article|Languages of Japan|Japanese language}} More than 99 percent of the population speaks Japanese as their first language.<ref name="cia"/> Japanese is an [[agglutinative language]] distinguished by a system of [[Honorific speech in Japanese|honorifics]] reflecting the hierarchical nature of Japanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary indicating the relative status of speaker and listener. [[Japanese writing system|Japanese writing]] uses [[kanji]] ([[Chinese character]]s) and two sets of [[kana]] ([[syllabary|syllabaries]] based on [[Cursive script (East Asia)|cursive script]] and [[Radical (Chinese characters)|radical]] of kanji), as well as the [[Latin alphabet]] and [[Arabic numerals]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Miyagawa|first=Shigeru|title=The Japanese Language|url=http://web.mit.edu/jpnet/articles/JapaneseLanguage.html|publisher=Massachusetts Institute of Technology|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref> Besides Japanese, the [[Ryukyuan languages]] ([[Amami language|Amami]], [[Kunigami language|Kunigami]], [[Okinawan language|Okinawan]], [[Miyako language|Miyako]], [[Yaeyama language|Yaeyama]], [[Yonaguni language|Yonaguni]]), also part of the [[Japonic languages|Japonic language family]], are spoken in the [[Ryukyu Islands]] chain. Few children learn these languages,<ref>{{cite journal|last=Heinrich|first=Patrick|title=Language Planning and Language Ideology in the Ryūkyū Islands|journal=Language Policy|date=January 2004|volume=3|issue=2|pages=153–179|doi=10.1023/B:LPOL.0000036192.53709.fc}}</ref> but in recent years the local governments have sought to increase awareness of the traditional languages. The [[Okinawan Japanese]] dialect is also spoken in the region. The [[Ainu language]], which has no proven relationship to Japanese or any other language, is [[moribund language|moribund]], with only a few elderly native speakers remaining in Hokkaido.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/works/culture/japan_story.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106062419/http://www.un.org/works/culture/japan_story.html |archivedate=January 6, 2008 |title=15 families keep ancient language alive in Japan |publisher=UN |accessdate=March 27, 2007}}</ref> Public and private schools generally require students to take Japanese language classes as well as [[English language education in Japan|English]] language courses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiana.edu/~japan/digest5.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427225148/http://www.indiana.edu/~japan/digest5.html |archivedate=April 27, 2006 |title=Japan Digest: Japanese Education |date=September 1, 2005 |first= Lucien|last=Ellington|publisher=Indiana University |accessdate=April 27, 2006}}</ref><ref name=ItaGiappone>Ambasciata d'Italia a Tokio: [http://www.ambtokyo.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Tokyo/Menu/I_rapporti_bilaterali/Cooperazione_culturale/linguaitaliana_Giappone/ Lo studio della lingua e della cultura italiana in Giappone.]</ref> ===Problems=== The changes in demographic structure have created a number of social issues, particularly a potential decline in workforce population and increase in the cost of social security benefits like the public pension plan.<ref>[[Gonzalo Garland]] et al. "Dynamics of Demographic Development and its impact on Personal Saving : case of Japan", with Albert Ando, Andrea Moro, Juan Pablo Cordoba, in ''Ricerche Economiche'', Vol 49, August 1995</ref> A growing number of younger Japanese are not marrying or remain childless.<ref name="Ogawa"/> In 2011, Japan's population dropped for a fifth year, falling by 204,000 people to 126.24 million people. This was the greatest decline since at least 1947, when comparable figures were first compiled.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-02/japanese-population-drops-most-since-world-war-ii-after-quake.html |title=Japan Population Drops Most Since World War II |date=January 2, 2012}}</ref> This decline was made worse by the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|March 2011 earthquake and tsunami]], which killed nearly 16,000 people.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ryall|first=Julian|title=Japan's population contracts at fastest rate since at least 1947|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8989372/Japans-population-contracts-at-fastest-rate-since-at-least-1947.html|accessdate=October 29, 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=January 3, 2012}}</ref> Japan's population is expected to drop to 95 million by 2050;<ref name="handbook"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_GraphicalDisplay.aspx?ListNames='Population,%20History%20and%20Forecast'&HistFor=True&GrpOp=0&Dim1=81&File=0|title=frm_Message|publisher=|accessdate=October 5, 2016}}</ref> demographers and government planners are currently in a heated debate over how to cope with this problem.<ref name="Ogawa">{{cite web|last=Ogawa|first=Naohiro|title=Demographic Trends and their implications for Japan's future|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/japan/socsec/ogawa.html|work=Transcript of speech delivered on 7 March 1997|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs|accessdate=May 14, 2006}}</ref> [[Immigration to Japan|Immigration]] and birth incentives are sometimes suggested as a solution to provide younger workers to support the nation's aging population.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jipi.gr.jp/english/message.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929222250/http://jipi.gr.jp/english/message.html |archivedate=September 29, 2007 |title=Japan Immigration Policy Institute: Director's message|first= Hidenori|last=Sakanaka|publisher=Japan Immigration Policy Institute |date=October 5, 2005 |accessdate=January 5, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=French|first=Howard|title=Insular Japan Needs, but Resists, Immigration|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/24/international/asia/24JAPA.html?ei=5007&en=53c7315175389e69&ex=1374379200&partner=USERLAND&pagewanted=all&position=|accessdate=February 21, 2007|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 24, 2003}}</ref> Japan accepts an average flow of 9,500 new Japanese citizens by naturalization (帰化) per year.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:帰化許可申請者数等の推移|url=http://www.moj.go.jp/TOUKEI/t_minj03.html|publisher=Ministry of Justice|accessdate=March 17, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref> According to the [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees|UNHCR]], in 2012 Japan accepted just 18 refugees for resettlement,<ref>{{cite news|title=2012 saw record-high 2,545 people apply for refugee status in Japan |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/03/20/national/2012-saw-record-high-2545-people-apply-for-refugee-status-in-japan/#.UXWOPEpnhIE |newspaper=Japan Times|date=March 20, 2013}}</ref> while the United States took in 76,000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Presidential Memorandum—Fiscal Year 2012 Refugee Admissions Numbers and Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/30/presidential-memorandum-fiscal-year-2012-refugee-admissions-numbers-and- |publisher=The White House|date=September 30, 2011}}</ref> Japan [[Suicide in Japan|suffers from a high suicide rate]].<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F00E1DB173FF936A25754C0A96F958260&sec=health&spon=&scp=29&sq=suicide%20japan&st=cse|title=In Japan, Mired in Recession, Suicides Soar|last=Strom|first=Stephanie|date=July 15, 1999|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=September 20, 2008}}</ref><ref name=Times>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4170649.ece|title=Japan gripped by suicide epidemic|last=Lewis|first=Leo|date=June 19, 2008|newspaper=[[The Times (London)|The Times]]|accessdate=September 20, 2008}}</ref> In 2009, the number of suicides exceeded 30,000 for the twelfth straight year.<ref>{{cite news |title = Bare statistics mask human cost of Japan's high suicide rate |newspaper = Japan Today |date = March 31, 2010 |url = https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/bare-statistics-mask-human-cost-of-japan%25e2%2580%2599s-high-suicide-rate |accessdate = February 3, 2014}}</ref> Suicide is the leading cause of death for people under 30.<ref name="ozawa-desilva">{{Cite journal|last = Ozawa-de Silva|first = Chikako |title = Too Lonely to Die Alone: Internet Suicide Pacts and Existential Suffering in Japan|journal = Cult Med Psychiatry |volume = 32 |issue = 4 |pages = 516–551 |date=December 2008 |doi = 10.1007/s11013-008-9108-0|pmid = 18800195}}</ref> ==Education== {{Main article|Education in Japan}} [[File:Tokyo University Entrance Exam Results 6.JPG|thumb|Students celebrating after the announcement of the results of the [[Higher education in Japan#University entrance|entrance examinations]] to the [[University of Tokyo]]]] Primary schools, secondary schools and universities were [[Education in the Empire of Japan|introduced]] in 1872 as a result of the Meiji Restoration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fpri.org/footnotes/087.200312.ellington.japaneseeducation.html |title=Beyond the Rhetoric: Essential Questions About Japanese Education |first=Lucien |last=Ellington |publisher=Foreign Policy Research Institute |date=December 1, 2003 |accessdate=April 1, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070405075716/http://www.fpri.org/footnotes/087.200312.ellington.japaneseeducation.html |archivedate=April 5, 2007}}</ref> Since 1947, compulsory education in Japan comprises [[Elementary schools in Japan|elementary]] and [[Secondary education in Japan#Middle school|middle school]], which together last for nine years (from age 6 to age 15). Almost all children continue their education at a three-year senior [[Secondary education in Japan|high school]]. Japan's education system played a central part in the country's recovery and [[Japanese post-war economic miracle|rapid economic growth]] in the decades following the end of [[World War II]]. After World War II, the [[Fundamental Law of Education]] and the School Education Law were enacted. The latter law defined the school system that would be in effect for many decades: six years of [[Primary education|elementary school]], three years of [[Middle school|junior high school]], three years of high school, and two or four years of university. Starting in April 2016, various schools began the academic year with elementary school and junior high school integrated into one nine-year compulsory schooling program, in hopes to mitigate [[school bullying|bullying]] and [[truancy]]; [[Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology|MEXT]] plans for this approach to be adopted nationwide in the coming years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/06/10/national/compulsory-nine-year-school-system-kicks-off-japan/ |title=Compulsory nine-year school system kicks off in Japan |last=Jiji Press Staff |date=June 10, 2016 |publisher=''The Japan Times'' |accessdate=August 31, 2016}}</ref> In Japan, having a strong educational background greatly improves the likelihood of finding a job and earning enough money to support oneself. Highly educated individuals are less affected by unemployment trends as higher levels of educational attainment make an individual more attractive in the workforce. The lifetime earnings also increase with each level of education attained. Furthermore, skills needed in the modern 21st century labor market are becoming more knowledge-based and strong aptitude in science and mathematics are more strong predictors of employment prospects in Japan's highly technological economy.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.oecd.org/edu/Japan-EAG2014-Country-Note.pdf |title=Japan |publisher=OECD |accessdate=October 28, 2016}}</ref> Japan is one of the top-performing [[OECD]] countries in reading literacy, maths and sciences with the average student scoring 540 and has one of the worlds highest-educated labor forces among OECD countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/topics/education/ |title=Education OECD Better Life |publisher=OECD |accessdate=May 29, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531152015/http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/topics/education/ |archivedate=May 31, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The Japanese populace is well educated and its society highly values education as a platform for social mobility and for gaining employment in the country's competitive high-tech economy. The country's large pool of highly educated and skilled individuals is largely responsible for ushering Japan's post-war [[Japanese post-war economic miracle|economic growth]]. Tertiary-educated adults in Japan, particularly graduates in sciences and engineering benefit economically and socially from their education and skills in the country's high tech economy.<ref name="auto"/> Spending on education as a proportion of GDP is below the OECD average. Although expenditure per student is comparatively high in Japan, total expenditure relative to GDP remains small.<ref name="auto"/> In 2015, Japan's public spending on education amounted to just 3.5 percent of its GDP, below the [[OECD]] average of 4.7%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/11/25/national/public-education-spending-japan-lowest-oecd-sixth-straight-year/#.WBQMCxM5p88 |title=Public education spending in Japan lowest in OECD for sixth straight year |publisher=The Japan Times |accessdate=October 28, 2016 |author=Tomoko Otake}}</ref> In 2014, the country ranked fourth for the percentage of 25- to 64-year-olds that have attained tertiary education with 48 percent. In addition, bachelor's degrees are held by 59 percent of Japanese aged 25–34, the second most in the OECD after South Korea.<ref name="OECD"/> As the Japanese economy is largely scientific and technological based, the labor market demands people who have achieved some form of higher education, particularly related to science and engineering in order to gain a competitive edge when searching for employment opportunities. About 75.9 percent of high school graduates attended a university, junior college, trade school, or other [[Higher education in Japan|higher education]] institution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mext.go.jp/english/statist/05101901/005.pdf |title=School Education |publisher=[[Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan)|MEXT]] |accessdate=March 2, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102112620/http://www.mext.go.jp/english/statist/05101901/005.pdf |archivedate=January 2, 2008}}</ref> The two top-ranking universities in Japan are the [[University of Tokyo]] and [[Kyoto University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globaluniversitiesranking.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=94&Itemid=131|title=TOP&nbsp;– 100 |publisher=Global Universities Ranking|year=2009|accessdate=March 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2010 |title=QS World University Rankings 2010 |publisher=QS TopUniversities |year=2010 |accessdate=January 15, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403044940/http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2010 |archivedate=April 3, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Created 16 Nobel Prize laureates. The [[Programme for International Student Assessment]] coordinated by the OECD currently ranks the overall knowledge and skills of Japanese 15-year-olds as sixth best in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=OECD's PISA survey shows some countries making significant gains in learning outcomes|url=http://www.oecd.org/document/22/0,3343,en_2649_201185_39713238_1_1_1_1,00.html|publisher=[[OECD]]|accessdate=January 16, 2011}}</ref> ==Health== {{Main article|Health in Japan|Health care system in Japan}} In Japan, health care is provided by national and local governments. Payment for personal medical services is offered through a universal health insurance system that provides relative equality of access, with fees set by a government committee. People without insurance through employers can participate in a national health insurance program administered by local governments. Since 1973, all elderly persons have been covered by government-sponsored insurance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyu.edu/projects/rodwin/lessons.html |first=Victor|last=Rodwin|title=Health Care in Japan |publisher=New York University |accessdate=March 10, 2007}}</ref> Patients are free to select the physicians or facilities of their choice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ipss.go.jp/s-info/e/Jasos/Health.html |title=Health Insurance: General Characteristics |publisher=National Institute of Population and Social Security Research |accessdate=March 28, 2007}}</ref> ==Culture== {{Main article|Culture of Japan}} {{See also|Japanese popular culture}} {{Culture of Japan}} Japanese culture has evolved greatly from its origins. Contemporary culture combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Japanese arts include [[Japanese handicrafts|crafts]] such as [[Japanese pottery and porcelain|ceramics]], [[Kimono|textiles]], [[Japanese lacquerware|lacquerware]], [[Japanese sword|swords]] and [[Japanese traditional dolls|dolls]]; performances of [[bunraku]], [[kabuki]], [[noh]], [[Japanese traditional dance|dance]], and [[rakugo]]; and other practices, the [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremony]], [[ikebana]], [[Japanese martial arts|martial arts]], [[Japanese calligraphy|calligraphy]], [[origami]], [[onsen]], [[Geisha]] and [[List of Japanese games|games]]. Japan has a developed system for the protection and promotion of both tangible and intangible [[Cultural Properties of Japan|Cultural Properties]] and [[National Treasures of Japan|National Treasures]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bunka.go.jp/english/index.html |title=Administration of Cultural Affairs in Japan |publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs |accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref> [[World Heritage Sites in Japan|Nineteen sites]] have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, fifteen of which are of cultural significance.<ref name="unesco1"/> ===Architecture=== {{Main article|Japanese architecture}} [[File:Kinkaku-ji 01.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kinkaku-ji]] or "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" in [[Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)|Kyoto]], [[List of Special Places of Scenic Beauty, Special Historic Sites and Special Natural Monuments|Special Historic Site, Special Place of Scenic Beauty]] and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose torching by a monk in 1950 is the subject of a [[The Temple of the Golden Pavilion|novel]] by [[Yukio Mishima|Mishima]]]] Japanese architecture is a combination between local and other influences. It has traditionally been typified by wooden structures, elevated slightly off the ground, with tiled or thatched roofs. Sliding doors (''[[fusuma]]'') were used in place of walls, allowing the internal configuration of a space to be customized for different occasions. People usually sat on cushions or otherwise on the floor, traditionally; chairs and high tables were not widely used until the 20th century. Since the 19th century, however, Japan has incorporated much of Western, [[modern architecture|modern]], and [[post-modern architecture]] into construction and design, and is today a leader in cutting-edge architectural design and technology. The introduction of [[Buddhism in Japan|Buddhism]] during the sixth century was a catalyst for large-scale [[Buddhist temples in Japan|temple]] building using complicated techniques in wood. Influence from the Chinese [[Tang Dynasty|Tang]] and [[Sui Dynasty|Sui]] Dynasties led to the foundation of the first permanent capital in [[Nara, Nara|Nara]]. Its checkerboard street layout used the Chinese capital of [[Chang'an]] as a template for its design. A gradual increase in the size of buildings led to standard units of measurement as well as refinements in layout and garden design. The introduction of the [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremony]] emphasised simplicity and modest design as a counterpoint to the excesses of the aristocracy. During the [[Meiji Restoration]] of 1868 the history of Japanese architecture was radically changed by two important events. The first was the [[Shinbutsu bunri|Kami and Buddhas Separation Act]] of 1868, which formally separated Buddhism from [[Shinto]] and [[Buddhist temples in Japan| Buddhist temples]] from [[Shinto shrine]]s, breaking an association between the two which had lasted well over a thousand years.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Stone|first=Jacqueline|title=Review of ''Of Heretics and Martyrs in Meiji Japan: Muslim and Its Persecution'' by James Edward Ketelaar|journal=Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies|volume=53|issue=2|pages=582–598|date=December 1993|url=http://www.thezensite.com/ZenBookReviews/Of-Heretics_and_Martyrs.html#note1|accessdate=June 13, 2011}}</ref> Second, it was then that Japan underwent a period of intense [[Westernization]] in order to compete with other developed countries. Initially architects and styles from abroad were imported to Japan but gradually the country taught its own architects and began to express its own style. Architects returning from study with western architects introduced the [[International style (architecture)|International Style]] of modernism into Japan. However, it was not until after the Second World War that Japanese architects made an impression on the international scene, firstly with the work of architects like [[Kenzo Tange]] and then with theoretical movements like [[Metabolist Movement|Metabolism]]. ===Art=== {{Further information|Japanese art|Japanese garden|Japanese aesthetics}} The [[Ise Grand Shrine|Shrines of Ise]] have been celebrated as the prototype of Japanese architecture.<ref>{{cite book |title=Ise: Prototype of Japanese Architecture |author1=Tange, Kenzo |author2=Kawazoe, Noboru |year=1965 |publisher=Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press}}</ref> Largely of wood, [[Minka|traditional housing]] and many [[Japanese Buddhist architecture|temple buildings]] see the use of [[tatami]] mats and [[Shōji|sliding doors]] that break down the distinction between rooms and indoor and outdoor space.<ref>{{cite book |title=What is Japanese Architecture?: A Survey of Traditional Japanese Architecture with a List of Sites and a Map |author1=Kazuo, Nishi |author2=Kazuo, Hozumi |year=1995 |publisher=Kodansha |isbn=978-4-7700-1992-9}}</ref> [[Japanese sculpture]], largely of wood, and [[Japanese painting]] are among the oldest of the Japanese arts, with early figurative paintings dating back to at least 300 BC. The history of Japanese painting exhibits synthesis and competition between native [[Japanese aesthetics]] and adaptation of imported ideas.<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite book|last=Arrowsmith|first=Rupert Richard|title=Modernism and the Museum: Asian, African, and Pacific Art and the London Avant-Garde|year=2010|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-959369-9}}</ref> The interaction between Japanese and European art has been significant: for example [[ukiyo-e]] prints, which began to be exported in the 19th century in the movement known as [[Japonism]], had a significant influence on the development of modern art in the West, most notably on [[post-Impressionism]].<ref name=autogenerated3/> Famous ukiyo-e artists include [[Hokusai]] and [[Hiroshige]]. Hokusai coined the term [[manga]]. Japanese comics now known as manga developed in the 20th century and have become popular worldwide.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Kinko Ito|title=A History of Manga in the Context of Japanese Culture and Society|journal=Journal of Popular Culture|volume=38|issue=3|pages=456–475|date=February 2005|doi=10.1111/j.0022-3840.2005.00123.x}}</ref> Japanese animation is called [[anime]]. Japanese-made [[video game console]]s have been popular since the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122934/http://uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hov/index.html |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hov/index.html |title=The History of Video Games |first=Leonard |last=Herman |author2=Horwitz, Jer |author3=Kent, Steve |author4=Miller, Skyler |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |year=2002 |archivedate=September 29, 2007 |accessdate=April 1, 2007 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> <gallery widths="200px" heights="150px"> File:HIRADO PORCELAIN CENSER AND COVER.JPG|Hirado ware porcelain censers in the form of tiger and figurine with fan, brown and blue glazes File:The Great Wave off Kanagawa.jpg|19th-century [[ukiyo-e]] [[Woodblock printing in Japan|woodblock print]]'' [[The Great Wave off Kanagawa]]'' File:Japanese-Calligraphy-art.jpg|Example of [[Japanese calligraphy]] (書道 ''shodō'') File:Anime-Store-In-Akihabara.jpg|An [[anime]] store in [[Akihabara]], [[Tokyo]] </gallery> ===Animation=== Japanese animated films, such as [[anime]], which was largely influenced by Japanese [[manga]] and originally made up of animated [[cartoon]] works, are popular. Japan is a world-renowned powerhouse of animation.<ref>[http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=020&aid=0000322552 If you want to know Japan, See Animation] Dong-ah-news, 2005-11-5 language = Korean</ref> ===Music=== {{Main article|Music of Japan}} [[File:KotoPlayer.jpg|thumb|right|Masayo Ishigure playing 13-strings [[Koto (instrument)|Koto]]]] Japanese music is eclectic and diverse. Many [[Traditional Japanese musical instruments|instruments]], such as the [[Koto (instrument)|koto]], were introduced in the 9th and 10th centuries. The accompanied [[recitative]] of the [[Noh]] drama dates from the 14th century and the popular [[Music of Japan#Folk music|folk music]], with the guitar-like [[shamisen]], from the sixteenth.<ref>{{cite book|last=Malm|first=William P.|title=Traditional Japanese music and musical instruments|year=2000|publisher=Kodansha International|isbn=978-4-7700-2395-7|pages=31–45|edition=New}}</ref> Western classical music, introduced in the late 19th century, now forms an integral part of Japanese culture. The imperial court ensemble [[Gagaku]] has influenced the work of some [[20th-century classical music|modern]] Western composers.<ref>See for example, [[Olivier Messiaen]], ''Sept haïkaï'' (1962), (''Olivier Messiaen: a research and information guide'', Routledge, 2008, By Vincent Perez Benitez, p. 67) and (''Messiaen the Theologian'', Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2010, pp.&nbsp;243–265, By Andrew Shenton)</ref> Notable classical composers from Japan include [[Toru Takemitsu]] and [[Rentarō Taki]]. Popular music in post-war Japan has been heavily influenced by American and European trends, which has led to the evolution of [[J-pop]], or Japanese popular music.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/aug/21/popandrock3 |title= J-Pop History |work=The Observer |accessdate=April 1, 2007 |first=Chris |last=Campion |date=August 22, 2005 |location=London}}</ref> [[Karaoke]] is the most widely practiced cultural activity in Japan. A 1993 survey by the [[Agency for Cultural Affairs|Cultural Affairs Agency]] found that more Japanese had sung karaoke that year than had participated in traditional pursuits such as flower arranging (ikebana) or tea ceremonies.<ref>{{cite book|title=The worlds of Japanese popular culture: gender, shifting boundaries and global cultures|year=1998|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-63729-9|page=76|edition=Repr.|editor=Martinez, D.P.}}</ref> ===Literature=== {{Main article|Japanese literature|Japanese poetry}} [[File:Genji emaki 01003 001.jpg|thumb|12th-century [[Genji Monogatari Emaki|illustrated handscroll]] of ''[[The Tale of Genji]]'', a [[National Treasures of Japan|National Treasure]]]] The earliest works of Japanese literature include the ''[[Kojiki]]'' and ''[[Nihon Shoki]]'' chronicles and the ''[[Man'yōshū]]'' [[List of Japanese poetry anthologies|poetry anthology]], all from the 8th century and written in Chinese characters.<ref>{{cite book |title=Seeds in the Heart: Japanese Literature from Earliest Times to the Late Sixteenth Century |author=Keene, Donald |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-231-11441-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meijigakuin.ac.jp/~ascj/2000/200015.htm |title= Asian Studies Conference, Japan (2000) |publisher=Meiji Gakuin University |accessdate=April 1, 2007}}</ref> In the early Heian period, the system of [[Phonogram (linguistics)|phonograms]] known as ''kana'' ([[Hiragana]] and [[Katakana]]) was developed. ''[[The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter]]'' is considered the oldest Japanese narrative.<ref name="ispmsu">{{cite web |url=http://isp.msu.edu/AsianStudies/wbwoa/eastasia/Japan/literature.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051203034125/http://www.isp.msu.edu/asianstudies/wbwoa/eastasia/Japan/literature.html |archivedate=December 3, 2005 |title= Windows on Asia—Literature : Antiquity to Middle Ages: Recent Past |publisher=Michigan State University |accessdate=December 28, 2007}}</ref> An account of Heian court life is given in ''[[The Pillow Book]]'' by [[Sei Shōnagon]], while ''[[The Tale of Genji]]'' by [[Murasaki Shikibu]] is often described as the world's first novel.<ref>{{cite book|last=Totman|first=Conrad|title=A History of Japan |edition=2nd |year=2005|publisher=Blackwell|isbn=1-4051-2359-1|pages=126–127}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=The Tale of Genji|editor=Royall, Tyler|publisher=[[Penguin Classics]]|year=2003|isbn=0-14-243714-X|pages=i–ii, xii}}</ref> During the Edo period, the [[chōnin]] ("townspeople") overtook the samurai aristocracy as producers and consumers of literature. The popularity of the works of [[Saikaku]], for example, reveals this change in readership and authorship, while [[Matsuo Bashō|Bashō]] revivified the poetic tradition of the [[Kokinshū]] with his [[haikai]] ([[haiku]]) and wrote the poetic travelogue ''[[Oku no Hosomichi]]''.<ref>{{cite book |title=World Within Walls: Japanese Literature of the Pre-Modern Era, 1600–1867 |author=Keene, Donald |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-231-11467-7}}</ref> The Meiji era saw the decline of traditional literary forms as Japanese literature integrated Western influences. [[Natsume Sōseki]] and [[Mori Ōgai]] were the first "modern" novelists of Japan, followed by [[Ryūnosuke Akutagawa]], [[Jun'ichirō Tanizaki]], [[Yukio Mishima]] and, more recently, [[Haruki Murakami]]. Japan has two [[Nobel Prize in Literature|Nobel Prize-winning]] authors—[[Yasunari Kawabata]] (1968) and [[Kenzaburō Ōe]] (1994).<ref name="ispmsu"/> ===Philosophy=== {{Main article|Japanese philosophy}} [[File:Kitaro_Nishidain_in_Feb._1943.jpg|thumb|[[Kitaro Nishida]], one of the most notable Japanese philosophers]] Japanese Philosophy has historically been a [[Information fusion|fusion]] of both foreign; particularly [[Chinese philosophy|Chinese]] and [[Western philosophy|Western]], and uniquely Japanese elements. In its literary forms, Japanese philosophy began about fourteen centuries ago. [[Archaeological record|Archaeological evidence]] and early historical accounts suggest that Japan was originally an [[animism|animistic culture]], which viewed the world as infused with ''kami'' (神) or sacred presence as taught by [[Shinto]], though it is not a philosophy as such, but has greatly influenced all other philosophies in their Japanese interpretations.<ref>http://www.univie.ac.at/rel_jap/k/images/0/03/Kuroda_1981.pdf</ref> [[Confucianism]] entered Japan from China around the 5th century A.D., as did [[Buddhism]].<ref name="ReferenceA">plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-confucian/</ref> Confucian ideals are still evident today in the [[Japanese society|Japanese concept of society]] and the self, and in the organization of the [[government]] and the structure of [[society]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Buddhism has profoundly impacted Japanese psychology, [[metaphysics]], and [[aesthetics]].<ref>{{cite book|url=http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2011/entries/japanese-aesthetics/|title=The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy|first=Graham|last=Parkes|editor-first=Edward N.|editor-last=Zalta|date=January 1, 2011|publisher=|via=Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy}}</ref> Indigenous ideas of [[loyalty]] and honour have been held since the 16th century. Western philosophy has had its major impact in Japan only since the middle of the 19th century. ===Cuisine=== {{Main article|Japanese cuisine}} [[File:Breakfast at Tamahan Ryokan, Kyoto.jpg|thumb|right|Breakfast at a ''[[Ryokan (Japanese inn)|ryokan]]'' or inn]] [[File:Toshihana tea ceremony.jpg|thumb|left|[[Maiko]] preparing teacups for tea ceremony]] Japanese cuisine is based on combining [[staple food]]s, typically [[Japanese rice]] or [[Japanese noodles|noodles]], with a soup and ''[[okazu]]''—dishes made from [[Fish (food)|fish]], vegetable, [[tofu]] and the like—to add flavor to the staple food. In the early modern era ingredients such as red meats that had previously not been widely used in Japan were introduced. Japanese cuisine is known for its emphasis on [[Seasonal food|seasonality of food]],<ref>[http://www.tjf.or.jp/eng/content/japaneseculture/pdf/ge09shun.pdf "A Day in the Life: Seasonal Foods"], 'The Japan Forum Newsletter'', September 14, 1999.</ref> quality of ingredients and presentation. Japanese cuisine offers a vast array of [[Japanese regional cuisine|regional specialties]] that use traditional recipes and local ingredients. The phrase {{Nihongo|''ichijū-sansai''|一汁三菜||"one soup, three sides"}} refers to the makeup of a typical meal served, but has roots in classic ''[[kaiseki]]'', ''[[honzen-ryōri|honzen]]'', and ''yūsoku'' cuisine. The term is also used to describe the first course served in standard ''kaiseki'' cuisine nowadays.<ref name=yomiuri>{{cite book|ref=harv|author=読売新聞大阪本社|title=雑学新聞|script-title=ja:雑学新聞|publisher=PHP研究所|year=2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iuANkSnZ8e0C&pg=PA158|isbn= 978-4-569-64432-5}}, p.158, explains that in the tea kaiseki, the</ref> Traditional Japanese sweets are known as ''wagashi''. Ingredients such as [[red bean paste]] and [[mochi]] are used. More modern-day tastes includes [[green tea ice cream]], a very popular flavor. Almost all manufacturers produce a version of it. [[Kakigori]] is a shaved ice dessert flavored with syrup or condensed milk. It is usually sold and eaten at summer festivals. Popular Japanese beverages such as [[sake]], which is a brewed rice beverage that, typically, contains 15%~17% [[ethanol|alcohol]] and is made by multiple [[fermentation (food)|fermentation]] of rice. Beer has been brewed in Japan since the late 1800s and is produced in many regions by companies including [[Asahi Breweries]], [[Kirin Company|Kirin Brewery]], and [[Sapporo Brewery]] – the oldest brand of beer in Japan. The [[Michelin Guide]] has awarded restaurants in Japan more Michelin stars than the rest of the world combined.<ref name=michelin20101124>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「ミシュランガイド東京・横浜・鎌倉2011」を発行　三つ星が14軒、 二つ星が54軒、一つ星が198軒に|url=http://web-cache.stream.ne.jp/www09/michelin/guide/tokyo/|publisher=Michelin Japan|accessdate=February 7, 2011|date=November 24, 2010|language=Japanese}}</ref> <gallery widths="200px" heights="150px" style="text-align:center"> File:2007feb-sushi-odaiba-manytypes.jpg|[[Sushi]] (寿司) File:Soy_ramen.jpg|[[Ramen]] (ラーメン) File:Tempurainjapan-ikebukuro-dec312007.jpg|[[Tempura]] (天ぷら) File:Matcha_and_wagashi_by_MShades_at_Daigoji,_Kyoto.jpg|[[Wagashi]] (和菓子) served with [[matcha]] (抹茶) </gallery> ===Holidays=== {{Main article|Public holidays in Japan}} [[File:Young_ladies_at_Harajuku.jpg|thumb|Young ladies celebrate [[Coming of Age Day]] (成人の日 ''Seijin no Hi'') in [[Harajuku]], [[Tokyo]]]] Officially, Japan has 16 national, government-recognized holidays. Public holidays in Japan are regulated under the Public Holiday Law (国民の祝日に関する法律 ''Kokumin no Shukujitsu ni Kansuru Hōritsu'') of 1948.<ref>Nakamura, Akemi, "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080408i1.html National holidays trace roots to China, ancients, harvests] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713203247/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080408i1.html |date=July 13, 2009 }}", ''[[Japan Times]]'', April 8, 2008.</ref> Beginning in 2000, Japan implemented the [[Happy Monday System]], which moved a number of national holidays to Monday in order to obtain a long weekend. In 2006, the country decided to add [[Shōwa Day]], a new national holiday, in place of [[Greenery Day]] on April 29, and to move Greenery Day to May 4. These changes took effect in 2007. In 2014, the [[House of Councillors]] decided to add {{nihongo|Mountain Day|山の日|Yama no Hi}} to the Japanese calendar on August 11, after lobbying by the Japanese Alpine Club. It is intended to coincide with the [[Bon Festival]] vacation time, giving Japanese people an opportunity to appreciate Japan's mountains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20140523-OYT1T50097.html?from=ytop_ylist |title=「海の日」あるなら…「山の日」も、１６年から : 政治 : 読売新聞（YOMIURI ONLINE） |publisher=Yomiuri.co.jp |date=May 23, 2014 |accessdate=May 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20140523-00000073-jij-pol |title=8月11日「山の日」に＝16年から、改正祝日法成立 （時事通信） – Yahoo!ニュース |publisher=Headlines.yahoo.co.jp |date=May 23, 2014 |accessdate=May 23, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524003624/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20140523-00000073-jij-pol |archivedate=May 24, 2014 |df= }}</ref> The national holidays in Japan are [[Japanese New Year|New Year's Day]] on January 1, [[Coming of Age Day]] on Second Monday of January, [[National Foundation Day]] on February 11, [[Vernal Equinox Day]] on March 20 or 21, [[Shōwa Day]] on April 29, [[Constitution Memorial Day]] on May 3, [[Greenery Day]] on May 4, [[Children's Day (Japan)|Children's Day]] on May 5, [[Marine Day]] on Third Monday of July, [[Mountain Day]] on August 11, [[Respect for the Aged Day]] on Third Monday of September, [[Autumnal Equinox]] on September 23 or 24, [[Health and Sports Day]] on Second Monday of October, [[Culture Day]] on November 3, [[Labour Thanksgiving Day]] on November 23, and [[The Emperor's Birthday]] on December 23.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/japan/|title=Public Holidays in Japan in 2016 – Office Holidays|publisher=}}</ref> ===Festivals=== {{Main article|Japanese festivals}} [[File:UenoParkHanami.jpg|thumb|Popular Japanese festival, [[Hanami]] celebration at [[Ueno Park]], [[Tokyo]]]] There are many festivals in Japan, which are called in Japanese as ''matsuri'' (祭) which celebrate annually. There are no specific festival days for all of Japan; dates vary from area to area, and even within a specific area, but festival days do tend to cluster around traditional holidays such as [[Setsubun]] or [[Obon]]. Festivals are often based around one [[Ceremony|event]], with food stalls, [[entertainment]], and [[carnival]] [[game]]s to keep people entertained. Its usually sponsored by a local [[shrine]] or [[temple]], though they can be [[secular]].<ref name="jnto.go.jp">{{cite web|url=https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/spot/festival/saidaijieyohadaka.html|title=Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri – Japan National Tourism Organization|publisher=}}</ref> Notable festival often feature processions which may include elaborate floats. Preparation for these processions is usually organised at the level of neighborhoods, or ''machi'' (町). Prior to these, the local [[kami]] may be ritually installed in [[mikoshi]] and paraded through the streets, such as [[Gion]] in [[Kyoto]], and [[Hadaka matsuri|Hadaka]] in [[Okayama]].<ref name="jnto.go.jp"/> ===Sports=== {{Main article|Sport in Japan}} [[File:Sumo ceremony.jpg|thumb|[[Sumo]] wrestlers form around the referee during the ring-entering ceremony]] [[File:Hanshin Koshien Stadium 2007-21.jpg|thumb|left|[[National High School Baseball Championship]] at [[Koshien Stadium]]]] Traditionally, [[sumo]] is considered Japan's national sport.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/sumoeastandwest/sumo.html |title=Sumo: East and West |publisher=[[PBS]] |accessdate=March 10, 2007}}</ref> [[Japanese martial arts]] such as [[judo]], [[karate]] and [[kendo]] are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectators in the country. After the Meiji Restoration, many Western sports were introduced in Japan and began to spread through the education system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/facts/culture_dailylife.html#sports |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317192109/http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/facts/culture_dailylife.html |archivedate=March 17, 2007 |title=Culture and Daily Life |publisher=Embassy of Japan in the UK |accessdate=March 27, 2007 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Japan hosted the Summer Olympics in [[1964 Summer Olympics|Tokyo in 1964]] and the Winter Olympics in [[1972 Winter Olympics|Sapporo in 1972]] and [[1998 Winter Olympics|Nagano in 1998]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Olympic History in Japan|url=http://www.joc.or.jp/english/historyjapan/history_japan_bid.html|publisher=Japanese Olympic Committee|accessdate=January 7, 2011}}</ref> Further, the country hosted the official [[2006 Basketball World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 FIBA World Championship|url=http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/06_wcm/|publisher=FIBA|accessdate=May 10, 2017}}</ref> Tokyo will host the [[2020 Summer Olympics]], making Tokyo the first Asian city to host the Olympics twice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-selects-tokyo-as-host-of-2020-summer-olympic-games/208784|title=IOC selects Tokyo as host of 2020 Summer Olympic Games|date=July 21, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=October 5, 2016}}</ref> The country gained the hosting rights for the official [[Women's Volleyball World Championship]] on five occasions ([[FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship|1967]], [[FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship|1998]], [[2006 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship|2006]], [[2010 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship|2010]], [[2018 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship|2018]]), more than any other nation.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Game – World Championships – FIVB WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS|url=http://www.fivb.org/TheGame/TheGame_WorldChampionships.htm|publisher=FIVB|accessdate=June 13, 2017}}</ref> Japan is the most successful Asian [[Rugby Union]] country, winning the [[Asian Five Nations]] a record 6 times and winning the newly formed [[IRB Pacific Nations Cup]] in 2011. Japan will host the 2019 IRB [[Rugby World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/rugbyworldcup2019/news/newsid=2069327.html#japan+reaches+rest+asia |title=rugbyworldcup.com |accessdate=November 1, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224929/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/rugbyworldcup2019/news/newsid%3D2069327.html |archivedate=December 17, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[Baseball in Japan|Baseball]] is currently the most popular spectator sport in the country. Japan's top professional league, now known as [[Nippon Professional Baseball]], was established in 1936<ref>{{cite book |author1=Nagata, Yoichi |author2=Holway, John B. |editor=Palmer, Pete |title=Total Baseball |edition=4th |year=1995 |publisher=Viking Press |page=547 |chapter=Japanese Baseball}}</ref> and is widely considered to be the highest level of professional baseball in the world outside of the North American [[Major League Baseball|Major Leagues]]. Since the establishment of the [[J. League|Japan Professional Football League]] in 1992, association football has also gained a wide following.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tjf.or.jp/takarabako/PDF/TB09_JCN.pdf |title= Soccer as a Popular Sport: Putting Down Roots in Japan |publisher= The Japan Forum |accessdate=April 1, 2007}}</ref> Japan was a venue of the [[Intercontinental Cup (football)|Intercontinental Cup]] from 1981 to 2004 and co-hosted the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] with South Korea.<ref>{{cite web|title=Previous FIFA World Cups|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=4395/index.html|publisher=[[FIFA]]|accessdate=January 7, 2011}}</ref> Japan has one of the most successful football teams in Asia, winning the [[AFC Asian Cup|Asian Cup]] four times.<ref>{{cite web|title=Team Japan|url=http://www.afcasiancup.com/team/en/Japan|publisher=Asian Football Confederation|accessdate=March 2, 2014}}</ref> Also, Japan recently won the [[2011 FIFA Women's World Cup|FIFA Women's World Cup]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/matches/round=255989/match=300144437/summary.html|title=Japan edge USA for maiden title|date=July 17, 2011|work=[[FIFA]]|accessdate=July 17, 2011}}</ref> Golf is also popular in Japan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/604/sports.asp |title= Japanese Golf Gets Friendly |work=[[Metropolis (English magazine in Japan)|Metropolis]] |first=Fred |last=Varcoe|accessdate=April 1, 2007|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070926215517/http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/604/sports.asp |archivedate = September 26, 2007}}</ref> as are forms of auto racing like the [[Super GT]] series and [[Formula Nippon]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/623/sports.asp |title= Japanese Omnibus: Sports |work=Metropolis |first=Len|last=Clarke|accessdate=April 1, 2007|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070926215524/http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/623/sports.asp |archivedate = September 26, 2007}}</ref> The country has produced one [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] player, [[Yuta Tabuse]].<ref name=consulteny>{{cite news|url=http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/c/vol_12-4/title_04.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203204908/http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/c/vol_12-4/title_04.html|archivedate=December 3, 2010|title=Hoop Dreams&nbsp;– Yuta Tabuse, "The Jordan of Japan"|publisher=Consulate General of Japan in New York|date= December 2004 – January 2005|accessdate=January 19, 2009}}</ref> ===Media=== {{Main article|Media of Japan}} [[File:Fuji TV headquarters and Aqua City Odaiba - 2006-05-03 edit.jpg|thumb|left|[[Fuji TV]] headquarters in [[Tokyo]]]] [[File:NHK_Osaka_Broadcasting_Station_Bldg_20060604-001.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[NHK]] Broadcasting Building in [[Osaka]]]] [[Television]] and [[newspaper]]s take an important role in Japanese mass media, though [[radio]] and [[magazine]]s also take a part.<ref name="nhk.or.jp">{{cite web |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/BCRI-fr/h13-f1.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-11-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205020625/http://www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/bcri-fr/h13-f1.html |archivedate=December 5, 2004 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="japanesestudies.org.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.japanesestudies.org.uk/discussionpapers/Gatzen.html|title=Media and Communication in Japan: Current Issues and Future Research|first=Barbara Gatzen, Australian National University,|last=Australia|date=April 17, 2001|publisher=}}</ref> For a long time, newspapers were regarded as the most influential information medium in Japan, although audience attitudes towards television changed with the emergence of commercial news broadcasting in the mid-1980s.<ref name="nhk.or.jp"/> Over the last decade, television has clearly come to surpass newspapers as Japan's main information and entertainment medium.<ref name="pressnet.or.jp">{{cite web |url=http://www.pressnet.or.jp/data/0202.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-11-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020418125404/http://www.pressnet.or.jp/data/0202.htm |archivedate=April 18, 2002 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> There are 6 nationwide television networks: [[NHK]] ([[public broadcasting]]), [[Nippon Television]] (NTV), [[Tokyo Broadcasting System]] (TBS), [[Fuji Network System]] (FNS), [[TV Asahi]] and [[TV Tokyo Network]] (TXN).<ref name="japanesestudies.org.uk" /> For the most part, television networks were established based on capital investments by existing radio networks. [[Japanese variety show|Variety shows]], [[Japanese television drama|serial dramas]], and [[news]] constitute a large percentage of Japanese television show. According to the 2015 NHK survey on television viewing in Japan, 79 percent of Japanese watch television every day. The average daily duration of television viewing was three hours.<ref>[https://www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/english/reports/pdf/report_16042101.pdf Television Viewing and Media Use Today: From "The Japanese and Television 2015" Survey] NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute, Public Opinion Research Division. April, 2016.</ref> Japanese readers have a choice of approximately 120 daily newspapers with a total of 50 million copies of set paper with an average subscription rate of 1.13 newspapers per household.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pressnet.or.jp/data/0101.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-11-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020418105725/http://www.pressnet.or.jp/data/0101.htm |archivedate=April 18, 2002 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The main newspaper's publishers are [[Yomiuri Shimbun]], [[Asahi Shimbun]], [[Mainichi Shimbun]], [[The Nikkei|Nikkei Shimbun]] and [[Sankei Shimbun]]. According to a survey conducted by the Japanese Newspaper Association in June 1999, 85.4 per cent of men and 75 per cent of women read a newspaper every day. Average daily reading times vary with 27.7 minutes on weekdays and 31.7 minutes on holidays and Sunday.<ref name="pressnet.or.jp"/> ==See also== {{Portal|Japan|Islands|Asia}} * [[Housing in Japan]] * [[Index of Japan-related articles]] * [[Outline of Japan]] {{clear}} ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==Notes== {{reflist|group=note}} ==Further reading== {{Further information|Bibliography of Japanese history}} {{refbegin}} * {{Cite book |last = Flath |year = 2000 |title = The Japanese Economy |publisher = Oxford University Press |isbn = 0-19-877503-2}} * {{Cite book |last = Henshall |year = 2001 |title = A History of Japan |publisher = Palgrave Macmillan |isbn = 0-312-23370-1}} * {{Cite book |last = Iwabuchi |year = 2002 |title = Recentering Globalization: Popular Culture and Japanese Transnationalism |publisher = [[Duke University Press]] |isbn = 0-8223-2891-7}} * {{Cite book |last = Jansen |year = 2000 |title = The Making of Modern Japan |publisher = Belknap |isbn = 0-674-00334-9}} * {{Cite book |last = Kato |title = A History of Japanese Literature: From the Man'Yoshu to Modern Times |publisher = Japan Library |year = 1997 |isbn = 1-873410-48-4 |displayauthors = etal}} * {{Cite book |last = Pilling |first = David |year = 2014 |title = Bending Adversity: Japan and the Art of Survival |location = London |publisher = Allen Lane |isbn = 978-1-84614-546-9}} * {{Cite book |last = Samuels |year = 2008 |title = Securing Japan: Tokyo's Grand Strategy and the Future of East Asia |publisher = [[Cornell University Press]] |isbn = 0-8014-7490-6}} * {{Cite book |last = Silverberg |year = 2007 |title = Erotic Grotesque Nonsense: The Mass Culture of Japanese Modern Times |publisher = [[University of California Press]] |isbn = 0-520-22273-3}} * {{Cite book |last = Sugimoto |year = 2003 |title = An Introduction to Japanese Society |publisher = Cambridge University Press |isbn = 0-521-52925-5 |displayauthors = etal}} * {{Cite book |last = Taggart Murphy |first = R. |year = 2014 |title = Japan and the Shackles of the Past |location = Oxford and New York, NY |publisher = Oxford University Press |isbn = 978-0-19-984598-9}} * {{Cite book |last = Varley |year = 2000 |title = Japanese Culture |publisher = University of Hawaii Press |isbn = 0-8248-2152-1}} {{refend}} ==External links== {{Z148}}<!-- {{No more links}} Please be cautious adding more external links. 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