Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland. It is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. The Japanese archipelago consists of four major islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu—and thousands of smaller islands, covering 377,975 square kilometres (145,937 sq mi). With a population of more than 125 million as of 2020, Japan is the 11th most populous country. Tokyo is its capital and largest city. Japan is divided into 47 administrative prefectures and eight traditional regions. About three-quarters of the country's terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, concentrating its agriculture and highly urbanized population along its eastern coastal plains. Greater Tokyo is the world's most populous metropolitan area, with more than 38 million inhabitants as of 2016. Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan's islands are prone to destructive earthquakes and tsunamis.
japan

Some of the key events about Japan

  • 660 BCE
    The legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu
  • 710
    Establishment of Nara as Japan's first permanent capital
  • 1192
    Beginning of the Kamakura shogunate, marking the start of feudal Japan
  • 1274
    A devastating typhoon destroyed the Mongol invasion fleet, causing massive loss of life
  • 1543
    Introduction of firearms to Japan by Portuguese traders
  • 1600
    The Battle of Sekigahara resulted in significant casualties and political upheaval
  • 1603
    Establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate, ushering in a long period of peace and stability
  • 1854
    A powerful earthquake struck Ansei Tokai, causing widespread destruction
  • 1868
    The Meiji Restoration, marking Japan's rapid modernization and industrialization
  • 1868
    The Boshin War led to numerous casualties and the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate
  • 1923
    The Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Tokyo and Yokohama, killing over 140,000 people
  • 1941
    The attack on Pearl Harbor led Japan into World War II, resulting in devastating consequences
  • 1945
    Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing unprecedented destruction and loss of life
  • 1964
    Tokyo hosts the Summer Olympics, showcasing Japan's post-war economic recovery
  • 1978
    Narita International Airport opens, significantly expanding Japan's global connectivity
  • 1995
    The Great Hanshin Earthquake struck Kobe, killing over 6,400 people
  • 2002
    Japan co-hosts the FIFA World Cup with South Korea, the first World Cup held in Asia
  • 2011
    The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami caused widespread destruction and triggered a nuclear disaster
  • 2016
    Japan's Akira Yoshino wins the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on lithium-ion batteries
  • 2019
    Typhoon Hagibis became one of the strongest typhoons to strike Japan, causing severe damage and casualties

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Japan Latest news

Top British General Dismissed After Drunken Misconduct in Japan

Top British General Dismissed After Drunken Misconduct in Japan

Major General James Roddis, once tipped for Army leadership, faces disgrace after inappropriate behavior towards a female RAF officer during a karaoke night in Japan. The incident led to his dismissal from a 30-year military career.

Society, Politics • September 5 2024, 07:35 PM  •  228 views
Japanese Dancer's Historic Flamenco Win Sparks Controversy in Spain

Japanese Dancer's Historic Flamenco Win Sparks Controversy in Spain

Junko Hagiwara becomes the first foreigner to win a prestigious flamenco award in Spain, stirring mixed reactions. Her victory challenges traditional perceptions of the art form's cultural boundaries.

Society, Culture • September 3 2024, 12:59 PM  •  734 views
UK Economy Outpaces EU Amid German and French Struggles

UK Economy Outpaces EU Amid German and French Struggles

As Germany and France face economic and political challenges, the UK's economy shows resilience. Despite ongoing issues, Britain may emerge as Europe's fastest-growing major economy, challenging pro-EU arguments.

Economics, Politics • September 2 2024, 05:05 PM  •  218 views
Coleen Nolan: From Pop Star to TV Personality - A Financial Journey

Coleen Nolan: From Pop Star to TV Personality - A Financial Journey

Coleen Nolan, former member of The Nolans, reflects on her career, financial ups and downs, and views on money. From early success to current TV roles, she shares insights on wealth and happiness.

Society, Culture • September 1 2024, 10:47 AM  •  103 views
Labour's Flexible Work Plan: Four-Day Week on the Horizon?

Labour's Flexible Work Plan: Four-Day Week on the Horizon?

Labour proposes legislation for flexible working as default, including compressed hours. Companies can refuse if "not reasonably feasible". Debate ensues over productivity impacts and business concerns.

Business, Economics, Politics • August 31 2024, 03:59 AM  •  1457 views
Typhoon Shanshan Batters Japan: Millions Evacuated, Industries Disrupted

Typhoon Shanshan Batters Japan: Millions Evacuated, Industries Disrupted

Powerful Typhoon Shanshan strikes southwest Japan, prompting mass evacuations and industrial shutdowns. Three fatalities reported as authorities warn of potentially record-breaking storm intensity.

Society, Business • August 29 2024, 11:55 AM  •  93 views
Starmer Open to Closer EU Ties, Youth Mobility Scheme Possible

Starmer Open to Closer EU Ties, Youth Mobility Scheme Possible

Labour leader Keir Starmer hints at potential youth mobility agreement with EU, while maintaining Brexit stance. Germany expresses interest in such a scheme as part of bilateral treaty negotiations.

Society, Politics • August 28 2024, 02:33 PM  •  32 views
Lonely Dolphin's Frustration Leads to Swimmer Attacks in Japan

Lonely Dolphin's Frustration Leads to Swimmer Attacks in Japan

A solitary male dolphin is believed responsible for 18 attacks on swimmers near Mihama, Japan. Experts suggest sexual frustration or stress from human interaction as possible causes for the unusual behavior.

Society, Science • August 26 2024, 02:04 PM  •  0 views
Robot Chefs: Kaikaku's Tech Revolution in Fast Food Industry

Robot Chefs: Kaikaku's Tech Revolution in Fast Food Industry

London-based startup Kaikaku introduces robot chefs for efficient salad preparation, aiming to revolutionize fast food. The innovative system promises higher profit margins and improved productivity in restaurants.

Business, Science • August 25 2024, 11:07 AM  •  14 views
Anti-Whaling Activist Paul Watson Faces Extradition Battle in Greenland

Anti-Whaling Activist Paul Watson Faces Extradition Battle in Greenland

Paul Watson, renowned anti-whaling activist, remains in custody in Greenland as he awaits a decision on extradition to Japan. The case stems from a 2010 incident involving a Japanese whaling ship in Antarctic waters.

Society, Politics • August 24 2024, 03:27 PM  •  15 views
Fitness Trackers Undercount Steps by 9%, New Study Reveals

Fitness Trackers Undercount Steps by 9%, New Study Reveals

A comprehensive analysis of wearable fitness devices shows they underestimate step counts by 9%. The study also evaluated heart rate, calorie burn, and sleep tracking accuracy, highlighting the need for standardized testing.

Society, Science • August 23 2024, 04:52 PM  •  0 views