2. History
Japan's rich history spans 35,000 years, beginning
with ancient settlements and the development of
the foundational Jomon culture around 10,000
years ago. Waves of subsequent settlement,
notably by the Yayoi people from Korea, molded
Japan's cultural landscape. This evolution led to the
Kofun period, the introduction of Buddhism, and
the emergence of samurai during the Heian era.
A crucial turning point occurred in 1868 with the
transition from shogunate rule to a constitutional
monarchy, catapulting Japan into modernity.
4. Geography
• Japan is largely mountainous and forested, with arable
land making up only 11.6 percent of the country.
• Positioned astride the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan
features a number of hydrothermal features such as
geysers and hot springs.
5. • The Japanese archipelago comprises
islands divided into 47 prefectures
across eight regions.
• Regions include Hokkaido, Tohoku,
Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku,
Shikoku, and Kyushu (including
Okinawa).
Region
6. Tokyo: Capital
and Megacity
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, with nearly nine
million inhabitants, surpasses the
combined populations of Yokohama,
Osaka, and Nagoya.
Greater Tokyo’s estimated 13 million
residents solidify its global significance
in politics, finance, culture, and industry.
7. Government
Japan is a constitutional monarchy,
with a parliamentary system of
government based on the
separation of powers. The Emperor
is the symbol of the state and does
not hold political functions, only
performing ceremonial duties.
8. Currency and
Economy
• Japan, a technological powerhouse, boasts the
world’s third-largest economy.
• Key exports: automobiles, electronics, steel,
and transportation equipment.
• Per capita GDP: $38,440; 16.1% live below the
poverty line.
• Official currency: Japanese yen (¥), introduced
in 1871.
9. Education and Special Programs
• Japan’s education
system emphasizes nine
years of compulsory
education.
• Student clubs foster
interests in sports,
culture, and arts,
contributing to
exchanges and
matches.
• Special Needs
Education supports
physically or
mentally challenged
students.
10. Language and Writing
Systems
• The official language
is Japanese, and is the only
language spoken by the vast
majority of the population.
• Japanese written in three
systems: hiragana, katakana,
and kanji.
• Kanji adapted from Chinese
characters; hiragana and
katakana are Japanese
syllabaries
11. Culture
Most important festival:
Hanami: The tradition of appreciating the
beauty of cherry blossoms during spring.
Codes of Conduct:
Bushido: An ethical and moral code followed by
samurais, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and self-
discipline.
Daily Life:
Etiquette and Courtesy: Japanese society
values courtesy and respect towards others.
