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{{main|History of Japan}}

{{main|History of Japan}}

The first signs of [[civilization]] on the [[Japanese Archipelago]] appeared around [[10th millennium BC|10,000 BCE]] with the [[Jomon]] culture, characterized by a [[mesolithic]] to [[neolithic]] semi-sedentary [[hunter-gatherer]] lifestyle of pit dwelling and a rudimentary form of [[agriculture]]. The Jomon people made decorated clay vessels, however, often with plaited patterns. Some of the oldest surviving examples of [[pottery]] in the world may be found in Japan.<ref>Pottery in Japan:

The first signs of [[civilization]] on the [[Japanese Archipelago]] appeared around [[10th millennium BC|10,000 BCE]] with the [[Jomon]] culture, characterized by a [[mesolithic]] to [[neolithic]] semi-sedentary [[hunter-gatherer]] lifestyle of pit dwelling and a rudimentary form of [[agriculture]]. The Jomon people made decorated clay vessels, however, often with plaited patterns. Some of the oldest surviving examples of [[pottery]] in the world may be found in Japan.<ref>Pottery in Japan:

The Japanese first appear in written history in China’s [[Book of Han]]. It is later recorded that in 57 BC, the southern Wa kingdom of Na sent an emissary named Taifu to pay tribute to [[Emperor Guangwu of Han|Emperor Guangwu]] and received a golden seal. According to China's [[Records of the Three Kingdoms]], the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago in the third century was called [[Yamataikoku]] and was ruled by the legendary Queen [[Himiko]].

The Japanese first appear in written history in China’s [[Book of Han]]. It is later recorded that in 57 BC, the southern Wa kingdom of Na sent an emissary named Taifu to pay tribute to [[Emperor Guangwu of Han|Emperor Guangwu]] and received a golden seal. According to China's [[Records of the Three Kingdoms]], the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago in the third century was called [[Yamataikoku]] and was ruled by the legendary Queen [[Himiko]].

The [[Nara period]] of the eighth century marked the first emergence of a strong central Japanese state, centered around an imperial court in the city of [[Heijō Palace|Heijō-kyō]], or modern day [[Nara, Nara|Nara]], which was modeled after [[Chang'an]], the capital of the [[Tang China]]. In addition to the continuing adoption of Chinese administrative practices, the [[Nara period]] is characterized by the appearance of a nascent written literature with the completion of the massive chronicles ''[[Kojiki]]'' (The Record of Ancient Matters, 712) and ''[[Nihonshoki]]'' (Chronicles of Japan, 720), as well as a further strengthening of Buddhism's influence, culminating in the construction of the [[Daibutsu]] at [[Tōdaiji]] in 751.  

The [[Nara period]] of the eighth century marked the first emergence of a strong central Japanese state, centered around an imperial court in the city of [[Heijō Palace|Heijō-kyō]], or modern day [[Nara, Nara|Nara]], which was modeled after [[Chang'an]], the capital of the [[Tang China]]. In addition to the continuing adoption of Chinese administrative practices, the [[Nara period]] is characterized by the appearance of a nascent written literature with the completion of the massive chronicles ''[[Kojiki]]'' (The Record of Ancient Matters, 712) and ''[[Nihonshoki]]'' (Chronicles of Japan, 720), as well as a further strengthening of Buddhism's influence, culminating in the construction of the [[Daibutsu]] at [[Tōdaiji]] in 751.  

Japan's [[feudal]] era was characterized by the emergence of a ruling class of warriors, the [[samurai]]. In 1185, following the defeat of the rival [[Taira clan]], [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]] was appointed [[Shogun|Shōgun]] and established a base of power in [[Kamakura, Kanagawa|Kamakura]]. After Yoritomo's death, another warrior clan, the [[Hōjō clan|Hōjō]], came to rule as regents for the shoguns. [[Zen]] Buddhism was introduced from China in the [[Kamakura period]] (1185&ndash;1333) and became popular among the samurai class. The [[Kamakura shogunate]] managed to repel [[Mongol invasions of Japan|Mongol invasions]] in 1274 and 1281, with assistance from a storm that the Japanese interpreted as a [[Kamikaze (typhoon)|kamikaze]], or Divine Wind. The Kamakura shogunate was eventually overthrown by [[Emperor Go-Daigo]], who was soon himself defeated by [[Ashikaga Takauji]] in 1333. The succeeding [[Ashikaga shogunate]] failed to manage the feudal warlords (''[[daimyo]]''), and a civil war erupted (the [[Ōnin War]]).  

Japan's [[feudal]] era was characterized by the emergence of a ruling class of warriors, the [[samurai]]. In 1185, following the defeat of the rival [[Taira clan]], [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]] was appointed [[Shogun|Shōgun]] and established a base of power in [[Kamakura, Kanagawa|Kamakura]]. After Yoritomo's death, another warrior clan, the [[Hōjō clan|Hōjō]], came to rule as regents for the shoguns. [[Zen]] Buddhism was introduced from China in the [[Kamakura period]] (1185&ndash;1333) and became popular among the samurai class. The [[Kamakura shogunate]] managed to repel [[Mongol invasions of Japan|Mongol invasions]] in 1274 and 1281, with assistance from a storm that the Japanese interpreted as a [[Kamikaze (typhoon)|kamikaze]], or Divine Wind. The Kamakura shogunate was eventually overthrown by [[Emperor Go-Daigo]], who was soon himself defeated by [[Ashikaga Takauji]] in 1333. The succeeding [[Ashikaga shogunate]] failed to manage the feudal warlords (''[[daimyo]]''), and a civil war erupted (the [[Ōnin War]]).  

During the 16th century, traders and [[missionary|missionaries]] from [[Portugal]] reached Japan for the first time, initiating the ''[[Nanban trade period|Nanban]]'' ("southern barbarian") period of active commercial and cultural exchange between Japan and the West. [[Oda Nobunaga]] conquered numerous other daimyo by using European technology and [[firearms]] and had almost unified the nation when he was assassinated in 1582. [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] succeeded Nobunaga and united the nation in 1590. Hideyoshi [[Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea|invaded Korea twice]], but following several defeats by [[Korea]]n and [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] Chinese forces and Hideyoshi's death, Japanese troops were withdrawn in 1598.

During the 16th century, traders and [[missionary|missionaries]] from [[Portugal]] reached Japan for the first time, initiating the ''[[Nanban trade period|Nanban]]'' ("southern barbarian") period of active commercial and cultural exchange between Japan and the West. [[Oda Nobunaga]] conquered numerous other daimyo by using European technology and [[firearms]] and had almost unified the nation when he was assassinated in 1582. [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] succeeded Nobunaga and united the nation in 1590. Hideyoshi [[Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea|invaded Korea twice]], but following several defeats by [[Korea]]n and [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] Chinese forces and Hideyoshi's death, Japanese troops were withdrawn in 1598.

After Hideyoshi's death, [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]] utilized his position as the regent of Hideyoshi's son [[Toyotomi Hideyori]] to gain political and military support. When open war broke out, he defeated rival clans in the [[Battle of Sekigahara]] in 1600. Ieyasu was appointed [[shogun|shōgun]] in 1603 and established the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] at [[Edo]] (modern [[Tokyo]]). The [[Tokugawa shogunate]] enacted a variety of measures to control the [[daimyo]], among them the [[sankin-kotai|''sankin-kōtai'']] policy. In 1639, the shogunate began the isolationist ''[[sakoku]]'' ("closed country") policy that spanned the two and a half centuries of tenuous political unity known as the [[Edo period]]. The study of Western sciences, known as ''[[rangaku]]'', continued during this period through contacts with the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] enclave at [[Dejima]] in [[Nagasaki]]. The Edo period also gave rise to ''[[kokugaku]]'', or literally "national studies", the study of Japan by the Japanese themselves.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hooker | first = Richard |url = http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/KOKUGAKU.HTM |title=Japan Glossary; Kokugaku | date = [[1999-07-14]] | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>

After Hideyoshi's death, [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]] utilized his position as the regent of Hideyoshi's son [[Toyotomi Hideyori]] to gain political and military support. When open war broke out, he defeated rival clans in the [[Battle of Sekigahara]] in 1600. Ieyasu was appointed [[shogun|shōgun]] in 1603 and established the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] at [[Edo]] (modern [[Tokyo]]). The [[Tokugawa shogunate]] enacted a variety of measures to control the [[daimyo]], among them the [[sankin-kotai|''sankin-kōtai'']] policy. In 1639, the shogunate began the isolationist ''[[sakoku]]'' ("closed country") policy that spanned the two and a half centuries of tenuous political unity known as the [[Edo period]]. The study of Western sciences, known as ''[[rangaku]]'', continued during this period through contacts with the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] enclave at [[Dejima]] in [[Nagasaki]]. The Edo period also gave rise to ''[[kokugaku]]'', or literally "national studies", the study of Japan by the Japanese themselves.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hooker | first = Richard |url = http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/KOKUGAKU.HTM |title=Japan Glossary; Kokugaku | date = [[1999-07-14]] | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>

 

On [[March 31]], [[1854]], [[Matthew Calbraith 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]]. The [[Boshin War]] of 1867&ndash;1868 led to the resignation of the shogunate, and the [[Meiji Restoration]] established a government centred around the emperor. Japan updated its political, judicial and military institutions by adapting Western examples. A [[parliamentary system]] modeled after the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British parliament]] was introduced, with [[Ito Hirobumi]] as the first Prime Minister in 1882. [[Meiji era]] reforms transformed the [[Empire of Japan]] into an [[industrialization|industrialized]] [[world power]] that embarked on a number of military conflicts to increase access to natural resources. After victories in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] (1894&ndash;1895) and the [[Russo-Japanese War]] (1904&ndash;1905), Japan gained control of [[Korea]], [[Taiwan]] and the southern half of [[Sakhalin]].

On [[March 31]], [[1854]], [[Matthew Calbraith 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]]. The [[Boshin War]] of 1867&ndash;1868 led to the resignation of the shogunate, and the [[Meiji Restoration]] established a government centred around the emperor. Japan updated its political, judicial and military institutions by adapting Western examples. A [[parliamentary system]] modeled after the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British parliament]] was introduced, with [[Ito Hirobumi]] as the first Prime Minister in 1882. [[Meiji era]] reforms transformed the [[Empire of Japan]] into an [[industrialization|industrialized]] [[world power]] that embarked on a number of military conflicts to increase access to natural resources. After victories in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] (1894&ndash;1895) and the [[Russo-Japanese War]] (1904&ndash;1905), Japan gained control of [[Korea]], [[Taiwan]] and the southern half of [[Sakhalin]].

The early twentieth century saw a brief period of "[[Taisho democracy]]" overshadowed by the rise of [[Japanese expansionism]] and [[militarization]]. [[World War I]] enabled Japan, which joined the side of the victorious Allies, to expand its influence and territorial holdings. Japan continued its expansionist policy by occupying [[Manchuria]] in 1931. As a result of international condemnation for this occupation, Japan resigned from the [[League of Nations]] two years later. In 1936, Japan signed the [[Anti-Comintern Pact]] with [[Nazi Germany]], joining the [[Axis Powers]] in 1941.

The early twentieth century saw a brief period of "[[Taisho democracy]]" overshadowed by the rise of [[Japanese expansionism]] and [[militarization]]. [[World War I]] enabled Japan, which joined the side of the victorious Allies, to expand its influence and territorial holdings. Japan continued its expansionist policy by occupying [[Manchuria]] in 1931. As a result of international condemnation for this occupation, Japan resigned from the [[League of Nations]] two years later. In 1936, Japan signed the [[Anti-Comintern Pact]] with [[Nazi Germany]], joining the [[Axis Powers]] in 1941.

In 1937, Japan invaded other parts of China, precipitating the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] (1937-1945), after which the [[United States]] placed an oil embargo on Japan. On [[December 7]], [[1941]], Japan [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|attacked the United States naval base]] in [[Pearl Harbor]] and declared war on the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[Netherlands]]. This act brought the United States into [[World War II]]. After the [[atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|atomic bombing]]s of [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]] in 1945, Japan agreed to an [[unconditional surrender]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://library.educationworld.net/txt15/surrend1.html | title = Japanese Instrument of Surrender | publisher = educationworld.net | accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref> The [[Japanese Instrument of Surrender]] was signed on  [[September 2]], [[1945]] ([[V-J Day]]). The war cost Japan millions of lives and left much of the country's industry and infrastructure destroyed. The [[International Military Tribunal for the Far East]], was subsequently convened (on [[May 3]][[1946]]) to prosecute Japanese leaders for [[Japanese war crimes|crimes against peace and humanity]].  

In 1937, Japan invaded other parts of China, precipitating the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] (1937-1945), after which the [[United States]] placed an oil embargo on Japan. On [[December 7]], [[1941]], Japan [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|attacked the United States naval base]] in [[Pearl Harbor]] and declared war on the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[Netherlands]]. This act brought the United States into [[World War II]]. After the [[atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|atomic bombing]]s of [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]] in 1945, Japan agreed to an [[unconditional surrender]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://library.educationworld.net/txt15/surrend1.html | title = Japanese Instrument of Surrender | publisher = educationworld.net | accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref> The [[Japanese Instrument of Surrender]] was signed on  [[September 2]], [[1945]] ([[V-J Day]]). The war cost Japan millions of lives and left much of the country's industry and infrastructure destroyed. The [[International Military Tribunal for the Far East]], was subsequently convened (on [[May 3]][[1946]]) to prosecute Japanese leaders for [[Japanese war crimes|crimes against peace and humanity]].  

==Government and politics==

==Government and politics==

{{main|Politics of Japan}}

{{main|Politics of Japan}}

 

Japan is a [[constitutional monarchy]] where the power of the [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] (天皇 tennō, literally "heavenly sovereign") is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]] as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people". Power is held chiefly by the [[Prime Minister of Japan]] and other elected members of the [[Diet of Japan|Diet]], while sovereignty is vested in the [[Japanese people]].<ref name="Constitution">{{cite web|url=http://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/law/index.htm|title=The Constitution of Japan|publisher=House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan|date=[[1946-11-03]]|accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref>  The emperor effectively acts as the [[head of state]] on diplomatic occasions. [[Akihito]] is the current Emperor of Japan.

Japan is a [[constitutional monarchy]] where the power of the [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] (天皇 tennō, literally "heavenly sovereign") is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the [[Constitution of Japan|constitution]] as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people". Power is held chiefly by the [[Prime Minister of Japan]] and other elected members of the [[Diet of Japan|Diet]], while sovereignty is vested in the [[Japanese people]].<ref name="Constitution">{{cite web|url=http://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/law/index.htm|title=The Constitution of Japan|publisher=House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan|date=[[1946-11-03]]|accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref>  The emperor effectively acts as the [[head of state]] on diplomatic occasions. [[Akihito]] is the current Emperor of Japan.

==Foreign policy and military==

==Foreign policy and military==

{{main article|Foreign relations of Japan|Japan Self-Defense Forces|Ministry of Defense (Japan)}}

{{main article|Foreign relations of Japan|Japan Self-Defense Forces|Ministry of Defense (Japan)}}

Japan maintains close economic and military relations with its key ally the [[United States]], with the [[Japanese-American relations|US-Japan security alliance]] serving as the cornerstone of its [[foreign policy]]. A member state of the [[United Nations]] since 1956, Japan is currently serving as a non-permanent [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] member. It is also one of the "[[G4 nations]]" seeking permanent membership in the Security Council.

Japan maintains close economic and military relations with its key ally the [[United States]], with the [[Japanese-American relations|US-Japan security alliance]] serving as the cornerstone of its [[foreign policy]]. A member state of the [[United Nations]] since 1956, Japan is currently serving as a non-permanent [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] member. It is also one of the "[[G4 nations]]" seeking permanent membership in the Security Council.

==Administrative divisions==

==Administrative divisions==

{{main|Prefectures of Japan|Cities of Japan|Towns of Japan|Villages of Japan|List of Japanese cities by population}}

{{main|Prefectures of Japan|Cities of Japan|Towns of Japan|Villages of Japan|List of Japanese cities by population}}

==Geography and climate==

==Geography and climate==

{{main|Geography of Japan}}

{{main|Geography of Japan}}

 

Japan is a country of over 3,000 islands extending along the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are [[Hokkaidō]], [[Honshū]] (the main island), [[Shikoku]], and [[Kyūshū]]. The [[Ryukyu Islands]], including [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]], are a chain of islands south of Kyushū. Together they are often known as the [[Japanese Archipelago]].  

Japan is a country of over 3,000 islands extending along the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are [[Hokkaidō]], [[Honshū]] (the main island), [[Shikoku]], and [[Kyūshū]]. The [[Ryukyu Islands]], including [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]], are a chain of islands south of Kyushū. Together they are often known as the [[Japanese Archipelago]].  

==Economy==

==Economy==

{{main|Economy of Japan}}

{{main|Economy of Japan}}

Close [[government]]-[[industry]] cooperation, a strong [[work ethic]], mastery of [[high tech]]nology, and a comparatively small [[Defense budget of Japan|defense allocation]] have helped Japan become the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|second largest]] economy in the world,<ref name="imf">{{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/02/data/weorept.aspx?sy=2005&ey=2005&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C686%2C218%2C688%2C963%2C518%2C616%2C728%2C223%2C558%2C516%2C138%2C918%2C353%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C965%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698%2C941&s=NGDPD&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=64&pr1.y=9 |title=World Economic Outlook Database; country comparisons | publisher = [[IMF]] | date = [[2006-09-01]] | accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref> after the [[United States]], at around US$4.5 [[trillion]] in terms of [[nominal GDP]]<ref name="imf"/> and third after the United States and [[People's Republic of China|China]] if [[purchasing power parity]] is used.<ref>See the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|wikipedia entry]] on countries ranked by GDP through PPP calculations.</ref>

Close [[government]]-[[industry]] cooperation, a strong [[work ethic]], mastery of [[high tech]]nology, and a comparatively small [[Defense budget of Japan|defense allocation]] have helped Japan become the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|second largest]] economy in the world,<ref name="imf">{{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/02/data/weorept.aspx?sy=2005&ey=2005&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C686%2C218%2C688%2C963%2C518%2C616%2C728%2C223%2C558%2C516%2C138%2C918%2C353%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C965%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698%2C941&s=NGDPD&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=64&pr1.y=9 |title=World Economic Outlook Database; country comparisons | publisher = [[IMF]] | date = [[2006-09-01]] | accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref> after the [[United States]], at around US$4.5 [[trillion]] in terms of [[nominal GDP]]<ref name="imf"/> and third after the United States and [[People's Republic of China|China]] if [[purchasing power parity]] is used.<ref>See the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|wikipedia entry]] on countries ranked by GDP through PPP calculations.</ref>

[[Bank]]ing, [[insurance]], [[real estate]], [[Retailer|retail]]ing, [[transportation in Japan|transportation]] and [[telecommunication]]s are all major industries. Japan has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of [[motor vehicle]]s, [[electronics|electronic equipment]], [[machine tool]]s, [[steel]] and nonferrous [[metal]]s, [[ship]]s, [[chemical]]s, [[textile]]s and [[processed food]]s. It is home to leading [[multinational corporation]]s and commercial [[brand]]s in [[technology]] and [[machinery]] (see also [[list of Japanese companies]]).<ref name="ciaecon"/> [[Construction]] has long been one of Japan's largest industries, with the help of multi-billion dollar government contracts in the civil sector. Distinguishing characteristics of the Japanese economy include the cooperation of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and banks in closely-knit groups called ''[[keiretsu]]'' (examples include [[Mitsubishi]], [[Sumitomo]] and [[Mitsui]]), powerful enterprise unions and ''[[shunto]]'', the guarantee of [[lifetime employment]] (''shushin koyo'') in big corporations and highly [[labour union|unionized]] [[blue-collar]] factories. Recently, Japanese companies have begun to abandon some of these norms in an attempt to increase profitability.

[[Bank]]ing, [[insurance]], [[real estate]], [[Retailer|retail]]ing, [[transportation in Japan|transportation]] and [[telecommunication]]s are all major industries. Japan has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of [[motor vehicle]]s, [[electronics|electronic equipment]], [[machine tool]]s, [[steel]] and nonferrous [[metal]]s, [[ship]]s, [[chemical]]s, [[textile]]s and [[processed food]]s. It is home to leading [[multinational corporation]]s and commercial [[brand]]s in [[technology]] and [[machinery]] (see also [[list of Japanese companies]]).<ref name="ciaecon"/> [[Construction]] has long been one of Japan's largest industries, with the help of multi-billion dollar government contracts in the civil sector. Distinguishing characteristics of the Japanese economy include the cooperation of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and banks in closely-knit groups called ''[[keiretsu]]'' (examples include [[Mitsubishi]], [[Sumitomo]] and [[Mitsui]]), powerful enterprise unions and ''[[shunto]]'', the guarantee of [[lifetime employment]] (''shushin koyo'') in big corporations and highly [[labour union|unionized]] [[blue-collar]] factories. Recently, Japanese companies have begun to abandon some of these norms in an attempt to increase profitability.

In terms of financial sector, it is home to the world's largest bank,<ref name="mufg">[http://www.mufg.jp/english/ir/fs/backnumber/2007mufg-mar-1q/pdffile/mufg2007_1q_e.pdf Consolidated financial information (PDF).] Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. ([[2006-07-31]]). Retrieved on [[2006-12-29]].</ref> the [[Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group]],<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A54352-2004Jul16.html Japan Merger Creates World's Largest Bank] [[Washington Post]] ([[2004-07-16]]). Retrieved on [[2007-03-10]].</ref> which has roughly US$1.7 [[trillion]] in [[asset]]s<ref name="mufg"/> and the world's largest [[postal savings system]] and the largest holder of [[saving|personal saving]]s, [[Japan Post]] that holds personal savings valued at around US$3.3 [[trillion]]. It is home to the world's second largest [[stock exchange]], the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]], with a market [[capitalization]] of over US$4 [[trillion]] as of December 2006.<ref>[http://www.tse.or.jp/STATISTICS/e01.html Market data.] Tokyo Stock Exchange ([[2006-12-28]]). Retrieved on [[2006-12-29]].</ref> It is also home to some of the largest [[financial services]] companies, [[business group]]s and [[bank]]s. For instance several large [[keiretsu]]s (business groups) and multinational companies such as [[Sony]], [[Sumitomo]], [[Mitsubishi]] and [[Toyota]] own billion- and trillion-[[US dollar|dollar]] operating [[bank]]s, [[investment|investment group]]s and/or financial services such as [[Sumitomo Bank]], [[Fuji Bank]], [[Mitsubishi Bank]], [[Toyota Financial Services]] and [[Sony Financial Holdings]]. (see also [[List of banks in Japan|list of Japanese banks]]).

In terms of financial sector, it is home to the world's largest bank,<ref name="mufg">[http://www.mufg.jp/english/ir/fs/backnumber/2007mufg-mar-1q/pdffile/mufg2007_1q_e.pdf Consolidated financial information (PDF).] Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. ([[2006-07-31]]). Retrieved on [[2006-12-29]].</ref> the [[Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group]],<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A54352-2004Jul16.html Japan Merger Creates World's Largest Bank] [[Washington Post]] ([[2004-07-16]]). Retrieved on [[2007-03-10]].</ref> which has roughly US$1.7 [[trillion]] in [[asset]]s<ref name="mufg"/> and the world's largest [[postal savings system]] and the largest holder of [[saving|personal saving]]s, [[Japan Post]] that holds personal savings valued at around US$3.3 [[trillion]]. It is home to the world's second largest [[stock exchange]], the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]], with a market [[capitalization]] of over US$4 [[trillion]] as of December 2006.<ref>[http://www.tse.or.jp/STATISTICS/e01.html Market data.] Tokyo Stock Exchange ([[2006-12-28]]). Retrieved on [[2006-12-29]].</ref> It is also home to some of the largest [[financial services]] companies, [[business group]]s and [[bank]]s. For instance several large [[keiretsu]]s (business groups) and multinational companies such as [[Sony]], [[Sumitomo]], [[Mitsubishi]] and [[Toyota]] own billion- and trillion-[[US dollar|dollar]] operating [[bank]]s, [[investment|investment group]]s and/or financial services such as [[Sumitomo Bank]], [[Fuji Bank]], [[Mitsubishi Bank]], [[Toyota Financial Services]] and [[Sony Financial Holdings]]. (see also [[List of banks in Japan|list of Japanese banks]]).

==Science and technology==

==Science and technology==

{{main|Science and technology in Japan}}

{{main|Science and technology in Japan}}

==Demographics==

==Demographics==

{{main|Demographics of Japan|Japanese language|Religion in Japan}}

{{main|Demographics of Japan|Japanese language|Religion in Japan}}

 

Japan's population is estimated at around 127,463,611.<ref name="ciapeople">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ja.html#People |title=World Factbook; Japan - People | publisher = [[CIA]] | date = [[2006-12-19]] | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> For the most part, Japanese society is [[Linguistics|linguistically]] and culturally homogeneous with only small populations of foreign workers, [[Zainichi Korean]]s, [[Japanese Brazilians]], and others. Japan also has indigenous minority groups such as the [[Ainu people|Ainu]] and [[Ryūkyūans]], and social minority groups like the ''[[burakumin]]''.

Japan's population is estimated at around 127,463,611.<ref name="ciapeople">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ja.html#People |title=World Factbook; Japan - People | publisher = [[CIA]] | date = [[2006-12-19]] | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> For the most part, Japanese society is [[Linguistics|linguistically]] and culturally homogeneous with only small populations of foreign workers, [[Zainichi Korean]]s, [[Japanese Brazilians]], and others. Japan also has indigenous minority groups such as the [[Ainu people|Ainu]] and [[Ryūkyūans]], and social minority groups like the ''[[burakumin]]''.

Japan has one of the highest [[life expectancy]] rates in the world, at 81.25 years of age as of 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html |title=The World Factbook: Rank order - Life expectancy at birth | publisher = [[CIA]] | date = [[2006-12-19]] | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> However, the Japanese population is rapidly aging, the effect of [[Post-WW2 baby boom|a post-war baby boom]] followed by a decrease in births in the latter part of the 20th century. In 2004, about 19.5% of the population was over the age of 65.<ref name="handbook">{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.go.jp/English/data/handbook/c02cont.htm |title=Statistical Handbook of Japan: Chapter 2 - Population | publisher = Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>[[Image:KyotoFushimiInariLarge.jpg|thumb|left|Shinto [[torii]] at [[Fushimi Inari-taisha]], Kyoto]] The changes in the demographic structure have created a number of social issues, particularly a potential decline in the workforce population and increases in the cost of social security benefits such as the [[pension|public pension plan]]. It is also noted that many Japanese youth are increasingly preferring not to [[marry]] or have families as adults.<ref name="Ogawa" /> Japan's population is expected to drop to 100 million by 2050 and to 64 million by 2100.<ref name="handbook"/>

Japan has one of the highest [[life expectancy]] rates in the world, at 81.25 years of age as of 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html |title=The World Factbook: Rank order - Life expectancy at birth | publisher = [[CIA]] | date = [[2006-12-19]] | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> However, the Japanese population is rapidly aging, the effect of [[Post-WW2 baby boom|a post-war baby boom]] followed by a decrease in births in the latter part of the 20th century. In 2004, about 19.5% of the population was over the age of 65.<ref name="handbook">{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.go.jp/English/data/handbook/c02cont.htm |title=Statistical Handbook of Japan: Chapter 2 - Population | publisher = Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> The changes in the demographic structure have created a number of social issues, particularly a potential decline in the workforce population and increases in the cost of social security benefits such as the [[pension|public pension plan]]. It is also noted that many Japanese youth are increasingly preferring not to [[marry]] or have families as adults.<ref name="Ogawa" /> Japan's population is expected to drop to 100 million by 2050 and to 64 million by 2100.<ref name="handbook"/>

Demographers and government planners are currently in a heated debate over how to cope with this problem.<ref name="Ogawa">Ogawa, Naohiro.[http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/japan/socsec/ogawa.html "Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Japan's Future".] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Transcript of speech delieved on ([[7 March]], [[1997]]). Retrieved on [[14 May]] [[2006]].</ref> [[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 |title=Japan Immigration Policy Institute: Director's message |accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> Immigration, however, is not popular.<ref>French, Howard.[http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/24/international/asia/24JAPA.html?ei=5007&en=53c7315175389e69&ex=1374379200&partner=USERLAND&pagewanted=all&position=""Insular Japan Needs, but Resists, Immigration".] "[[The New York Times]]" ([[2003-07-24]]). Retrieved on [[2007-02-21]].}}</ref>  

Demographers and government planners are currently in a heated debate over how to cope with this problem.<ref name="Ogawa">Ogawa, Naohiro.[http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/japan/socsec/ogawa.html "Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Japan's Future".] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Transcript of speech delieved on ([[7 March]], [[1997]]). Retrieved on [[14 May]] [[2006]].</ref> [[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 |title=Japan Immigration Policy Institute: Director's message |accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> Immigration, however, is not popular.<ref>French, Howard.[http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/24/international/asia/24JAPA.html?ei=5007&en=53c7315175389e69&ex=1374379200&partner=USERLAND&pagewanted=all&position=""Insular Japan Needs, but Resists, Immigration".] "[[The New York Times]]" ([[2003-07-24]]). Retrieved on [[2007-02-21]].}}</ref>  

==Culture==

==Culture==

{{main|Culture of Japan}}

{{main|Culture of Japan}}

Japanese [[culture]] has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original [[Jomon]] culture to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from [[Asia]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]].

Japanese [[culture]] has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original [[Jomon]] culture to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from [[Asia]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]].

==Sports and recreation==

==Sports and recreation==

{{main|Sport in Japan}}

{{main|Sport in Japan}}

Traditionally, [[sumo]] is considered Japan's [[national sport]] and is one of its most popular.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/sumoeastandwest/sumo.html Sumo: East and West] [[PBS]]. Retrieved on [[2007-03-10]].</ref> Martial arts such as [[judo|judō]], [[karate]] and [[kendo|kendō]] are also widely practiced in the country.  

Traditionally, [[sumo]] is considered Japan's [[national sport]] and is one of its most popular.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/sumoeastandwest/sumo.html Sumo: East and West] [[PBS]]. Retrieved on [[2007-03-10]].</ref> Martial arts such as [[judo|judō]], [[karate]] and [[kendo|kendō]] are also widely practiced in the country.