Changes

Japan donated about 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the [[U.S.]] in 1912,<ref>https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/history-of-the-cherry-trees.htm</ref> which were planted in [[Washington, D.C.]] for a spectacular blooming every spring. For centuries in Japan there has been a celebration of the spring blooming of cherry blossom trees.

Japan donated about 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the [[U.S.]] in 1912,<ref>https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/history-of-the-cherry-trees.htm</ref> which were planted in [[Washington, D.C.]] for a spectacular blooming every spring. For centuries in Japan there has been a celebration of the spring blooming of cherry blossom trees.

== Political history ==  

== Political history ==

In the August 2009 national elections, the [[Liberal Democratic Party of Japan|Liberal Democratic Party]] (LDP) suffered a massive defeat as voters blamed it for the poor economy, numerous corruption scandals and Prime Minister [[Taro Aso]]'s uninspiring leadership. The LDP has ruled Japan for nearly all of the last 50 years and is generally conservative, but it lost two-thirds of its seats.  

In the August 2009 national elections, the [[Liberal Democratic Party of Japan|Liberal Democratic Party]] (LDP) suffered a massive defeat as voters blamed it for the poor economy, numerous corruption scandals and Prime Minister [[Taro Aso]]'s uninspiring leadership. The LDP has ruled Japan for nearly all of the last 50 years and is generally conservative, but it lost two-thirds of its seats.  

In 1947 the proportion of Japanese over 65 was around 5% of the population, well below that in Britain, France or America. Today the elderly account for one-fifth of the population, and average lifespans have grown remarkably. Life expectancy today is 82, up from a little over 50 in 1947.   

In 1947 the proportion of Japanese over 65 was around 5% of the population, well below that in Britain, France or America. Today the elderly account for one-fifth of the population, and average lifespans have grown remarkably. Life expectancy today is 82, up from a little over 50 in 1947.   

The baby boom came in 1947-1949, when 2.7m children a year were born. In 2007 the baby-boom generation began to retire (60 is the mandatory retirement age at most companies).  Japan's birth rate fell below the replacement rate of 2.1 in the early 1970s. It slid to a low of 1.26 in 2005. In 2005 the population began to fall in absolute terms, despite increasing life expectancy. It is now shrinking at a pace unprecedented for any nation in peacetime. The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimates a total population of 95m by 2050, compared to 127m in 2007, with the elderly accounting by then for two-fifths of the total.<ref>"Japan's changing demography: Cloud, or silver linings?" ''Economist'' (Jul 26th 2007) at [https://www.economist.com/world/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9539825].</ref>

The baby boom came in 1947–1949, when 2.7m children a year were born. In 2007 the baby-boom generation began to retire (60 is the mandatory retirement age at most companies).  Japan's birth rate fell below the replacement rate of 2.1 in the early 1970s. It slid to a low of 1.26 in 2005. In 2005 the population began to fall in absolute terms, despite increasing life expectancy. It is now shrinking at a pace unprecedented for any nation in peacetime. The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimates a total population of 95m by 2050, compared to 127m in 2007, with the elderly accounting by then for two-fifths of the total.<ref>"Japan's changing demography: Cloud, or silver linings?" ''Economist'' (Jul 26th 2007) at [https://www.economist.com/world/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9539825].</ref>

===Policies===

===Policies===

Japan is the world's fifth-largest economy in terms of purchasing power and a major economic power both in Asia and globally. Japan has diplomatic relations with nearly all independent nations and has been an active member of the United Nations since 1956.  

Japan is the world's fifth-largest economy in terms of purchasing power and a major economic power both in Asia and globally. Japan has diplomatic relations with nearly all independent nations and has been an active member of the United Nations since 1956.  

[[File:Japanese sailors.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Japanese sailors.]]

[[File:Japanese sailors.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Japanese sailors.]]

In recent years, the Japanese public has shown a substantially greater awareness of security issues and increasing support for the Self Defense Forces. This is in part due to the Self Defense Forces' success in disaster relief efforts at home, and its participation in peacekeeping operations such as in Cambodia in the early 1990s and Iraq in 2005-2006. However, there are still significant political and psychological constraints on strengthening Japan's security profile. Although a military role for Japan in international affairs is highly constrained by its constitution and government policy, Japanese cooperation with the United States through the 1960 U.S.-Japan Security Treaty has been important to the peace and stability of [[East Asia]]. Currently, there are domestic discussions about possible reinterpretation or revision of Article 9 of the Japanese constitution. Prime Minister Abe made revising or reinterpreting the Japanese constitution a priority of his administration. All postwar Japanese governments have relied on a close relationship with the United States as the foundation of their foreign policy and have depended on the Mutual Security Treaty for strategic protection.  

In recent years, the Japanese public has shown a substantially greater awareness of security issues and increasing support for the Self Defense Forces. This is in part due to the Self Defense Forces' success in disaster relief efforts at home, and its participation in peacekeeping operations such as in Cambodia in the early 1990s and Iraq in 2005–2006. However, there are still significant political and psychological constraints on strengthening Japan's security profile. Although a military role for Japan in international affairs is highly constrained by its constitution and government policy, Japanese cooperation with the United States through the 1960 U.S.-Japan Security Treaty has been important to the peace and stability of [[East Asia]]. Currently, there are domestic discussions about possible reinterpretation or revision of Article 9 of the Japanese constitution. Prime Minister Abe made revising or reinterpreting the Japanese constitution a priority of his administration. All postwar Japanese governments have relied on a close relationship with the United States as the foundation of their foreign policy and have depended on the Mutual Security Treaty for strategic protection.  

Japan has pursued a more active [[foreign policy]] in recent years, recognizing the responsibility that accompanies its economic strength. It has expanded ties with the Middle East, which provides most of its oil, and has been the second-largest assistance donor (behind the U.S.) to [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]]. In 2006, Japan's Ground Self Defense Force completed a successful two-year mission in Iraq, and the Diet extended the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law which allowed for Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force refueling activities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the [[Indian Ocean]]. On July 10, 2007, the Japanese Government decided to extend the Air Self-Defense Force's (ASDF) airlift support mission in Iraq to July 31, 2008. Under the Iraq Special Measures Law a wing of the ASDF's C-130 transport planes, based in [[Kuwait]], will continue to carry personnel and supplies for the U.S.-led multinational forces and the United Nations in Iraq. The law has been extended to July 31, 2009, and will be voted on again in 2008.  

Japan has pursued a more active [[foreign policy]] in recent years, recognizing the responsibility that accompanies its economic strength. It has expanded ties with the Middle East, which provides most of its oil, and has been the second-largest assistance donor (behind the U.S.) to [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]]. In 2006, Japan's Ground Self Defense Force completed a successful two-year mission in Iraq, and the Diet extended the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law which allowed for Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force refueling activities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the [[Indian Ocean]]. On July 10, 2007, the Japanese Government decided to extend the Air Self-Defense Force's (ASDF) airlift support mission in Iraq to July 31, 2008. Under the Iraq Special Measures Law a wing of the ASDF's C-130 transport planes, based in [[Kuwait]], will continue to carry personnel and supplies for the U.S.-led multinational forces and the United Nations in Iraq. The law has been extended to July 31, 2009, and will be voted on again in 2008.  

After Ukrainian dictator [[Volodymyr Zelensky]] attempted to ignite [[World War III]],<ref>[https://www.newsweek.com/volodymyr-zelensky-accused-trying-start-world-war-iii-over-poland-missile-strike-1760125 Zelensky Accused of Trying to Start World War III Over Missile Strike], BY MATTHEW IMPELLI, ''[[Newsweek]]'', 11/16/22</ref> former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori criticized Zelensky and the media saying, "I don't quite understand why only [[President Putin]] is criticized while Mr. Zelenskyy isn't taken to task at all. Mr Zelenskyy has made many Ukrainian people suffer." Mori blasted Japanese news outlets, saying their "one-sided" reporting on the [[NATO war in Ukraine]] gives the impression they "only rely on reports from Europe and the United States."  Mori made the remarks at a gathering related to Muneo Suzuki, a veteran lawmaker known for his efforts to resolve the disputed [[Kuril Islands]] issue with Russia, according to the ''Kyodo News Agency''.<ref>https://japantoday.com/category/politics/ex-japan-pm-harsh-on-zelenskyy-over-war-in-ukraine</ref>

After Ukrainian dictator [[Volodymyr Zelensky]] attempted to ignite [[World War III]],<ref>[https://www.newsweek.com/volodymyr-zelensky-accused-trying-start-world-war-iii-over-poland-missile-strike-1760125 Zelensky Accused of Trying to Start World War III Over Missile Strike], BY MATTHEW IMPELLI, ''[[Newsweek]]'', 11/16/22</ref> former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori criticized Zelensky and the media saying, "I don't quite understand why only [[President Putin]] is criticized while Mr. Zelenskyy isn't taken to task at all. Mr Zelenskyy has made many Ukrainian people suffer." Mori blasted Japanese news outlets, saying their "one-sided" reporting on the [[NATO war in Ukraine]] gives the impression they "only rely on reports from Europe and the United States."  Mori made the remarks at a gathering related to Muneo Suzuki, a veteran lawmaker known for his efforts to resolve the disputed [[Kuril Islands]] issue with Russia, according to the ''Kyodo News Agency''.<ref>https://japantoday.com/category/politics/ex-japan-pm-harsh-on-zelenskyy-over-war-in-ukraine</ref>

On October 3, 2022 Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his intention to conclude a peace treaty with Russia,<ref>https://ria.ru/20221003/dogovor-1821066715.html</ref> but was rebuffed by [[Kremlin]] spokesman [[Dmitry Peskov]] declaring that "peace talks with Japan are now impossible”.<ref>https://ria.ru/20221003/yaponiya-1821119329.html</ref>

On October 3, 2022, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his intention to conclude a peace treaty with Russia,<ref>https://ria.ru/20221003/dogovor-1821066715.html</ref> but was rebuffed by [[Kremlin]] spokesman [[Dmitry Peskov]] declaring that "peace talks with Japan are now impossible”.<ref>https://ria.ru/20221003/yaponiya-1821119329.html</ref>

In March 2023 the Japanese magazine ''Shūkan Gendai'' criticized Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to Kyiv. “Kishida’s visit to Ukraine is the height of stupidity. Zelensky runs the risk of becoming the second [[Osama bin Laden]], who was also supported by the United States at one time. Osama bin Laden, who is now considered a dangerous terrorist by the United States, was originally a [[Mujahideen]]. Then the Mujahideen fought with the [[Soviet]] troops in [[Afghanistan]], and the United States provided them with weapons and money as part of Operation Cyclone. It was just a matter of time. In other words, it was the United States who raised Bin Laden as Mr Hero and then got rid of him. Zelensky’s future “location” should be closely monitored”.<ref>https://twitter.com/GraphicW5/status/1638525754194423819</ref>

In March 2023 the Japanese magazine ''Shūkan Gendai'' criticized Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to Kyiv. “Kishida’s visit to Ukraine is the height of stupidity. Zelensky runs the risk of becoming the second [[Osama bin Laden]], who was also supported by the United States at one time. Osama bin Laden, who is now considered a dangerous terrorist by the United States, was originally a [[Mujahideen]]. Then the Mujahideen fought with the [[Soviet]] troops in [[Afghanistan]], and the United States provided them with weapons and money as part of Operation Cyclone. It was just a matter of time. In other words, it was the United States who raised Bin Laden as Mr Hero and then got rid of him. Zelensky’s future “location” should be closely monitored”.<ref>https://twitter.com/GraphicW5/status/1638525754194423819</ref>

In late December 2023 Japan was warned by the Russian Federation about sending [[Patriot missile]] batteries to Ukraine.<ref>https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/russia-warns-japan-over-providing-patriot-air-defence-systems-to-ukraine/49087754</ref>

In late December 2023 Japan was warned by the Russian Federation about sending [[Patriot missile]] batteries to Ukraine.<ref>https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/russia-warns-japan-over-providing-patriot-air-defence-systems-to-ukraine/49087754</ref>

On January 29, 2024 the two former [[Axis Powers]] of [[World War II]], [[Germany]] and Japan, signed a military pact to facilitate exchanges of supplies and logistical support.<ref>https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/f4dbfe9cbad4-japan-germany-sign-military-supply-sharing-pact-amid-china-rise.html</ref>

On January 29, 2024, the two former [[Axis Powers]] of [[World War II]], [[Germany]] and Japan, signed a military pact to facilitate exchanges of supplies and logistical support.<ref>https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/f4dbfe9cbad4-japan-germany-sign-military-supply-sharing-pact-amid-china-rise.html</ref>

====Relations with China====

====Relations with China====

=== Economic History ===

=== Economic History ===

In 1960, with a GDP with over $40 billion,<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_largest_historical_GDP</ref> Japan was the ninth-largest economy, below the United States, the Soviet Union, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, and Canada. Because of economic reforms and economic freedom set out by the Japanese government, Japan boomed to $90 trillion in 1965, getting to sixth. The booming economy of Japan was doubling in less than five years, and got to fourth place with $200 billion in 1970. It went to $512.5 billion in 1975, becoming the third-largest economy. In 1980, Japan again more than doubled, with a $1.1 trillion GDP. Experts predicted another more-than-double in 1985. That wasn't the case. Instead, Japan went to $1.4 trillion in 1985, slowing down a little bit. In 1990, Japan had a $3.15 trillion GDP, more-than-doubling again, and now overtaking the Soviet Union's economy, and thus getting to 2nd. In 1995, Japan exploded to 5.5 trillion dollars, and experts thought Japan would overtake the US.<ref>https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-04-10-9504100029-story.html</ref> But Japan slowed down in 2000, going down to $4.9 trillion, but keeping second place. In 2005, Japan went down further to $4.75 trillion, still being second. But, in 2010, Japan was a $6 trillion dollar economy, tying with China. In 2015, Japan was down to 3rd, with $4.4 trillion. Japan is now a very risky investment, barely getting to $5 trillion in 2020.

In 1960, with a GDP with over $40 billion,<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_largest_historical_GDP</ref> Japan was the ninth-largest economy, below the United States, the Soviet Union, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, and Canada. Because of economic reforms and economic freedom set out by the Japanese government, Japan boomed to $90 trillion in 1965, getting to sixth. The booming economy of Japan was doubling in less than five years, and got to fourth place with $200 billion in 1970. It went to $512.5 billion in 1975, becoming the third-largest economy. In 1980, Japan again more than doubled, with a $1.1 trillion GDP. Experts predicted another more-than-double in 1985. That wasn't the case. Instead, Japan went to $1.4 trillion in 1985, slowing down a little bit. In 1990, Japan had a $3.15 trillion GDP, more-than-doubling again, and now overtaking the Soviet Union's economy, and thus getting to 2nd. In 1995, Japan exploded to 5.5 trillion dollars, and experts thought Japan would overtake the US.<ref>https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-04-10-9504100029-story.html</ref> But Japan slowed down in 2000, going down to $4.9 trillion, but keeping second place. In 2005, Japan went down further to $4.75 trillion, still being second. But, in 2010, Japan was a $6 trillion economy, tying with China. In 2015, Japan was down to 3rd, with $4.4 trillion. Japan is now a very risky investment, barely getting to $5 trillion in 2020.

===Agriculture, Energy, and Minerals===

===Agriculture, Energy, and Minerals===