Japan

In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Following the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854, Japan opened its ports and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and a staunch ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, actual power rests in networks of powerful politicians, bureaucrats, and business executives. The economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s following three decades of unprecedented growth, but Japan still remains a major economic power, both in Asia and globally.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 127,433,494 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Japanese (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Japanese

Official Language(s): Japanese

Major Languages Spoken: Japanese

Country Facts

Country Name (short form): Japan

Country Name (local long form): Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku

Country Name (local short form): Nihon/Nippon

Name of Capital: Tokyo

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Japan: Korea (South), Russia

Land Area: 374744 sq km

Water Area: 3091 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than California

Coastline: 29,751 km

National Holiday: Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December (1933)

International Phone Code: 81

Currency Code: yen (JPY)

Internet Country Code: .jp

US Embassy Location: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420

US Embassy Mailing Address: Unit 45004, Box 258, APO AP 96337-5004