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JapanContents
HistoryThe following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article History of Japan. (See e.g. Wikipedia:Summary style.) Jomon and Yayoi eras
A Middle Jomon vessel (3000 to 2000 BC)
The first signs of civilization appeared around 10,000 BC with the Jomon culture, characterized by a mesolithic to neolithic semi-sedentary hunter-gatherer lifestyle of pit dwelling and a rudimentary form of agriculture.[2] The Jomon people made decorated clay vessels, often with plaited patterns. Some of the oldest surviving examples of pottery in the world may be found in Japan.[3] Classical era
The Great Buddha at Tōdaiji, Nara, originally cast in 752
The Yamato period, from the 3rd century to the 7th century, saw the establishment of a dominant polity centered in the Yamato area whence arose the Japanese imperial lineage. Medieval era
The samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga, Japan's first official ambassador to the Americas and Europe, in 1615.
Japan's medieval 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 Shōgun and established a base of power in Kamakura. After Yoritomo's death, another warrior clan, the Hōjō, came to rule as regents for the shoguns. The Kamakura shogunate managed to repel Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281, with assistance from a storm that the Japanese interpreted as a kamikaze, or Divine Wind. The Kamakura shogunate lasted another fifty years and was eventually overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji in 1333. The succeeding Ashikaga shogunate failed to manage the feudal warlords — the daimyo — and a civil war erupted. The Ōnin War (1467 to 1477) is generally regarded as the onset of the "Warring States" or Sengoku period. Edo era
One of Japan's Red seal ships (1634), which were used for trade throughout Asia.
After Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa Ieyasu utilized his position as the regent of Hideyoshi's son Toyotomi Hideyori as well as the conflicts among loyalists of the Toyotomi clan, to gain the support of warlords from across Japan. When open war broke out, he defeated rival clans in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Ieyasu was appointed shōgun in 1603 and established the Tokugawa shogunate at Edo (modern Tokyo). Modern Japan
Samurai of the Satsuma clan, during the Boshin War period, circa 1867. Photograph by Felice Beato.
On March 31, 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry and the "Black Ships" of the United States Navy forced the opening of Japan to the West with the Convention of Kanagawa. The Boshin War of 1867-1868 led to the resignation of the shogunate, and the Meiji Restoration established a government centered around the emperor. One of the main figures that helped bring change was Fukuzawa Yukichi who wrote the article "Leaving Asia", encouraging Japanese people to be open to change and modernize through Westernization. Government and politicsThe following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article Politics of Japan. (See e.g. Wikipedia:Summary style.) The Emperor and the Imperial Family
The Emperor (天皇 tennō, literally "heavenly sovereign") is defined by the Constitution as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people" and is the head of the Imperial family and head of state. He is a ceremonial figurehead in a constitutional monarchy and does not wield even emergency reserve powers. Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister, and other elected members of the Diet. Sovereignty is vested in the Japanese people by the constitution. Although his official status is disputed, on diplomatic occasions the emperor effectively acts as the head of state. Akihito is the current emperor and the only reigning emperor in the world. The Diet
The Parliament sits in joint session
The Constitution of Japan states that the nation's "highest organ of state power" is its bicameral parliament, the National Diet (Kokkai). The Diet consists of a House of Representatives (Lower House or Shūgi-in) containing 480 seats, elected by popular vote every 4 years or when dissolved, and a House of Councillors (Upper House or Sangi'in) of 242 seats, whose popularly-elected members serve six-year terms. There is universal adult (over 20 years old) suffrage, with a secret ballot for all elective offices. The liberal conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been in power since 1955, except for a short-lived coalition government formed from its opposition parties in 1993; the largest opposition party is the liberal-socialist Democratic Party of Japan. The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the head of government of Japan, although the literal translation of the title is "Prime Minister of the Cabinet". The Prime Minister is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet from among its members, and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office. The Prime Minister is the head of the Cabinet of Japan and appoints and dismisses the Ministers of State, a majority of whom must be Diet members. The current Prime Minister of Japan, since September 2006, is Shinzō Abe. Although the Prime Minister of Japan is theoretically very powerful, his position is attenuated by the factional nature of Japanese politics and the tendency towards coalition government. The Judiciary
Japanese law was historically heavily influenced by Chinese law and developed independently during the Edo period through texts such as Kujikata Osadamegaki, but has been largely based on the civil law of Germany since the late 19th century. Statutory law originates in Japan's legislature, the National Diet of Japan, with the rubber-stamp approval of the Emperor. Under the current constitution, the Emperor may not veto or otherwise refuse to approve a law passed by the Diet. Japan's court system is divided into four basic tiers, 438 Summary Courts, one District Court in each prefecture, nine High Courts and the Supreme Court of Japan. There is also one Family Court tied to each District Court. The main body of Japanese statutory law is a collection called the Six Codes (六法 roppō). Foreign relations
Former Prime Minister Jun'ichirō Koizumi with US president George W. Bush. Japan is a close ally of the US in the Pacific area.
Japan maintains close economic and military relations with its key ally the United States; therefore the US-Japan security alliance serves as the cornerstone of its foreign policy. For example Japan contributed non-combatant troops to the Iraq War with the United States and others. Japan is a member state of the United Nations and currently serving as a non-permanent Security Council member. It is also one of the "G4 nations" seeking permanent membership in the Security Council. Military
Sailors aboard the JMSDF training vessel JDS Kashima stand in ranks.
Japan's military is restricted by Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan of 1946, which states that "Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes." Thus, Japan's current constitution prohibits the use of military force to wage war against other countries. Prefectures and local government
The prefectures of Japan
Japan has 47 prefectures. Each has an elected governor and legislature, and an administrative bureaucracy. While there exist eight commonly defined regions of Japan, the prefecture is the largest administrative subdivision. The former city of Tokyo is further divided into 23 special wards, which have the same powers as cities. Geography
Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaidō (北海道), Honshū (本州, or the mainland), Shikoku (四国), and Kyūshū (九州). Okinawa (沖縄) archipelago is over 600 kilometers (375 mi) to the southwest of Kyūshū. In addition, about 3,000 smaller islands may be counted in the full extent of the archipelago. Climate
Japan from space
The climate of Japan is predominantly frigid but varies greatly from north to south. Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones: EconomyThe following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article Economy of Japan. (See e.g. Wikipedia:Summary style.) Industrial sector
Japan is among the world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemical, textiles, and processed foods, and is home to some of the largest and most well-known multinational corporations and commercial brands (see list of Japanese companies) [7]. It is also one of the leading research nations in these sectors. Japan's service sector accounts for about three-quarters of its total economic output. Banking, insurance, real estate, retailing, transportation, and telecommunications are all major industries. Science and technology
The ASIMO humanoid robot from Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.
Japan is a leading nation in scientific research and the production of innovative technological products. Some of the most important industrial contributions include chemicals, metals, semiconductors, robotics, entertainment, machinery, industrial robotics and optics. It is also one of the leading nations in health care and medical research and robotics having produced QRIO, ASIMO, and Aibo, and possesses more than half (402,200 of 742,500) of the world's industrial robots used for manufacturing.[8] Agriculture and fishing
Because only 29% of Japan's land is suitable for cultivation, a system of terrace farming is used to build in small areas. This results in one of the world's highest levels of crop yields per unit area. However, Japan's small agricultural sector is also highly subsidized and protected. Japan must import about 50%[19] of its requirements of grain and fodder crops other than rice, and relies on imports for most of its supply of meat. Infrastructure and transportation
Japan is unique in that its electric power transmission runs at different frequencies in different parts of the country — 50 Hz in Tokyo and elsewhere east of the Fuji River, 60 Hz in Osaka and other parts west. The division was due to different technology imports for the initial plant construction; the eastern region imported Siemens AG technology (German) and the western region imported GE technology (US). The household power line voltage is constant 100 V throughout the nation. TradeExport is an essential part of the Japanese economy. Its main export partners are the US 22.7%, China 13.1%, South Korea 7.8%, Taiwan 7.4% and Hong Kong 6.3%. Japan's main exports are transport equipment, motor vehicles, electronics, electrical machinery and chemicals. DemographicsThe following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article Demographics of Japan. (See e.g. Wikipedia:Summary style.) Population
Shibuya crossing is one of the largest pedestrian crossings and shopping areas.
Japan's population is estimated at around 127,810,000. For the most part, Japanese society is linguistically and culturally homogeneous with only small populations of foreign workers, Zainichi Korean and others. Japan has indigenous minority groups such as the Ainu and Ryūkyūans, and social minority groups like the burakumin. Largest cities
Tokyo
Yokohama
Osaka
Japan has dozens of major cities, which play an important role in Japan culture, heritage, and economy. Language
Japan's official language is Japanese, and about 99% of the population speaks Japanese as their first language. The Ryūkyūan languages, also part of the Japonic language family to which Japanese belongs, are spoken in Okinawa, but few children are learning these languages now. Ainu, the language of the indigenous minority, is moribund, with only a few elderly native speakers remaining in Hokkaidō. Most public and private schools require students to take courses in both Japanese and English. Religion
The "floating" torii at Itsukushima Shrine.
84% of Japanese people profess to believe both Shinto (the indigenous religion of Japan) and Buddhism.[25] Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism from China have significantly influenced Japanese beliefs and mythology. Religion in Japan tends to be syncretic in nature, and this results in a variety of practices such as parents and children celebrating Shinto rituals, students praying before exams, couples holding a wedding at a Christian church and funerals being held at Buddhist temples. A minority (0.7%) profess to Christianity and other religions (4.7%) like shamanism, Islam, and Hinduism. Since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged. Education
Compulsory education was introduced into Japan in 1872 as a result of the Meiji Restoration. Since 1947, compulsory education consists of elementary school and middle school, which lasts for 9 years (from age 6 to age 15). Almost all children continue their education at a three-year senior high school, and, according to basic statics of MEXT, 67.5% of high school graduates attend a university, junior college, trade school, or other post-secondary institution in 2006. Japan's education is very competitive especially at the college level and it has prestigious and large universities such as University of Tokyo, University of Tohoku, Keio University, Waseda University, Kyoto University, Hitotsubashi University, and Doshisha University. Health
In Japan, healthcare services are provided by national and local governments. Payment for personal medical services is offered through a universal health care insurance system that provides relative equality of access, with fees set by a government committee. People without insurance through employers can participate in a national health insurance program administered by local governments. Since 1973, all elderly persons have been covered by government-sponsored insurance. Patients are free to select physicians or facilities of their choice. CultureThe following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article Culture of Japan. (See e.g. Wikipedia:Summary style.) Cuisine
Breakfast served by a hotel
A basic, traditional Japanese meal consists of white Japanese rice with accompanying tsukemono pickles as small appetizers, a bowl of soup, a couple of selected or combined seafood, meat, egg, and vegetable dishes known as okazu, and green tea. In a traditional Japanese breakfast, for example, the okazu may be a grilled fish. Culturally, people start and finish meals with phrases of gratitude as itadakimasu and gochisōsama, respectively. Foods, beverages, condiments, and cuisine from Japan, such as sushi, sashimi, ramen, sake, wasabi, sukiyaki and teriyaki are recognized worldwide. Music
Japanese music is eclectic, having borrowed instruments, scales and styles from neighboring cultures. Many instruments, such as the koto, were introduced in the 9th and 10th centuries. The accompanied recitative of the Noh drama dates from the 14th century and the popular folk music, with the guitarlike shamisen, from the 16th.[26] Literature
The earliest works include two history books the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, and a poetry book Man'yōshū in the eighth century, all written in Chinese characters. In the early days of the Heian period, the system of transcription known as kana (Hiragana and Katakana) was created as phonograms. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is considered the oldest Japanese narrative.[27] An account of Heian court life is given by The Pillow Book, written by Sei Shōnagon while The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki is sometimes called the world's first novel. Sports and recreation
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport
Beginning in the 12th century Japan developed traditional martial arts known as budō, which were popular among the warrior class. These include judo, karate and kendō. Sumo is sometimes considered Japan's national sport and is one of its most popular. See alsoJapan topics edit History Paleolithic, Jomon, Yayoi, Yamato, Nara, Heian, Kamakura, Muromachi, Azuchi-Momoyama, Edo, Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei Government& politics Emperor (list), Prime Minister (list), Cabinet, Ministries, Diet, House of Councillors, House of Representatives, Judiciary, Elections, Political parties, Fiscal policy, Foreign policy, Foreign relations, Human rights, Military Geography Environment, Regions, Prefectures, Cities, Districts, Towns, Villages, Addresses, Islands, Lakes, Rivers Economy Primary sector, Manufacturing, Labor, Communications, Transportation, Currency, Central bank Culture Anime & Manga, Architecture, Art, Bonsai, Cuisine, Festivals, Gardens, Geisha, Go Game, Ikebana, Onsen & Sento, Literature, Music, Tea ceremony, Theatre Society Demographics, Crime, Education, Etiquette, Language, Law, Mythology, Religion, Sports, Values Tourism Museums Notes
Related miscellania Regions and administrative divisions of Japan
Regions Find out more about Japan on Wikipedia |
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Japan DISCOGRAPHY
