An Introduction to Japan

An Introduction to Japan

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  By Amita Vadlamudi
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  A Japanese Temple
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   Japan, pronouncedin Japanese as "Nippon" or "Nihon," is an island country or archipelago that consists of four major islands and several small islands. The four major islands account for most of the Japanese land. Japanese sovereign territory consists of 6,852 islands that combine to make up the whole country. The country is well known as an exceedingly modern nation. Japan, however, holds importance in world history as being one of the most culturally rich countries.  Over the centuries, Japan changed from a nation that possessed ancient cultural traditions to become one of the most economically and technologically advanced societies in the world. It is one of the most literate countries in the world with a heavy emphasis on its education. Even today, life in Japan sees a slight tension between the old and new in all its aspects.
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   The islandcountry lies off the east coast of Asia. The series of islands that make the country form an arc that stretches for approximately 1,500 miles through the western part of the North Pacific Ocean. The islands of Japan are located in the part of the Pacific ocean that forms the volcanic “Rim of Fire.”  The four major islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, cover most of the land in the country, and Honshu is the most significant Japanese island in terms of area. While the country consists of almost 7,000 islands, Japan's total landmass is just below 150,000 square miles. The closest neighboring countries to Japan are Russia, Korea, and China.  Japan has a rugged landscape. Most of its land surface comprises mountainous terrain, and it contains several active and dormant volcanoes. The highest mountain in Japan is Mount Fuji, which stands at more than 12,000 feet tall. It is also a dormant volcano.
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   The Japanesepeople constitute the majority of the population in the country, and they are ethnically closely related to other people from eastern Asia. Despite the relatively small overall landmass, Japan has a sizable population. According to the polls from 1950 to 2020, Japan currently has a population of 1.26 million people, and the median age in the country is 48.4 years, with a life expectancy of 85.03 years.  Most of its population is concentrated in the city of Tokyo, with a population of 8.3 million people living in the country's capital. The infant mortality rate in the country is very low at 1.6 deaths in every 1,000 live births.
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   The climatein Japan is mostly mild throughout the year due to its pleasant temperatures and rains all year round. The high precipitation in Japan also produces luscious vegetation throughout the country. Despite the relatively harsh terrain, Japan is home to a host of crops.  The northern areas of the country are colder compared to the more temperate central regions. The smaller islands in the country towards the south of the country have an almost tropical climate. Along with the precipitation throughout the year, Japan also experiences torrential rains and typhoons between summer and autumn. The monsoon circulation has a major influence on the country’s overall climate. The cold currents from the north-west affect the winter while the wet and humid currents from the tropical regions affect its summers.  Despite slight deviations throughout the country's northern, central, and southern regions, there are two common features for its climate: Japan has no real dry season, and there is a high volume of rainfall during the summers throughout the country.
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   Over itsextensive history, Japan has seen several forms of government come into power and transition into others. From the imperial courts that oversaw a loose control over the feudal island country to shogunates with puppet empires. The unification of Japan under the Meiji era lasted until the end of the war. In 1947, a new constitution was enacted in 1947 that transformed Japan into a constitutional monarchy.  Currently, the Crown Prince Naruhito rules as the Emperor of Japan when his father Emperor Akihito abdicated in April 2019 after a reign of 30 years. While Emperor Akihito had no political power in the country, he played a vital role in making amends for Japan's actions during the war waged during his father, Emperor Hirohito's rule. Shinzo Abe is the prime minister in Japan who came into power after winning elections in 2017.
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   The economyin Japan is a highly developed free-market economy. Japan currently has the third-largest GDP in the world of $5.6 trillion. Its GDP experiences a 0.8% annual growth. Japan is among the largest manufacturers in the automobile industry, and it has the largest electronics goods industry in the world. It is often credited as the most innovative country when it comes to technological advancements.  Japan currently faces stiff competition from other countries in the region. However, it holds an edge over other countries due to its focus on hi-tech and precision goods that range from optical instruments to hybrid vehicles, and even advanced robotics.  Japan's industrial clusters are the main drivers for its economy, and it typically manages to run an international investment surplus.
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   The indigenousreligion of Japan is the Shinto that emerged with the rise of the country as a nation. Currently, Shinto coexists with several sects of Buddhism, Christianity, and new religions that emerged during the 1800s. Japan is one of the rare countries where there is no religion that dominates, or is affected by, the other religions. It is not uncommon for people in a single Japanese family to believe in several Shinto gods and belong to various Buddhist sects simultaneously. Children in Japan traditionally do not receive any formal religious training.  Shinto is a polytheistic religion that has its roots in ancient Japanese culture. Mainly historical figures, natural objects, several Hindu gods, and Chinese spirits were introduced and deified in the religion. Buddhism was introduced to the imperial court from Korea in the mid-6th century. Contact with mainland China introduced several sects of the religion, which was adopted as the national religion in the 8th century.
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   Christianity arrivedin Japan during the 1500s and Jesuit Franciscan missionaries. It was initially well- received by the country, representing an image of the western culture. Christianity was banned in 1603 by the Tokugawa shogunate, but it was reintroduced late in the 1800s with the ban being lifted by the Meiji government in 1873.  The vast majority of what are called "new religions" in the country were founded after the mid-19th century, and they have roots in Shinto, shamanism, Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, and even Christianity.
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   The languagein Japan is primarily Japanese. The indigenous language has several dialects spoken by people throughout the country. The Tokyo dialect of Japanese is considered to be the standard Japanese. Besides Japanese and several foreign languages like English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Dutch, there are a few minority languages that exist in the country as well.  The art in Japan expresses exquisiteness in form and delicacy, in combination with simplicity. Traditional art practices in Japan range from ikebana and gardening, as well as puppetry, calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and various forms of painting and sculptures unique to the region. The traditional Japanese music in the country was heavily influenced by music from China a thousand years ago. Many traditional Japanese musical instruments originated in China and were adapted to meet the needs of Japan.
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   The Japaneseculture is multifaceted, and it has changed vastly over thousands of years. During the last century, the culture changed rapidly with the development of technology, the population boom, and the introduction to new lifestyles. The modern developments in Japanese culture contradict with its traditional culture.  Japanese culture traditionally emphasizes a way of life that is harmonious, patient, and gentle. However, today it is common for people to be packed in trains and work tirelessly for long hours with no breaks. Despite the adoption of several modern lifestyle changes, Japan underpins its traditional values within its modern culture.  Harmony is still an essential facet of Japanese philosophy, guiding its society. Japanese people also have a predisposition for being polite. Even if Japanese people disagree with you, it is rare for them to openly disagree or say something that would spark friction.