| Area Total | 377,915 sq km |
| Climate | varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north |
| Natural Resources | negligible mineral resources, fish, note, with virtually no natural energy resources, Japan is the world’s largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as the second largest importer of oil |
| Imports | China 24.5%, US 11%, Australia 5.8%, South Korea 4.2%, Saudi Arabia 4.1% (2017) – petroleum, liquid natural gas, clothing, semiconductors, coal, audio and visual apparatus (2014 est.) |
| Government | parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Capital | Tokyo |
| Population | 126.2 million (July 2018 est.) |
| Ethnicity | Japanese 98.1%, Chinese 0.5%, Korean 0.4%, other 1% (includes Filipino, Vietnamese, and Brazilian) (2016 est.) |
| Language | Japanese |
| Exports | US 19.4%, China 19%, South Korea 7.6%, Hong Kong 5.1%, Thailand 4.2% (2017) – motor vehicles, iron and steel products, semiconductors, auto parts, power generating machinery, plastic materials (2014 est.) |
News about Japan
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone breaks U.S. record on way to 400 final at worlds
on September 16, 2025McLaughlin-Levrone ran a 48.29 in her semifinal heat at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
- Muratake misses out on medal as Tinch takes 110-meter hurdle gold
on September 16, 2025After finishing fifth at last year’s Paris Olympics, Muratake was aiming to claim Japan’s first world hurdles medal in 20 years.
- Robert Redford, screen idol turned director and activist, dies at 89
on September 16, 2025Known for roles in "The Sting" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," the actor also founded the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.
- The communist warrior stranded for decades in an ‘American colony’
on September 16, 2025Ahn Hak-sop was captured during the Korean War by the South and imprisoned for more than 40 years. Now 95, he wants to return to the North to die.
- He risked everything to leave China for the U.S. Then he was sent back.
on September 16, 2025Tao was not a Chinese dissident, just an ordinary worker who wanted freedom. Deportation did not stop him from trying again.
- Taiwan and China clashed at Japan envoy's residence in Denmark
on September 16, 2025The two sides clashed during a reception celebrating the Japanese emperor's birthday, with China's irate ambassador ultimately leaving the room.
- New Japanese political party to install AI leader
on September 16, 2025Shinji Ishimaru, who launched the Path to Rebirth party in January, quit following a disastrous showing in recent elections.
- Ishiba may visit South Korea for talks with Lee, sources say
on September 16, 2025The trip, if realized, would be Ishiba's first visit to South Korea since taking office in October last year.
- Redback spider scare at Japan’s Osaka Expo sparks safety warning
on September 16, 2025Redback spiders may bite if handled roughly and can be venomous
- China offers latest hint that newest aircraft carrier could soon enter service
on September 16, 2025Observers say that a commissioning ceremony could come as early as next month, though training for carrier-based aircraft must still be conducted.
- China says Philippine ship ‘deliberately rammed’ coast guard vessel in South China Sea
on September 16, 2025The clash near the flash point Scarborough Shoal, which is also claimed by Manila, came just days after Beijing approved plans to turn the area into a national nature reserve.
- Woman admits killing ex-boyfriend found dead in suitcase
on September 16, 2025During a trial, the defense argued that the victim had provoked the defendant and was therefore partly to blame.
- Matcha industry hit by poor weather and labour shortages
by Dee-Ann Durbin on September 16, 2025 - Seibu's Ikebukuro store to open new 'depachika' food floor
on September 16, 2025A highlight of the renovated basement floor is the opening of 10 new cake shops, including Chez Shibata, which is opening its first shop in the Kanto region.
- Japan dispatches five language education 'partners' to India
on September 16, 2025This is the first time that Nihongo Partners under a program run by the Japan Foundation are dispatched to a South Asian country.
- Israel says 'Gaza is burning' as it launches ground assault
on September 16, 2025Gaza health officials reported at least 24 people killed, most of them in Gaza City, in the early hours of the assault.
- Nikkei 225 breaks 45,000 for the first time ever
on September 16, 2025The benchmark hit another record ahead of an expected rate cut in the U.S.
- Malaysia's largest island state aims to be region's 'green battery'
on September 16, 2025Sarawak's many rivers and streams offer potentially abundant hydroelectricity, but experts warn of a serious environmental cost.
- Hayashi throws hat in the ring for LDP leadership race
on September 16, 2025The chief cabinet secretary is seen as a counterbalance to the more right-leaning former economic security ministers Sanae Takaichi and Takayuki Kobayashi.
- Lack of successor keeps U.K.'s Starmer safe as Labour mulls his ouster
on September 16, 2025Plots against British leader Keir Starmer have dominated the headlines in Britain following the messy departures of key members of his government.
