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
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Japan marks 26th anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake
on January 17, 2021
Memorial ceremonies to mark the quake that left more than 6,400 people dead were scaled down amid the ongoing coronavirus state of emergency in Hyogo ...
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The political folly of dodging responsibility in Japan
by Philip Brasor on January 16, 2021
Politicians caught violating COVID-19 restrictions leave news organizations in a bind
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Stories that cater to the soul, the intellect and the stomach
by Mark Schreiber on January 16, 2021
Examining the challenges facing Soka Gakkai, a new teen comic book hero and coffee franchises nationwide amid the pandemic.
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Matsuo Taseko: A poet caught up in nationalist fervor
by Michael Hoffman on January 16, 2021
When nine swordsmen stormed a temple in 1863 they cut the heads of three statues, making a political statement that reverberates to this day.
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Amid pandemic, children’s activities may be just the distraction we all need
by Kaori Shoji on January 16, 2021
There wasn't much to raise spirits in the Tokyo area during the new year holiday. With record-breaking daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases and reports ...
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Tokyo reports 1,809 new COVID-19 cases
on January 16, 2021
Tokyo’s daily figure comes after 14,106 tests, a record high, were conducted on Wednesday.
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Japanese painter Mitsumasa Anno dies at 94
on January 16, 2021
The prominent Japanese painter, known for his unique picture books and landscape paintings, died of liver cirrhosis on Dec. 24, it was learned Saturday.
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Japanese violinist Midori Goto wins Kennedy Center Honor
on January 16, 2021
Goto is the first Japanese to win the award, given to individuals and organizations for their contributions to U.S. culture through the performing arts, since ...
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Japanese scientists discover medical agent that could slow aging-related diseases
on January 16, 2021
The discovery is expected to help improve the treatment and prevention of diseases such as arteriosclerosis and diabetes.
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Homebound virus patients top 30,000 amid bed shortage at Japan hospitals
on January 16, 2021
The situation poses a challenge for health authorities in terms of keeping tabs on patients in the event of a sudden deterioration in their condition.
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Kansai’s 2030 vision is to think like a penguin
by Eric Johnston on January 16, 2021
Kansai Economic Federation, which includes some of Kansai's largest and most influential firms, hopes to tap patrons with the spirit of a “first penguin” to ...
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Japan’s new university entrance exams underway amid virus pandemic
on January 16, 2021
The exams drew a total of 535,245 applicants and are taking place at 681 venues, according to the National Center for University Entrance Examinations.
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Sapporo court rules defunct eugenics law unconstitutional but denies damages
on January 16, 2021
The ruling was the fourth in a series of lawsuits regarding the forced sterilization of people with intellectual disabilities filed with nine district courts and ...
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No end in sight for third wave a year after COVID-19 made its way to Japan
on January 16, 2021
On Jan. 16 last year, a man who returned to Japan after visiting Wuhan was found to be infected with the virus, marking the nation's ...
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Japan seeks mid-February Pfizer vaccine approval, minister says
by Isabel Reynolds on January 16, 2021
"We need to do it as fast as possible,” health minister Norihisa Tamura said Friday. "If all goes well, I would like to see the ...
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Japan's suicide rate rises 16% in second wave of Covid, study finds
by Reuters in Tokyo on January 16, 2021
Rise in July to October, particularly among women and children, contrasts with decline in first waveCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSuicide rates in Japan have risen sharply in the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly among women and children, even though they fell in the first wave when the government offered […]
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Suga Cabinet disapproval tops approval for first time
on January 15, 2021
The survey also showed that 61.4% of respondents said they do not highly regard the government's response to the novel coronavirus epidemic.
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Cherry blossom to bloom three days earlier than average this year in Tokyo
by Eriko Yamakuma on January 15, 2021
The distinctive seasonal flowers are expected to open on March 23 this year in the capital, as well as in Kochi and Fukuoka prefectures, reaching ...
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Japan eyes punishment for breaking COVID-19 rules
on January 15, 2021
Health experts attending the meeting largely approved of the plan but warned the government to be circumspect in doling out punishment.
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Tokyo reports 2,001 new coronavirus cases
on January 15, 2021
The Friday figure comes after 17,000 tests, a record high daily number, were conducted on Tuesday, with results usually taking around three days to come ...