Japan

Un article de Vev.

Modèle:Pp-semi-vandalism Modèle:Featured article Modèle:Otheruses1 Modèle:Infobox Country//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#Econ | title=World Factbook; Japan—Economy |publisher=CIA |date=2006-12-19 | accessdate=2006-12-28}} | footnote3 = According to legend, Japan was founded on this date by the Emperor Jimmu, first emperor of J apan; it is seen as largely symbolic. }} Japan (日本 Nihon or Nippon ^? </span>, officially 日本国 Modèle:Audio or Nihon-koku) is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of China, Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. The characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes identified as the "Land of the Rising Sun".

dic.yahoo.co.jp/dsearch?enc=UTF-8&p=%E3%81%AB%E3%81%BB%E3%82%93%E3%82%8C%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A8%E3%81%86&dtype=0&stype=1&dname=0ss//dic.yahoo.co.jp/dsearch?enc=UTF-8&p=%E3%81%AB%E3%81%BB%E3%82%93%E3%82%8C%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A8%E3%81%86&dtype=0&stype=1&dname=0ss

| publisher = Daijirin / Yahoo Japan dictionary | accessdate = 2007-05-07}}</ref> the largest of which are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of land area. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. Japan has the world's tenth largest population, with about 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.

Archaeological research indicates that people were living on the islands of Japan as early as the Upper Paleolithic period. The first written mention of Japan begins with brief appearances in Chinese history texts from the first century AD.

Influence from the outside world followed by long periods of isolation has characterized Japan's history. Since adopting its constitution in 1947, Japan has maintained a unitary constitutional monarchy with an emperor and an elected parliament, the Diet.

A major economic power,<ref name="ciawfbjapan"/> Japan has the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP. It is a member of the United Nations, G8, G4 and APEC, with the world's fifth largest defense budget. It is also the world's fourth largest exporter and sixth largest importer and a world leader in technology and machinery.

Sommaire 1 History 2 Government and politics 3 Foreign relations and military 4 Administrative divisions 5 Geography and climate 6 Environment 7 Economy 8 Science and technology 9 Demographics 10 Education and health 11 Culture and recreation 12 Sports 13 References 14 Further reading 15 External links

History

Main article: History of Japan

web-japan.org/trends00/honbun/tj990615.html][1]</ref>//web-japan.org/trends00/honbun/tj990615.html][2]</ref>

www.britannica.com/eb/article-23121 |title=The Yayoi period (c.250 BC – c.AD 250) |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=2006 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref><ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761568150_4/Pottery.html#p26 |title=Pottery |publisher=MSN Encarta | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN023112984X&id=6wS_ijD6DSgC&pg=RA1-PA1304&lpg=RA1-PA1304&ots=MxkZKlTRlU&dq=%22Chinese+mainland%22+%22Korean+peninsula%22+%22Japanese+archipelago%22&sig=hc4ew2p4cGdppzY6O_b0zWgaB6E#PRA1-PA1304,M1 | accessdate=2007-01-29}}</ref>//www.britannica.com/eb/article-23121 |title=The Yayoi period (c.250 BC – c.AD 250) |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=2006 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref><ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761568150_4/Pottery.html#p26 |title=Pottery |publisher=MSN Encarta | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN023112984X&id=6wS_ijD6DSgC&pg=RA1-PA1304&lpg=RA1-PA1304&ots=MxkZKlTRlU&dq=%22Chinese+mainland%22+%22Korean+peninsula%22+%22Japanese+archipelago%22&sig=hc4ew2p4cGdppzY6O_b0zWgaB6E#PRA1-PA1304,M1 | accessdate=2007-01-29}}</ref>

The Japanese first appear in written history in China’s Book of Han. According to the Chinese Records of the Three Kingdoms, the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago during the third century was called Yamataikoku.

books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0520225600&id=9AivK7yMICgC&pg=PA42&lpg=PA42&dq=Soga+Buddhism+intitle:History+intitle:of+intitle:Japan&sig=V65JQ4OzTFCopEoFVb8DWh5BD4Q#PPA42,M1 |pages=42 |isbn=0520225600 |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>//books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0520225600&id=9AivK7yMICgC&pg=PA42&lpg=PA42&dq=Soga+Buddhism+intitle:History+intitle:of+intitle:Japan&sig=V65JQ4OzTFCopEoFVb8DWh5BD4Q#PPA42,M1 |pages=42 |isbn=0520225600 |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>

The Nara period of the eighth century marked the first emergence of a strong central Japanese state, centered around an imperial court in the city of Heijō-kyō, or modern day Nara. In addition to the continuing adoption of Chinese administrative practices, the Nara period is characterized by the appearance of a nascent written literature with the completion of the massive chronicles Kojiki (712) and Nihonshoki (720).<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref>

In 784, Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Nagaokakyō for a brief ten-year period, before relocating it to Heian-kyō (modern day Kyoto) in 794, where it remained for more than a millennium.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref> This marked the beginning of the Heian period, during which time a distinctly indigenous Japanese culture emerged, noted for its art, poetry and literature. Lady Murasaki's The Tale of Genji and the lyrics of modern Japan's national anthem, Kimi ga Yo were written during this time.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref>

Japan's feudal 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 Shogun and established a base of power in Kamakura. After Yoritomo's death, the Hōjō clan came to rule as regents for the shoguns. Zen Buddhism was introduced from China in the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and became popular among the samurai class. The Kamakura shogunate managed to repel Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281, aided by a storm that the Japanese interpreted as a kamikaze, or Divine Wind. The Kamakura shogunate was eventually overthrown by Emperor Go-Daigo, who was soon himself defeated by Ashikaga Takauji in 1336.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref> The succeeding Ashikaga shogunate failed to control the feudal warlords (daimyo), and a civil war erupted (the Ōnin War) in 1467 which opened a century-long Sengoku period.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref>

During the sixteenth century, traders and Jesuit missionaries from Portugal reached Japan for the first time, initiating active commercial and cultural exchange between Japan and the West (Nanban trade).

Oda Nobunaga conquered numerous other daimyo by using European technology and firearms and had almost unified the nation when he was assassinated in 1582. Toyotomi Hideyoshi succeeded Nobunaga and united the nation in 1590. Hideyoshi invaded Korea twice, but following several defeats by Korean and Ming China forces and Hideyoshi's death, Japanese troops were withdrawn in 1598.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref>

www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/KOKUGAKU.HTM |title=Japan Glossary; Kokugaku | publisher = Washington State University | date=1999-07-14 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>//www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/KOKUGAKU.HTM |title=Japan Glossary; Kokugaku | publisher = Washington State University | date=1999-07-14 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>

filebox.vt.edu/users/jearnol2/MeijiRestoration/imperial_japan.htm |title=Japan: The Making of a World Superpower (Imperial Japan) |author=Jesse Arnold | publisher = vt.edu/users/jearnol2 | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>//filebox.vt.edu/users/jearnol2/MeijiRestoration/imperial_japan.htm |title=Japan: The Making of a World Superpower (Imperial Japan) |author=Jesse Arnold | publisher = vt.edu/users/jearnol2 | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>

www.friesian.com/pearl.htm |title= The Pearl Harbor Strike Force |author= Kelley L. Ross | publisher = friesian.com |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>//www.friesian.com/pearl.htm |title= The Pearl Harbor Strike Force |author= Kelley L. Ross | publisher = friesian.com |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>

In 1937, Japan invaded other parts of China, precipitating the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), after which the United States placed an oil embargo on Japan.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref> library.educationworld.net/txt15/surrend1.html |title=Japanese Instrument of Surrender |publisher=educationworld.net |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> The war cost Japan millions of lives and left much of the country's industry and infrastructure destroyed. The International Military Tribunal for the Far East, was convened by the Allies (on May 3, 1946) to prosecute Japanese leaders for war crimes such as the Nanking Massacre.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.geocities.com/nankingatrocities/Tribunals/imtfe_01.htm |title=The Nanking Atrocities: The Postwar Judgment |publisher=University of Missouri-Columbia |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>//library.educationworld.net/txt15/surrend1.html |title=Japanese Instrument of Surrender |publisher=educationworld.net |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> The war cost Japan millions of lives and left much of the country's industry and infrastructure destroyed. The International Military Tribunal for the Far East, was convened by the Allies (on May 3, 1946) to prosecute Japanese leaders for war crimes such as the Nanking Massacre.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.geocities.com/nankingatrocities/Tribunals/imtfe_01.htm |title=The Nanking Atrocities: The Postwar Judgment |publisher=University of Missouri-Columbia |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>

search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070306f3.html |title='52 coup plot bid to rearm Japan: CIA |author=Joseph Coleman| date=2006-03-06| publisher=The Japan Times |accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref> and Japan was granted membership in the United Nations in 1956. Japan later achieved spectacular growth to become the second largest economy in the world, with an annual growth rate averaging 10% for four decades. This ended in the mid-1990s when Japan suffered a major recession. Positive growth in the early twenty-first century has signaled a gradual recovery.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5178822.stm |title=Japan scraps zero interest rates |publisher=BBC News Online |date=2006-07-14 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>//search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070306f3.html |title='52 coup plot bid to rearm Japan: CIA |author=Joseph Coleman| date=2006-03-06| publisher=The Japan Times |accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref> and Japan was granted membership in the United Nations in 1956. Japan later achieved spectacular growth to become the second largest economy in the world, with an annual growth rate averaging 10% for four decades. This ended in the mid-1990s when Japan suffered a major recession. Positive growth in the early twenty-first century has signaled a gradual recovery.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5178822.stm |title=Japan scraps zero interest rates |publisher=BBC News Online |date=2006-07-14 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Japan and Politics of Japan

www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/law/index.htm |title=The Constitution of Japan |publisher=House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan |date=1946-11-03 |accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> The Emperor effectively acts as the head of state on diplomatic occasions. Akihito is the current Emperor of Japan. Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, stands as next in line to the throne.//www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/law/index.htm |title=The Constitution of Japan |publisher=House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan |date=1946-11-03 |accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> The Emperor effectively acts as the head of state on diplomatic occasions. Akihito is the current Emperor of Japan. Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, stands as next in line to the throne.

www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html |title=World Factbook; Japan |publisher=CIA |date=2007-03-15 | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> with a secret ballot for all elective offices.<ref name="Constitution"/> The liberal conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been in power since 1955, except for a short-lived coalition government formed from opposition parties in 1993.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.jimin.jp/jimin/english/history/index.html |title=A History of the Liberal Democratic Party |publisher=Liberal Democratic Party of Japan |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The largest opposition party is the social liberal Democratic Party of Japan.//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html |title=World Factbook; Japan |publisher=CIA |date=2007-03-15 | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> with a secret ballot for all elective offices.<ref name="Constitution"/> The liberal conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been in power since 1955, except for a short-lived coalition government formed from opposition parties in 1993.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.jimin.jp/jimin/english/history/index.html |title=A History of the Liberal Democratic Party |publisher=Liberal Democratic Party of Japan |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The largest opposition party is the social liberal Democratic Party of Japan.

www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html |title=Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet |publisher=Office of the Prime Minister of Japan| accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>//www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html |title=Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet |publisher=Office of the Prime Minister of Japan| accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>

www.britannica.com/eb/article-9043364?hook=6804 |title="Japanese Civil Code" |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> Statutory law originates in Japan's legislature, the National Diet of Japan, with the rubber-stamp approval of the Emperor. The current constitution requires that the Emperor promulgates legislation passed by the Diet, without specifically giving him the power to oppose the passing of the legislation.<ref name="Constitution"/> Japan's court system is divided into four basic tiers: the Supreme Court and three levels of lower courts.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/judiciary/0620system.html |publisher=Office of the Prime Minister of Japan |title=The Japanese Judicial System |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The main body of Japanese statutory law is a collection called the Six Codes.<ref name="civilcode"/>//www.britannica.com/eb/article-9043364?hook=6804 |title="Japanese Civil Code" |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> Statutory law originates in Japan's legislature, the National Diet of Japan, with the rubber-stamp approval of the Emperor. The current constitution requires that the Emperor promulgates legislation passed by the Diet, without specifically giving him the power to oppose the passing of the legislation.<ref name="Constitution"/> Japan's court system is divided into four basic tiers: the Supreme Court and three levels of lower courts.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/judiciary/0620system.html |publisher=Office of the Prime Minister of Japan |title=The Japanese Judicial System |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The main body of Japanese statutory law is a collection called the Six Codes.<ref name="civilcode"/>

Foreign relations and military

Main articles: Foreign relations of Japan, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and Ministry of Defense (Japan)

www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/03/japan_is_back_why_tokyos_new_a.html |title=Japan Is Back: Why Tokyo's New Assertiveness Is Good for Washington| author=Michael Green |publisher=Real Clear Politics | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> A member state of the United Nations since 1956, Japan has served as a non-permanent Security Council member for a total of 18 years, most recently in 2005–2006. It is also one of the G4 nations seeking permanent membership in the Security Council.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.centralchronicle.com/20070111/1101194.htm |title=UK backs Japan for UNSC bid |publisher=Cenral Chronicle | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> As a member of the G8, the APEC, the "ASEAN Plus Three" and a participant in the East Asia Summit, Japan actively participates in international affairs. It is also the world's second-largest donor of official development assistance, donating US$8.86 bn in 2004.<ref>Modèle:PDFlink Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2005-04-11). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref> Japan contributed non-combatant troops to the Iraq War but subsequently withdrew its forces from Iraq.<ref name="Iraq deployment">Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/20/news/japan.php |title= Tokyo says it will bring troops home from Iraq |publisher=International Herald Tribune |date=2006-06-20 | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>//www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/03/japan_is_back_why_tokyos_new_a.html |title=Japan Is Back: Why Tokyo's New Assertiveness Is Good for Washington| author=Michael Green |publisher=Real Clear Politics | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> A member state of the United Nations since 1956, Japan has served as a non-permanent Security Council member for a total of 18 years, most recently in 2005–2006. It is also one of the G4 nations seeking permanent membership in the Security Council.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.centralchronicle.com/20070111/1101194.htm |title=UK backs Japan for UNSC bid |publisher=Cenral Chronicle | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> As a member of the G8, the APEC, the "ASEAN Plus Three" and a participant in the East Asia Summit, Japan actively participates in international affairs. It is also the world's second-largest donor of official development assistance, donating US$8.86 bn in 2004.<ref>Modèle:PDFlink Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2005-04-11). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref> Japan contributed non-combatant troops to the Iraq War but subsequently withdrew its forces from Iraq.<ref name="Iraq deployment">Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/20/news/japan.php |title= Tokyo says it will bring troops home from Iraq |publisher=International Herald Tribune |date=2006-06-20 | accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>

Japan is engaged in several territorial disputes with its neighbors: with Russia over the South Kuril Islands, with South Korea over the Liancourt Rocks, with China and Taiwan over the Senkaku Islands and the EEZ around Okinotorishima. Japan also faces an ongoing dispute with North Korea over its abduction of Japanese citizens and its nuclear weapons and missile program (see also Six-party talks).

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6652809.stm|title=Japan approves constitution steps |publisher=BBC News | accessdate=2007-05-15}}</ref> Japan's military is governed by the Ministry of Defense, and primarily consists of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The forces have been recently used in peacekeeping operations and the deployment of Japanese troops to Iraq marked the first overseas use of its military since World War II.<ref name="Iraq deployment"/>//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6652809.stm|title=Japan approves constitution steps |publisher=BBC News | accessdate=2007-05-15}}</ref> Japan's military is governed by the Ministry of Defense, and primarily consists of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The forces have been recently used in peacekeeping operations and the deployment of Japanese troops to Iraq marked the first overseas use of its military since World War II.<ref name="Iraq deployment"/>

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Prefectures of Japan, Cities of Japan, Towns of Japan, Villages of Japan, and List of Japanese cities by population

While there exist eight commonly defined regions of Japan, administratively Japan consists of forty-seven prefectures, each overseen by an elected governor, legislature and administrative bureaucracy. The former city of Tokyo is further divided into twenty-three special wards, each with the same powers as cities.

siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37175.pdf |title=Municipal Amalgamation in Japan (PDF) |publisher=World Bank |date=May 2001 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>//siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37175.pdf |title=Municipal Amalgamation in Japan (PDF) |publisher=World Bank |date=May 2001 | accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>

Japan has dozens of major cities, which play an important role in Japan's culture, heritage and economy. The ten most populous cities are (in order of population): Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kobe, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Kawasaki, Saitama. Aside from Tokyo and Kawasaki, all of them are prefectural capitals and Government Ordinance Cities.

Geography and climate

Main article: Geography of Japan

Japan is a country of over three thousand islands extending along the Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaidō, Honshū (the main island), Shikoku and Kyūshū. The Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, are a chain of islands south of Kyushū. Together they are often known as the Japanese Archipelago.

encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761566679/Japan.html |title="Japan" |publisher=Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia |date=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.worldinfozone.com/country.php?country=Japan |title=Japan Information—Page 1 |publisher=WorldInfoZone.com |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. This is because of the generally steep elevations, climate and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, soft ground and heavy rain. This has resulted in an extremely high population density in the habitable zones that are mainly located in coastal areas. Japan is the thirtieth most densely populated country in the world.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//esa.un.org/unpp/ |title=World Population Prospects |publisher=UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>//encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761566679/Japan.html |title="Japan" |publisher=Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia |date=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref><ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.worldinfozone.com/country.php?country=Japan |title=Japan Information—Page 1 |publisher=WorldInfoZone.com |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. This is because of the generally steep elevations, climate and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, soft ground and heavy rain. This has resulted in an extremely high population density in the habitable zones that are mainly located in coastal areas. Japan is the thirtieth most densely populated country in the world.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//esa.un.org/unpp/ |title=World Population Prospects |publisher=UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>

volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/north_asia/japan_tec.html |title=Tectonics and Volcanoes of Japan |publisher=Oregon State University |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The most recent major quakes are the 2004 Chūetsu earthquake and the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995. Hot springs are numerous and have been developed as resorts.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/attractions/hotSprings.html |title=Attractions: Hot Springs |publisher=JNTO |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>//volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/north_asia/japan_tec.html |title=Tectonics and Volcanoes of Japan |publisher=Oregon State University |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The most recent major quakes are the 2004 Chūetsu earthquake and the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995. Hot springs are numerous and have been developed as resorts.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/attractions/hotSprings.html |title=Attractions: Hot Springs |publisher=JNTO |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>

www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/climate.html |title=Essential Info: Climate |publisher=JNTO |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/climate.html |title=Essential Info: Climate |publisher=JNTO |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones:

• Hokkaidō: The northernmost zone has a temperate climate with long, cold winters and cool summers. Precipitation is not heavy, but the islands usually develop deep snow banks in the winter.
• Sea of Japan: On Honshū's west coast, the northwest wind in the wintertime brings heavy snowfall. In the summer, the region is cooler than the Pacific area, though it sometimes experiences extremely hot temperatures, because of the Föhn wind phenomenon.
• Central Highland: A typical inland climate, with large temperature differences between summer and winter, and between day and night. Precipitation is light.
• Seto Inland Sea: The mountains of the Chūgoku and Shikoku regions shelter the region from the seasonal winds, bringing mild weather throughout the year.
• Pacific Ocean: The east coast experiences cold winters with little snowfall and hot, humid summers because of the southeast seasonal wind.
• Ryukyu Islands: The Ryukyu Islands have a subtropical climate, with warm winters and hot summers. Precipitation is very heavy, especially during the rainy season. Typhoons are common.

www.japannewsreview.com/society/national/20070816page_id=1553 |title=Gifu Prefecture sees highest temperature ever recorded in Japan - 40.9 |publisher=Japan News Review Society |date=2007-08-16| accessdate=2007-08-16}}</ref>//www.japannewsreview.com/society/national/20070816page_id=1553 |title=Gifu Prefecture sees highest temperature ever recorded in Japan - 40.9 |publisher=Japan News Review Society |date=2007-08-16| accessdate=2007-08-16}}</ref>

The main rainy season begins in early May in Okinawa, and the stationary rain front responsible for this gradually works its way north until it dissipates in northern Japan before reaching Hokkaidō in late July. In most of Honshū, the rainy season begins before the middle of June and lasts about six weeks. In late summer and early autumn, typhoons often bring heavy rain.<ref name="climate"/>

www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/spotflora.htm |title=Flora and Fauna: Diversity and regional uniqueness |publisher=Embassy of Japan in the USA |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>//www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/spotflora.htm |title=Flora and Fauna: Diversity and regional uniqueness |publisher=Embassy of Japan in the USA |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>

Environment

Main article: Environmental protection in Japan

Japan's environmental history and current policies reflect a tenuous balance between development and modernization on the one hand, and environmental protection on the other hand.

www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/vehicles_health/automaker-rankings-2007.html Automaker Rankings 2007: The Environmental Performance of Car Companies], Union of Concerned Scientists, 10/15/07.</ref> This is due to the advance technology in hybrid systems, biofuels, use of lighter weight material and better engineering.//www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/vehicles_health/automaker-rankings-2007.html Automaker Rankings 2007: The Environmental Performance of Car Companies], Union of Concerned Scientists, 10/15/07.</ref> This is due to the advance technology in hybrid systems, biofuels, use of lighter weight material and better engineering.

Japan also takes issues surrounding climate change and global warming seriously. As a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol, and host of the 1997 conference which created it, Japan is under treaty obligations to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and to take other steps related to curbing climate change. The Cool biz campaign introduced under former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was targeted at reducing energy use through the reduction of air conditioning use in government offices.

links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0027-0741%28198624%2941%3A4%3C457%3ATPWLOD%3E2.0.CO%3B2-K "Tokugawa Peasants: Win, Lose, or Draw?"] Monumenta Nipponica 41:4 (Winter 1986), pp457-476.</ref>.//links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0027-0741%28198624%2941%3A4%3C457%3ATPWLOD%3E2.0.CO%3B2-K "Tokugawa Peasants: Win, Lose, or Draw?"] Monumenta Nipponica 41:4 (Winter 1986), pp457-476.</ref>.

The massive nationwide rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of World War II, and the development of the following decades, led to even further urbanization and construction. The construction industry in Japan is one of its largest, and while Japan maintains a great many parks and other natural spaces, even in the hearts of its cities, there are few major restrictions on where and how construction can be undertaken. Alex Kerr, in his books "Lost Japan" and "Dogs & Demons"<ref>Lost Japan: ISBN 0-86442-370-5; Dogs & Demons: ISBN 0141010002</ref>, is one of a number of authors who focuses heavily on the environmental problems related to Japan's construction industry, and the industry's lobbying power preventing the introduction of stricter zoning laws and other environmental protection efforts.

In addition, overfishing has long been a problem within Japan; with the advent of the modern era, Japanese fishing fleets have come to pose a serious threat to maintaining sustainable populations of various fish and shellfish throughout the world.

www.yale.edu/esi/ESI2005_Main_Report.pdf 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index Benchmarking National Environmental Stewardship], Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, Yale University and Center for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University, 2005.</ref>//www.yale.edu/esi/ESI2005_Main_Report.pdf 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index Benchmarking National Environmental Stewardship], Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, Yale University and Center for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University, 2005.</ref>

Economy

Main article: Economy of Japan

www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/02/data/weorept.aspx?sy=2005&ey=2005&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C686%2C218%2C688%2C963%2C518%2C616%2C728%2C223%2C558%2C516%2C138%2C918%2C353%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C965%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698%2C941&s=NGDPD&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=64&pr1.y=9 |title=World Economic Outlook Database; country comparisons |publisher=IMF |date=2006-09-01 |accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref> after the United States, at around US$4.5 trillion in terms of nominal GDP<ref name="imf"/> and third after the United States and China in terms of purchasing power parity.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.nationmaster.com/graph/eco_gdp_ppp-economy-gdp-ppp |title=NationMaster; Economy Statistics |publisher=NationMaster |accessdate=2007-03-26}}</ref>//www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/02/data/weorept.aspx?sy=2005&ey=2005&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C686%2C218%2C688%2C963%2C518%2C616%2C728%2C223%2C558%2C516%2C138%2C918%2C353%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C965%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698%2C941&s=NGDPD&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=64&pr1.y=9 |title=World Economic Outlook Database; country comparisons |publisher=IMF |date=2006-09-01 |accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref> after the United States, at around US$4.5 trillion in terms of nominal GDP<ref name="imf"/> and third after the United States and China in terms of purchasing power parity.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.nationmaster.com/graph/eco_gdp_ppp-economy-gdp-ppp |title=NationMaster; Economy Statistics |publisher=NationMaster |accessdate=2007-03-26}}</ref>

www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=7193984 |title=Japan's Economy: Free at last |publisher=The Economist |date=2006-07-20 |accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> Recently, Japanese companies have begun to abandon some of these norms in an attempt to increase profitability.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.moneyweek.com/file/26181/why-germanys-economy-will-outshine-japan.html |title=Why Germany's economy will outshine Japan |publisher=MoneyWeek |date=2007-02-28 |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>//www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=7193984 |title=Japan's Economy: Free at last |publisher=The Economist |date=2006-07-20 |accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> Recently, Japanese companies have begun to abandon some of these norms in an attempt to increase profitability.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.moneyweek.com/file/26181/why-germanys-economy-will-outshine-japan.html |title=Why Germany's economy will outshine Japan |publisher=MoneyWeek |date=2007-02-28 |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>

www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/aboutus/company/en_abt_cmp_profile.html Corporate Profile], Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.</ref> and others such as Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (US$1.2 trillion<ref>Company Overview, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.</ref>), Mizuho Financial Group (US$1.4 trillion<ref>Company Information, Mizuho Financial Group.</ref>) and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (US$1.3 trillion<ref>Company Profile, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group.</ref>). The Tokyo Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of over 549.7 trillion Yen as of December 2006 stands as the second largest in the world.<ref>Market data. New York Stock Exchange (2006-01-31). Retrieved on 2007-08-11.</ref>//www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/aboutus/company/en_abt_cmp_profile.html Corporate Profile], Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.</ref> and others such as Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (US$1.2 trillion<ref>Company Overview, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.</ref>), Mizuho Financial Group (US$1.4 trillion<ref>Company Information, Mizuho Financial Group.</ref>) and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (US$1.3 trillion<ref>Company Profile, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group.</ref>). The Tokyo Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of over 549.7 trillion Yen as of December 2006 stands as the second largest in the world.<ref>Market data. New York Stock Exchange (2006-01-31). Retrieved on 2007-08-11.</ref>

www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-7176.html |title=Japan: Patterns of Development |publisher=country-data.com |date=January 1994 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, largely because of the after-effects of over-investment during the late 1980s and domestic policies intended to wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Government efforts to revive economic growth met with little success and were further hampered in 2000 to 2001 by the deceleration of the global economy.<ref name="ciaecon"> World Factbook; Japan—Economy

. CIA 
 
 (2006-12-19)
   

. Retrieved on 2006-12-28. </ref> However, the economy showed strong signs of recovery after 2005. GDP growth for that year was 2.8%, with an annualized fourth quarter expansion of 5.5%, surpassing the growth rates of the US and European Union during the same period.<ref>Masake, Hisane. A farewell to zero. Asia Times Online (2006-03-02). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref>//www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-7176.html |title=Japan: Patterns of Development |publisher=country-data.com |date=January 1994 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, largely because of the after-effects of over-investment during the late 1980s and domestic policies intended to wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Government efforts to revive economic growth met with little success and were further hampered in 2000 to 2001 by the deceleration of the global economy.<ref name="ciaecon"> World Factbook; Japan—Economy

. CIA 
 
 (2006-12-19)
   

. Retrieved on 2006-12-28. </ref> However, the economy showed strong signs of recovery after 2005. GDP growth for that year was 2.8%, with an annualized fourth quarter expansion of 5.5%, surpassing the growth rates of the US and European Union during the same period.<ref>Masake, Hisane. A farewell to zero. Asia Times Online (2006-03-02). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref>

www.nourin.tsukuba.ac.jp/~tasae/Japan.pdf Water Resources in relation to Major Agro-Environmental Issues in Japan]|111 KiB}}. College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University (2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.</ref> 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%<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ibi-iai.nsf/en/bi18701e.html |title=Japan: Country Information |publisher=Strategis |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> of its requirements of grain and fodder crops other than rice, and it relies on imports for most of its supply of meat. In fishing, Japan is ranked second in the world behind China in tonnage of fish caught. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch.<ref name="ciaecon"/> Japan relies on foreign countries for almost all oil and food.//www.nourin.tsukuba.ac.jp/~tasae/Japan.pdf Water Resources in relation to Major Agro-Environmental Issues in Japan]|111 KiB}}. College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University (2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.</ref> 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%<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ibi-iai.nsf/en/bi18701e.html |title=Japan: Country Information |publisher=Strategis |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> of its requirements of grain and fodder crops other than rice, and it relies on imports for most of its supply of meat. In fishing, Japan is ranked second in the world behind China in tonnage of fish caught. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch.<ref name="ciaecon"/> Japan relies on foreign countries for almost all oil and food.

Transportation in Japan is highly developed. As of 2004, there are 1,177,278 km (731,683 miles) of paved roadways, 173 airports, and 23,577 km (14,653 miles) of railways.<ref name="ciaecon"/> Air transport is mostly operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL). Railways are operated by Japan Railways Group among others. There are extensive international flights from many cities and countries to and from Japan.

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40192-2005Jan26.html "China Passes U.S. In Trade With Japan: 2004 Figures Show Asian Giant's Muscle".] The Washington Post (2005-01-27). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref>//www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40192-2005Jan26.html "China Passes U.S. In Trade With Japan: 2004 Figures Show Asian Giant's Muscle".] The Washington Post (2005-01-27). Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref>

Science and technology

Main article: Science and technology in Japan

www.unece.org/press/pr2000/00stat10e.htm The Boom in Robot Investment Continues—900,000 Industrial Robots by 2003.] and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Press release 2000-10-17. Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref> It also produced QRIO, ASIMO and Aibo. Japan is the world's largest producer of automobiles<ref>You must specify title = and url = when using {{cite web}}.

  Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
   
 

     (2006-09-15)
   
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. Retrieved on 2007-12-04. </ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.oica.net/htdocs/statistics/tableaux2006/worldprod_country-2.pdf |accessdate=2007-07-30}}</ref> and home to six of the world's fifteen largest automobile manufacturers and seven of the world's twenty largest semiconductor sales leaders as of today.//www.unece.org/press/pr2000/00stat10e.htm The Boom in Robot Investment Continues—900,000 Industrial Robots by 2003.] and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Press release 2000-10-17. Retrieved on 2006-12-28.</ref> It also produced QRIO, ASIMO and Aibo. Japan is the world's largest producer of automobiles<ref>You must specify title = and url = when using {{cite web}}.

  Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
   
 

     (2006-09-15)
   
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. U.S. Department of State 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-12-04. </ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.oica.net/htdocs/statistics/tableaux2006/worldprod_country-2.pdf |accessdate=2007-07-30}}</ref> and home to six of the world's fifteen largest automobile manufacturers and seven of the world's twenty largest semiconductor sales leaders as of today.

www.moondaily.com/reports/Japan_Plans_Moon_Base_By_2030_999.html |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducts space and planetary research, aviation research, and development of rockets and satellites. It is a participant in the International Space Station and the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibo) module is slated to be added to the International Space Station during Space Shuttle assembly flights in 2008.<ref>You must specify title = and url = when using {{cite web}}.

  Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
   
 

     (2006-09-15)
   
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. Retrieved on 2007-12-04. </ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>//www.moondaily.com/reports/Japan_Plans_Moon_Base_By_2030_999.html |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducts space and planetary research, aviation research, and development of rockets and satellites. It is a participant in the International Space Station and the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibo) module is slated to be added to the International Space Station during Space Shuttle assembly flights in 2008.<ref>You must specify title = and url = when using {{cite web}}.

  Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
   
 

     (2006-09-15)
   
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. U.S. Department of State 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-12-04. </ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref>

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Japan, Japanese language, Japanese people, and Religion in Japan

www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#People |title=World Factbook; Japan—People |publisher=CIA |date=2006-12-19 |accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> For the most part, Japanese society is linguistically and culturally homogeneous with small populations of foreign workers, Zainichi Koreans, Zainichi Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese Brazilians and others. The most dominant native ethnic group is the Yamato people; the primary minority groups include the indigenous Ainu and Ryūkyūans, as well as social minority groups like the burakumin.//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html#People |title=World Factbook; Japan—People |publisher=CIA |date=2006-12-19 |accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> For the most part, Japanese society is linguistically and culturally homogeneous with small populations of foreign workers, Zainichi Koreans, Zainichi Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese Brazilians and others. The most dominant native ethnic group is the Yamato people; the primary minority groups include the indigenous Ainu and Ryūkyūans, as well as social minority groups like the burakumin.

www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html |title=The World Factbook: Rank order—Life expectancy at birth |publisher=CIA |date=2006-12-19 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> However, the Japanese population is rapidly aging, the effect of a post-war baby boom followed by a decrease in births in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 2004, about 19.5% of the population was over the age of 65.<ref name="handbook">Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.stat.go.jp/English/data/handbook/c02cont.htm |title=Statistical Handbook of Japan: Chapter 2—Population |publisher=Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html |title=The World Factbook: Rank order—Life expectancy at birth |publisher=CIA |date=2006-12-19 |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> However, the Japanese population is rapidly aging, the effect of a post-war baby boom followed by a decrease in births in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 2004, about 19.5% of the population was over the age of 65.<ref name="handbook">Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.stat.go.jp/English/data/handbook/c02cont.htm |title=Statistical Handbook of Japan: Chapter 2—Population |publisher=Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref>

www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/japan/socsec/ogawa.html "Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Japan's Future"] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Transcript of speech delivered on (7 March, 1997). Retrieved on 14 May 2006.</ref> Immigration and birth incentives are sometimes suggested as a solution to provide younger workers to support the nation's aging population.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//jipi.gr.jp/english/message.html |title=Japan Immigration Policy Institute: Director's message| author= Hidenori Sakanaka| publisher=Japan Immigration Policy Institute |date=2005-10-05 |accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> Immigration, however, is not popular.<ref>French, Howard."Insular Japan Needs, but Resists, Immigration". "The New York Times" (2003-07-24). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.</ref>//www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/japan/socsec/ogawa.html "Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Japan's Future"] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Transcript of speech delivered on (7 March, 1997). Retrieved on 14 May 2006.</ref> Immigration and birth incentives are sometimes suggested as a solution to provide younger workers to support the nation's aging population.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//jipi.gr.jp/english/message.html |title=Japan Immigration Policy Institute: Director's message| author= Hidenori Sakanaka| publisher=Japan Immigration Policy Institute |date=2005-10-05 |accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> Immigration, however, is not popular.<ref>French, Howard."Insular Japan Needs, but Resists, Immigration". "The New York Times" (2003-07-24). Retrieved on 2007-02-21.</ref>

Around 84% to 96% of Japanese people profess to believe both Shinto (the indigenous religion of Japan) and Mahayana Buddhism.<ref name="ciawfbjapan"/><ref>{{cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm |title=International Religious Freedom Report 2006 |author=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2006-09-15 |accessdate=2007-12-04}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm |title=International Religious Freedom Report 2006 |author=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2006-09-15 |accessdate=2007-12-04}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.

About 99% of the population speaks Japanese as their first language.<ref name="ciapeople" /> It is an agglutinative language distinguished by a system of honorifics reflecting the hierarchical nature of Japanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary which indicate the relative status of speaker and listener. Japanese has borrowed or derived large amounts of vocabulary from Chinese and, since the end of World War II, English. The writing system uses kanji (Chinese characters) and two sets of kana (syllabaries based on simplified Chinese characters), as well as the Roman alphabet and Arabic numerals. The Ryūkyūan languages, also part of the Japonic language family to which Japanese belongs, are spoken in Okinawa, but few children learn these languages.<ref>言語学大辞典セレクション：日本列島の言語 (Selection from the Encyclopædia of Linguistics: The Languages of the Japanese Archipelago). "琉球列島の言語" (The Languages of the Ryukyu Islands). 三省堂 1997</ref> The Ainu language is moribund, with only a few elderly native speakers remaining in Hokkaidō.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.un.org/works/culture/japan_story.html |title=15 families keep ancient language alive in Japan |publisher=UN | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> Most public and private schools require students to take courses in both Japanese and English.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//web.archive.org/web/20060427225148/http://www.indiana.edu/~japan/digest5.html |title=Japan Digest: Japanese Education |date=2005-09-01 |author= Lucien Ellington|publisher=Indiana University |accessdate=2006-04-27}}</ref>

Education and health

Main articles: Education in Japan and Health care in Japan

Primary, secondary schools and universities were introduced into Japan in 1872 as a result of the Meiji Restoration.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.fpri.org/footnotes/087.200312.ellington.japaneseeducation.html |title=Beyond the Rhetoric: Essential Questions About Japanese Education |author=Lucien Ellington|publisher=Foreign Policy Research Institute |date=2003-12-01 |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> Since 1947, compulsory education in Japan consists of elementary school and middle school, which lasts for nine years (from age 6 to age 15). Almost all children continue their education at a three-year senior high school, and, according to the MEXT, about 75.9% of high school graduates attend a university, junior college, trade school, or other post-secondary institution in 2005.<ref> School Education

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. Retrieved on 2007-03-10. </ref> Japan's education is very competitive,<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.usyd.edu.au/news/international/226.html?newsstoryid=1568 |title=Rethinking Japanese education |author=Kate Rossmanith|publisher=The University of Sydney |date=2007-02-05| accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> especially for entrance to institutions of higher education. The two top-ranking universities in Japan are the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.alnaja7.org/success/Education/times_world_ranking_2005.pdf |title=The Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings |date=2005-10-28 |publisher= TSL Education Ltd. |format = PDF | accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> The Programme for International Student Assessment coordinated by the OECD, currently ranks Japanese knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds as the 6th best in the world.<ref>OECD’s PISA survey shows some countries making significant gains in learning outcomes, OECD, 04/12/2007. Range of rank on the PISA 2006 science scale</ref>

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.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.nyu.edu/projects/rodwin/lessons.html |author=Victor Rodwin|title=Health Care in Japan |publisher=New York University |accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> Patients are free to select physicians or facilities of their choice.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.ipss.go.jp/s-info/e/Jasos/Health.html |title=Health Insurance: General Characteristics |publisher=National Institute of Population and Social Security Research |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> Modèle:Clear

Culture and recreation

Main article: Culture of Japan

Japanese culture has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original Jōmon culture to its contemporary culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Japanese arts include crafts (ikebana, origami, ukiyo-e, dolls, lacquerware, pottery), performances (bunraku, dance, kabuki, noh, rakugo), traditions (games, tea ceremony, budō, architecture, gardens, swords) and cuisine. The fusion of traditional woodblock printing and Western art led to the creation of manga, a typically Japanese comic book format that is now popular within and outside Japan.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.dnp.co.jp/museum/nmp/nmp_i/articles/manga/manga1.html |title= A History of Manga |publisher=NMP International |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> Manga-influenced animation for television and film is called anime. Japanese-made video game consoles have prospered since the 1980s.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hov/index.html |title= The History of Video Games |author= Leonard Herman, Jer Horwitz, Steve Kent, and Skyler Miller|publisher=Gamespot |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>

Japanese music is eclectic, having borrowed instruments, scales and styles from neighboring cultures. Many instruments, such as the koto, were introduced in the ninth and tenth centuries. The accompanied recitative of the Noh drama dates from the fourteenth century and the popular folk music, with the guitar-like shamisen, from the sixteenth.<ref>Japanese Culture, The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia, 1983 edition, © Columbia University Press ISBN 0-380-63396-5</ref> Western music, introduced in the late nineteenth century, now forms an integral part of the culture. Post-war Japan has been heavily influenced by American and European modern music, which has led to the evolution of popular band music called J-Pop.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,1550807,00.html |title= J-Pop History |publisher=The Observer| accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> Karaoke is the most widely practiced cultural activity. A November 1993 survey by the Cultural Affairs Agency found that more Japanese had sung karaoke that year than had participated in traditional cultural pursuits such as flower arranging or tea ceremony.<ref>Kelly, Bill. (1998). "Japan's Empty Orchestras: Echoes of Japanese culture in the performance of karaoke", The Worlds of Japanese Popular Culture: Gender, Shifting Boundaries and Global Cultures, p. 76. Cambridge University Press.</ref>

The earliest works of Japanese literature include two history books the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki and the eighth century poetry book Man'yōshū, all written in Chinese characters.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.meijigakuin.ac.jp/~ascj/2000/200015.htm |title= Asian Studies Conference, Japan (2000) |publisher=Meiji Gakuin University |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ispmsu">Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.isp.msu.edu/AsianStudies/wbwoa/eastasia/Japan/literature.html |title= Windows on Asia—Literature : Antiquity to Middle Ages: Recent Past |publisher=Michigan State University, Office of International Studies and Programs |accessdate=2006-12-28}}</ref> 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 often described as the world's first novel. During the Edo Period, literature became not so much the field of the samurai aristocracy as that of the chōnin, the ordinary people. Yomihon, for example, became popular and reveals this profound change in the readership and authorship.<ref name="ispmsu"/> The Meiji era saw the decline of traditional literary forms, during which Japanese literature integrated Western influences. Natsume Sōseki and Mori Ogai were the first "modern" novelists of Japan, followed by Akutagawa Ryūnosuke, Tanizaki Jun'ichirō, Kawabata Yasunari, Mishima Yukio and, more recently, Murakami Haruki. Japan has two Nobel Prize-winning authors—Kawabata Yasunari (1968) and Oe Kenzaburo (1994).<ref name="ispmsu"/>

Sports

Main article: Sport in Japan

Traditionally, sumo is considered Japan's national sport and it is one of the most popular spectator sports in Japan.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.pbs.org/independentlens/sumoeastandwest/sumo.html |title=Sumo: East and West |publisher=PBS |accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> Martial arts such as judo, karate and kendō are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectators in the country. After the Meiji Restoration, many Western sports were introduced in Japan and began to spread through the education system.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/facts/culture_dailylife.html#sports |title=Culture and Daily Life |publisher=Embassy of Japan in the UK |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>

The professional baseball league in Japan was established in 1936.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref> Today baseball is the most popular spectator sport in the country. One of the most famous Japanese baseball players is Ichiro Suzuki, who, having won Japan's Most Valuable Player award in 1994, 1995 and 1996, now plays in North American major league baseball.

Since the establishment of the Japan Professional Football League in 1992, association football (soccer) has also gained a wide following.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//www.tjf.or.jp/takarabako/PDF/TB09_JCN.pdf |title= Soccer as a Popular Sport: Putting Down Roots in Japan |publisher= The Japan Forum |format = PDF | accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> Japan was a venue of the Intercontinental Cup from 1981 to 2004 and co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with South Korea. Japan is one of the most successful soccer teams in Asia, winning the Asian Cup three times.

Golf is also popular in Japan,<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/604/sports.asp |title= Japanese Golf Gets Friendly |publisher=Metropolis |author=Fred Varcoe|accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> as is auto racing, the Super GT sports car series and Formula Nippon formula racing.<ref>Modèle:Cite web www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71342.htm</ref> 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.<ref name="ciapeople"/> In addition, since the mid-19th century, numerous religious sects (Shinshūkyō) have emerged in Japan.//metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/623/sports.asp |title= Japanese Omnibus: Sports |publisher=Metropolis |author=Len Clarke|accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref>

References

Further reading

• Christopher, Robert C., The Japanese Mind: the Goliath Explained, Linden Press/Simon and Schuster, 1983 (ISBN 0330284193)
• De Mente, The Japanese Have a Word For It, McGraw-Hill, 1997 (ISBN 0-8442-8316-9)
• Henshall, A History of Japan, Palgrave Macmillan, 2001 (ISBN 0-312-23370-1)
• Jansen, The Making of Modern Japan, Belknap, 2000 (ISBN 0-674-00334-9)
• Johnson, Japan: Who Governs?, W.W. Norton, 1996 (ISBN 0-393-31450-2)
• Reischauer, Japan: The Story of a Nation, McGraw-Hill, 1989 (ISBN 0-07-557074-2)
• Sugimoto et al., An Introduction to Japanese Society, Cambridge University Press, 2003 (ISBN 0-521-52925-5)
• Van Wolferen, The Enigma of Japanese Power, Vintage, 1990 (ISBN 0-679-72802-3)

External links

Modèle:Sisterlinks

Official

www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html Kunaicho.go.jp]—Official site of the Imperial family. www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.mofa.go.jp/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs]—Detailed papers on Japan's foreign policy, education programs, culture and life. www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.shugiin.go.jp/index.nsf/html/index_e.htm Shugi-in.go.jp]—Official site of the House of Representatives www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.ndl.go.jp/en/index.html National Diet Library (English)]

Media

www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.nhk.or.jp/english/ NHK Online] www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//home.kyodo.co.jp/ Kyodo News] www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.asahi.com/english/index.html Asahi Shimbun (English)] www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.japantimes.co.jp/ The Japan Times]

Tourism

www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ Japan National Tourist Organization]//www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ Japan National Tourist Organization]

• Modèle:Wikitravel

Other

www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html CIA World Factbook—Japan]//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html CIA World Factbook—Japan] www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.britannica.com/nations/Japan Encyclopaedia Britannica's Japan portal site] www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html Kantei.go.jp]—Official prime ministerial and cabinet site//www.guardian.co.uk/japan/0,7368,450622,00.html Guardian Unlimited—Special Report: Japan]

• Modèle:Wikiatlas
• Modèle:Gutenberg author containing the 1889 and 1946 Constitutions

Modèle:Japan topics

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