An archipelago in the Pacific, Japan is separated from the east coast of Asia by the Sea of Japan. It is approximately the size of Montana. Japan's four main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. The Ryukyu chain to the southwest was U.S.-occupied from 1945 to 1972, when it reverted to Japanese control, and the Kurils to the northeast are Russian-occupied. Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands. 9 The four largest islands are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of Japan's land area. A major power,10 Japan has the world's second-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third largest in purchasing power parity. It is also the world's fourth largest exporter and fifth largest importer.

Nashi (Japanese Pear) Although nashi are quite similar to Western pears, there are a number of significant differences. Compared to the Western pear, nashi are larger, crispier and have a similar but lighter taste and a rougher skin. Furthermore, they are spherical rather than "pear-shaped". Nashi are in season during the late summer and autumn and are generally eaten peeled. They have been cultivated by the Japanese since pre-historical times. Western pears are also available in the country, and are known as yonashi (Western pears). Ringo (Apple) Widespread cultivation of apples in Japan began in the Meiji Period ( ). Today it is one of the most popular fruits in Japan, and one of the few fruits that are exported overseas in large quantities. In Japan, apples are generally eaten raw after peeling. They are in season during autumn and early winter.Meiji Period Kaki (Japanese Persimmon) While not technically part of the pome fruit category, kaki are similar to nashi and apples in their shape, size, crispiness and the way they are eaten. Kaki are most commonly enjoyed raw after being peeled and cut into pieces. But they are also dried and eaten, similar to figs. Kaki are in season in late autumn and winter when they are often seen hanging on otherwise barren trees. Originally coming from China, kaki have been cultivated in Japan since the 7th century.7th century Mikan (Mandarin Orange) Mikan are the most popular type of Japanese oranges, which are generally known as kan (some other orange varieties are iyokan, ponkan, etc.). Mikan peel easily and do not have seeds and are widely popular as a dessert or snack when they are in season in early winter. Mikan were introduced to Japan from China about 400 years ago, from where they traveled to the West and became known as mandarin oranges. Japan is a major mikan producer, and the mikan is one of only few Japanese fruits to be exported in considerable quantities. Wakayama and Ehime Prefectures are Japan's top mikan producers. WakayamaEhime