1. Japan
Population
127,368,088
Capital : Tokyo

2. Japan’s History
Recorded Japanese history begins in approximately A.D. 400, when the Yamato clan, eventually based in Kyoto, managed to gain control of other family groups in central and western Japan.
Contact with Korea introduced Buddhism to Japan at about this time.
Through the 700s Japan was much influenced by China which is why some of their customs are similar (emperor and silk clothing).
In history, Japan was an offensive country until the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on two Japanese cities to end WWII.

3. Japan’s Government
Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary government
Head of state is an emperor (ceremonial)
Emperor: Akihito (since 1989) ceremonial
Prime Minister: Shinzo Abe (elected in 2012)
The government is run by a prime minister (like our president) who is elected
Parliament is like our Congress
People have high rights and full liberties like us

4. Japan’s Geography Mountainous archipelago island country
Located in the Ring of Fire
Highest peak-Mt. Fuji
Known for beautiful gardens and small flowering trees
11% arable (small amount of farming land)
Averages 300 earthquakes a year!
Japan has four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

5. Japan’s Economy
The Japanese economy is the third largest in the world. Only the USA and China have a higher GNP.
The Japanese currency is the Yen. Japan has capitalism as its economic system.
2011 earthquake and tsunami damage caused an economic setback for Japan.

6. Japanese People Proud of their heritage, artistic
Truthful, respectful, self-disciplined
Motivated to excel in school and work
Clean, concerned about environment
Honor the elderly
Family is important
Life expectancy-83
Literacy rate 99% (high)
Per capita inc $36,000