1. Japan Facts

2. Facts Full name: Japan Population: 127.9 million (UN, 2008) Capital: Tokyo Area: 377,864 sq km (145,894 sq miles) Major language: Japanese Major religions: Shintoism, Buddhism Life expectancy: 79 years (men), 86 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: yen Main exports: Vehicles, computer parts, chemicals, scientific instruments and watches Internet domain:.jp International dialing code: +81

3. Leaders Head of state: Emperor Akihito Akihito succeeded his father, Hirohito, in 1989. Under the 1947 constitution, Japan's emperors have a purely ceremonial role. Prime minister: Yoshihiko Noda Mr. Noda is a member of the Democratic Party of Japan.

4. Shrines, temples, gardens Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are everywhere in Japan. Many date back well over 1000years. Shinto, is an ancient “religion” unique to Japan, with emphasis on ancestor worship and harmony with the natural world.

5. Nature, rural landscapes

6. Food In Japan, especially in large cities, cuisines from all over the world can be enjoyed. But the Japanese cuisine is a world of diversity – from “Kaiseki ryori” full-course dinners at upper class restaurant, to the well known “sushi”,“tempra” and “sukiyaki”, and on to the even more popular “soba” and “ramen” noodles.

8. Festivals, events Japan cerebrates its own festivals and events in response to the transition of the four seasons. Many festivals (matsuri) have their origin in Shinto and Buddhism.

9. Traditional arts, culture Japan has a rich culture. Some of the more popular traditional arts include Sumo wrestling, Ikebana (flower arranging), the Japanese tea ceremony, and Kabuki theatre (stage shows where actors wear masks).

10. Traditional arts, culture

11. Architecture Where is the world’s oldest wooden structure and where is the largest? You guessed it, they are both in Japan! The former is the Horyuji temple (built in 607) and the latter is the Todaiji temple (reconstructed in 1709 and is 57 meters tall).