JAPAN THE LAND OF GOLD Open a world map and look at the extensive Asia/ Pacific region. Almost at the very center, you'll discover the Japanese archipelago stretching north to south along the eastern edge of the Asian continent. Japan has lured untold numbers of adventurers since Marco Polo first introduced it to the world back in the 13th century as " Zipangu — the Land of Gold." Though the Japan of today may not be a land of gold, the "Neo Zipangu" does possess powerful and magnetlike attractions: great cultural variety, colorful and inspiring natural attractions beautifully interwoven by distinct four seasonal changes, not to mention the overflowing hospitality of its people. As such, Japan is vigorously gaining in popularity as a tourist destination that is easily accessible from any part of the world. A destination any one can enjoy on a reasonable budget and with a sense of complete security.
This is where the past literally greets the future. This is where they both mingle. Japan has a long history of absorbing advanced cultures from the Asian Continent from ancient times through the middle Ages. Later it began to assimilate elements of Western civilization from the latter half of the 19th century. By selectively assimilating these many cultural influences, the country has successfully added rich new dimensions and depth to its indigenous culture. This marvelous harmony between the refinement of things and concepts "Oriental" blended with the leading-edge technology and the often ultramodern urban lifestyle you find in Japan today is truly proof of a long and eloquent history. Beautiful, relaxing, nostalgic, profound, fashionable, mouth-watering, exciting, succulent, historic, cultural, just name it! Japan, Japan, Japan! Which would you like to meet? Intertwined with a genuine and heart-warming hospitality, Japan awaits you. So, Welcome to Japan!
Quick View of Japan
Japan 日本国 (Nippon-koku or Nihon-koku)
National Flag Color: White & Red National Anthem: Kimigayo (君が代)
Imperial Seal of Japan
Government Seal of Japan 五七桐 (Go-Shichi no Kiri) Region: East Asia Coordinates: 36°N 138°E Capital (Largest city): Tokyo (de facto) 35°41′N 139°46′E Highest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m (12,388 ft) Lowest point: Hachirō-gata −4 m (−13 ft) Longest river: Shinano River 367 km (228 mi) Largest lake: Lake Biwa 670 km2 (260 sq mi) Official language: None Recognized regional languages: Aynu itak, Ryukyuan languages, Eastern Japanese, Western Japanese, and several other Japanese dialects National language Japanese Ethnic groups: 98.5% Japanese, 0.5% Korean, 0.4% Chinese, 0.6% other Demonym: Japanese Government: Unitary parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy - Emperor Akihito - Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda
Legislature: Diet - Upper house -House of Councilors
- Lower house -House of Representatives Formation: - National Foundation Day 11 February 660 BC - Meiji Constitution 29 November 1890 - Current constitution 3 May 1947 - Treaty of San Francisco 28 April 1952 Area: Total 377,944 km2 (62nd) / 145,925 sq mi - Water (0.82 %) - Land (99.18%) Population:
- 2011 estimate 127,799,000 (10th) - 2010 census 128,056,026 - Density 337.1/km2 (36th) 873.1/sq mi
GDP (PPP): 2011 estimate - Total $4.440 trillion (4th) - Per capita $34,739 (25th) GDP (nominal): 2011 estimate - Total $5.869 trillion (3rd) - Per capita $45,920 (18th) Gini: 37.6 (2008) Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY) Time zone: JST (UTC+9) - Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+9) Date formats: yyyy-mm-dd Drives on the: Left ISO 3166 code: JP Internet TLD: .jp Calling code: +81
Economy The economy of Japan is the third largest in the world developed economy According to the International Monetary Fund, the country's per capita GDP (PPP) was at $34,362 or the 24th highest in 2011. Japan is the world's 3rd largest automobile manufacturing country, has the largest electronics goods industry, and is often ranked among the world's most innovative countries leading several measures of global patent filings. Facing increasing competition from China and South Korea, manufacturing in Japan today now focuses primarily on hightech and precision goods, such as optical equipment, hybrid cars, and robotics. Japan is the world's largest creditor nation, generally running an annual trade surplus and having a considerable net international investment surplus. As of 2010, Japan possesses 13.7% of the world's private financial assets (the 2nd largest in the world) at an estimated $14.6 trillion. As of 2011, 68 of the Fortune 500 companies are based in Japan. The economy of Tokyo is the largest metropolitan economy in the world.