Japan, officially known as the State of Japan, is an island nation in East Asia famous for its rich culture, technology, and unique geography.

Capital: Tokyo

Tokyo, with over 14 million people, is one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. The name "Tokyo" means "Eastern Capital" - it became Japan's capital in 1868.

The Flag: Simple Yet Meaningful

Japan's flag features a red circle (representing the sun) on a white background. This design has been used since 1870 and reflects Japan's nickname: "Land of the Rising Sun."

Geography Quick Facts

  • 🏝️ Japan is made up of 6,852 islands, but four main islands make up about 97% of its land area: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
  • 🗻 Home to Mount Fuji (3,776m), an active volcano and Japan's tallest peak.
  • 🌊 Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk.
  • 🏙️ 73% of the country is mountainous, with many cities built on narrow coastal plains.
  • 🚅 Japan's Shinkansen (bullet trains) can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).
  • 🎎 Japan has more than 5 million vending machines, selling everything from drinks to umbrellas and hot meals.
  • 🌸 Cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom across Japan every spring, celebrated with hanami (flower viewing) festivals.
  • 🦑 Japan is the world's largest consumer of seafood and has more than 3,000 sushi restaurants in Tokyo alone.
  • 🎌 Japan is home to 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient temples, shrines, and natural wonders.

Test your knowledge: Ready to explore Asia? Try our geography quiz and see how many Asian countries you can identify!