For proper viewing use Macromedia Flash Plug-in version 8 and better. Download a new plug-in, if your system is not playing correctly.

Japan Location Japans neighboring countries are Russia and N. and S. Korea. Islands are the major landforms. Sea of Japan and the East China sea are the major bodies of water. Tokyo the capital city and Oyako, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Kyoto are the major cities. Government Japan is a Parliamentary Democracy. Japan’s current leaders are Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Junichio Koizumbo. 127,654,000 people live in Japan. According to Japanese legend Japan became an independent country in 660 BC but records show 1000 years later. Economy The GDP = 3.5 trillion. Yen is Japan’s currency. Road vehicles, Iron, and steel are some major exports in Japan. Crude Petroleum, natural gas, and electrical machinery are some major imports in Japan. Some chief crops in Japan are rice, sugar beets, vegetables, and fruits. Religion The official religions are Shinto and Buddhist. Shinto believes that there’s a spiritual essence in all things. Buddhism is believed to take care of the after life as in Shabukuku to shatter or subdue.. Other religions are Christian (1%) and Zen. Arts Visual arts consist of ikebana (flower arrangements) and bonsai trees. Literature from Japan is mostly poetry like Haiku and Kyogen. Temples and castles are famous Japan architecture. Japanese music is mostly western nowadays but used to be more classical. Technology Some major industries in Japan are motor vehicles, electronic equipment, chemicals, and steel. Japan invented the kimono, haiku poem, and the wooden sliding door. Education Students attend school for 9 years through the ages 6 – 15. Everyone can attend. After school there is exams and college if you pass the exam. flag of japan.gif asakusatemp.jpg bonsai_thumb.jpg http://www.pics4learning.com/?search=cat&query=Countries_Japan&sfield=1&sorder=desc&viewmode=&page=3&mult=1 riceharvest_thumb.jpg http://school.eb.com/all/elementary/article?articleId=346086&query=japan&ct=null http://www.pics4learning.com/?search=cat&query=Countries_Japan&sfield=1&sorder=desc&viewmode=&page=3&mult=1te gov..jpg poshttp://www.pics4learning. com/dethttp://www.pics4learning.com/details.php?img=yasakapagoda3.jpgails.php?img =japan032.jpgter yourself school.jpg tourist.jpg http://www.pics4learning.com/?search=cat&query=Countries_Japan&sfield=1&sorder=desc&viewmode=&page=3&mult=1 http://www.pics4learning.com/?search=cat&query=Countries_Japan&sfield=1&sorder=desc&viewmode=&page=3&mult=1 By: K.D Information from: World Almanac and book of facts Japan, Carol Greene Cultures of the World, Rex Shelley