Portal:Japan/Intro
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Japan is an island nation off the east coast of continental Asia. Its four largest islands are (in order by area) Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū, and Shikoku. These islands make up 99% of Japan's area. It is divided into 47 prefectures, of which Tokyo, home to the government and Emperor, is the most famous. The nation's government is the Diet, consisting of an upper house, the House of Councillors, and a lower house, the House of Representatives, which designate the cabinet, headed by the prime minister. Each prefecture has an elected governor and a separately elected legislature. The Constitution establishes the Emperor as a symbol of the nation.
Early texts trace the country's legendary foundation to Emperor Jimmu, while the written history of Japan begins with a mention in early Chinese records of the land of Wa (the name given to ancient Japan by the Chinese), which was said to be divided into 100 separate kingdoms, one of which, the kingdom of Na, sent an envoy to Emperor Guāng Wǔ in 57 A.D. The Shinto religion is native to Japan, and Buddhism, which came from Korea and China, developed further in the islands. The philosophy of Confucianism played a major role in shaping the country's thoughts, institutions, ethics, and personal relationships.
Japan's rich tradition of performing arts includes Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku. Its literature includes The Tale of Genji (a novel dating from the 11th century) and waka and haiku poetic forms. The arts of Japan encompass sculpture, painting, woodblock prints, calligraphy and manga. The world has embraced Japan's modern manga, film, anime, video games, and J-pop.
The powerful economic engine of Japan includes manufacturing enterprises such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Matsushita, and Sony. Its financial services providers compete internationally in banking and insurance. The construction, shipping, and fishing industries are worldwide in scope. The nation's imports include energy and food. Governmental agencies involved with the economy include the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Bank of Japan.
