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- Capital: Tokyo
- Government: Constitutional monarchy
- Emperor: Akihito
- Prime Minister: Taro Aso
- Language spoken: Japanese
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Country code: + 81
- Area code: 3
- Time zone: Japan Standard Time
- Founded in 600 BC by Emperor JimmuU.S. Department of State: Japan
- Population: 127,288,419 (2008 estimate)CIA World Factbook: Japan
- Climate: Temperate
- Member of The United Nations, G8, G4, OECD and APEC
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Japan, frequently referred to as the Land of the Rising Sun, is an island country located in Northeast Asia to the east of China, Korea and Russia.
Parliamentary elections were held on August 30th 2009 and the Liberal Democratic Party, who had held power in Japan for over 50 years, were defeated in a land slide victory by the Democratic Party of Japan. Prime Minister Taro Aso announced that he would resign shortly after the crushing defeat.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8229368.stm2 Yukio Hatoyama became Japan's 93rd prime minister.
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Geography
Japan is comprised of over 3,000 islands along the Pacific coast of Asia, many of which are heavily forested, mountainous or volcanic.Asiarooms.com: Japan Japan's population of nearly 128 million people are mostly concentrated in large metropolitan centers, since up to 80% of the country is unsuitable for development due to climate and topography. Because of its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan sees several small earthquakes each year and occasional large earthquakes, which may also cause tsunamis.K12 Academics: Japan: Geography -
Earthquake Research
Japan is one of the most earthquake prone places in the world because it sits atop two separate subduction zones, one of which has produced powerful, mega-thrust quakes that often lead to a tsunami.LiveScience: Scientists Dig Deep for In-Depth Look at Earthquakes (February 19, 2009)Currently a team of researchers have been divided into two groups, one assigned to Japan and the other to Costa Rica, both of which aim to utilize new tools in order to exact a more in-depth view of earthquake faults. For geologist Harold Tobin's Japanese team, this means studying the deep sea's floor, trying to gain a better understanding of an earthquake's affect underwater as it gives rise to tsunamis. His team will have access to a deep-sea drilling ship for their research, which is projected to take a decade to complete. The first phase was finished in February of 2009.LiveScience: Scientists Dig Deep for In-Depth Look at Earthquakes (February 19, 2009)
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Government
Japan's government is a constitutional monarchy, with the dynastic Emperor representing the country as a ceremonial figurehead. Power is chiefly held by elected members of the Diet of Japan, a bicameral parliament, and the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet.Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet: Fundamental Structure of the Government of Japan -
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Japan News
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Toyota Prius among recall of hybrid cars in Japan
Toyota has recalled four hybrid models in Japan including the plug-in Prius PHV. Photograph: AP Toyota is to recall more than 220000 hybrid cars in Japan, ... (February 08, 2010)The Guardian -
Delta Responds to Japan Airlines Announcement Regarding Alliance Partnership
Customers can continue to count on Delta for unmatched access to Japan, with nonstop service between 10 US destinations and Tokyo. ... (February 09, 2010)CNNMoney.com (press release) -
Japan's Nikkei 225 Drops for Fourth Day on Europe Concern
9 (Bloomberg) -- Japanese stocks fell, driving the Nikkei 225 Stock Average down for a fourth day, on renewed concern ballooning budget deficits will worsen ... (February 09, 2010)BusinessWeek -
Activists clash with whaling ship
Anti-whaling activists and Japanese whalers have exchanged water cannon fire in the Antarctic Ocean as two boats tailed the whaling fleet in an attempt to ... (February 09, 2010)The Press Association
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africa added a comment December 24, 2009 03:26 AM| ReportFantastic! Where is it?
africa added a comment December 24, 2009 03:26 AM| ReportFantastic! Where is it?
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Japan Questions
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What is the best outcome of the coming elections in Japan from the perspective of the US government? 2 AnswersI don't think the United States really cares either way. The democratic party, likely to win, is theoretically a little more inward looking but let's look at th... read more -
What will change following the results of the Japan Election? 1 AnswerNobody knows, because it's never happened before to a degree where the change would stick, but whatever it is, I know that my Japanese coleagues are seriously s... read more -
Anybody know of any cute Japan blogs? 2 AnswersFor now is closed - but it's content remains excellent: Ping Magazine: http://pingmag.jp/ read more -
When is Christmas in Japan celebrated? 1 AnswerThe same day as we do, just a few hours ahead of us as they're in a different time zone (by the time it turns into Christmas Day in New York, it's already 2pm i... read more
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Japan Links, Powered by Google Powered by Google
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Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
Japan National Tourism Organization Web Sitejnto.go.jp
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Japan Maps and Geography
"Japan Map" image by "CIA World Factbook"- Wikipedia: Geography of Japan
- Geographical Survey Institute: Japan
- Geology.com: Map and Satellite Images of Japan
- Japan 101: Basic Geography of Japan






