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. 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

The culture of Japan dates back to the very beginning of the country which includes Geishas, Samurai, kimonos, the Japanese New Year, and many other aspects of it.

Geishas pronounced (gay – sha) means person of the arts they are the traditional entertainment of Japan. During the 18th century and 19th century Geishas were common however today their numbers are decreasing. Geisha houses often bought young girls from their families to be trained as geishas. As a child in the house they first worked as maids, moving on to be assistants to the senior geisha, by doing the chores it was a contribution to the house for the girl’s upkeep and education. The tradition of the student living at the home of a master still exists in Japan today.http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/geisha.html

Samurai means sometimes and is a term used for a warrior in Japan before industry took over. During the Tokugawa era samurai eventually were no longer part of the military, and by the end of the era they were civilian bureaucrats with their swords used for ceremonial purposes only. In the late 19th century, the samurai were eliminated as a class in with the making of the national army. However the code they followed along with many other aspects of the life as a samurai are still part of Japanese society today.http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/samurai.html

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.name="LIVESCIENCE">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.name="LIVESCIENCE">LiveScience: Scientists Dig Deep for In-Depth Look at Earthquakes (February 19, 2009)

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 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