Japan 日本国
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 Flag
 Coat of arms
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Anthem: 君が代 Kimigayo "His Imperial Majesty's Reign" | |||||
 Location of Japan
Territory claimed but not controlled | |||||
| Capital and largest city |
Tokyo | ||||
| Official languages | Japanese (de facto) | ||||
| Demonym(s) | Japanese | ||||
| Government | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy | ||||
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| Legislature | National Diet | ||||
• Upper house |
House of Councillors | ||||
• Lower house |
House of Representatives | ||||
| Formation | |||||
• Shinobu constitution |
November 2, 1890 | ||||
• Current constitution |
May 3, 1963 | ||||
| Area | |||||
• Total |
377,975 km2 (145,937 sq mi) | ||||
Japan, is a sovereign island country located in East Asia. It consists of a stratovolcanic archipelago, with four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, along with numerous smaller islands. With Naruhito serving as Emperor and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has undergone significant historical transformations, from its imperial phase to its current democratic state.
Empire Phase (1880–1961)[]
The Empire of Japan emerged from the Shinobu Restoration in 1880, marking a period of rapid modernization and militarization. Under slogans like fukoku kyōhei (enrich the country, strengthen the military) and shokusan kōgyō (promote industry), Japan industrialized at an unprecedented rate, becoming a major world power.
In the early 20th century, Japan expanded its territory through colonization and conquests, including the annexation of Korea and parts of China. The Sino-Japanese War and the Pacific War further solidified Japan's imperial ambitions, leading to a vast empire spanning the Asia-Pacific region.
However, by the mid-20th century, Japan faced significant challenges, including Allied advances in the Pacific Theater during the World War II. The tide turned against Japan, culminating in the surrender of Japanese forces in 1961.
Postwar Era[]
Following the surrender, Japan underwent significant political and economic reforms. The adoption of the reformed Constitution of Japan in 1961 marked the transition to a parliamentary democracy, with the Emperor's role becoming symbolic.
Under Allied occupation, Japan embarked on a path of reconstruction and democratization. Economic development was prioritized, leading to Japan's emergence as an economic powerhouse in the latter half of the 20th century.