| For such a tiny total landmass, Japan has | | | | world under the Convention of Kanagawa with |
| left an undeniable stamp on human history. If | | | | the United States. Once this occurred, Japan |
| you are considering Japan as a destination, | | | | quickly evolved from a feudal state to a more |
| here is an overview of the country.Extending | | | | modern approach.World War I was a boon for |
| along the eastern coast of Asia, Japan is a | | | | Japan. Fighting on the side of the victorious |
| country consisting of a collection of | | | | Allies, Japan repeated new respect as an |
| islands. The mainland, as we think of it, is | | | | economic and military power following the |
| the island of Honshu. There are three other | | | | defeat of the Axis. Alas, the emperor of |
| large islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, | | | | Japan went in a different direction after the |
| and roughly 3,000 much smaller islands | | | | war, seeking dominance of China and Asia in |
| comprising what we call Japan. Put together, | | | | general.In 1937, Japan became an ally of Nazi |
| the total land mass is slightly smaller than | | | | German. This eventually led to its decision |
| California. The geography throughout the | | | | to pursue an attack on Pearl Harbor on |
| islands is mountainous, best exemplified by | | | | December 7, 1941. Following four years of |
| Mt. Fuji at 12,385 feet. As you might expect, | | | | war, the loss of 3 million Japanese lives and |
| the island country is inherently recognition | | | | two atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the |
| of a volcanic are and Japan experiences | | | | United States on September 2, 1945. It was |
| earthquakes fairly frequently, some on a | | | | stripped of most of its territorial holdings |
| large scale.Japan is an extremely urbanized | | | | and was ruled de facto by General Douglas |
| country with most people living in major | | | | MacArthur, designated the Supreme |
| cities. The two prominent religions are | | | | Commander.Following World War II, Japan |
| Shintoism and Buddhism. The belief systems | | | | turned to a democratic system through |
| are harmonious and often share the same | | | | reforms. The U.S. and allies returned |
| temples.Per legend, Japan was founded by | | | | complete control to Japan on April 28, 1952 |
| Emperor Jimmu around 600 BC. The current | | | | via the Treaty of Peace. Although its days as |
| emperor is a descendent of the first.The | | | | a military power were over, Japan once again |
| first interaction with the West was in 1542 | | | | became an economic giant. Despite its |
| when a lost Portuguese ship landed in Japan. | | | | relatively tiny land mass, Japan has the |
| Over the next century more Westerns came, but | | | | second biggest economy in the world.Modern |
| they were not trusted. The Japan shoguns | | | | day Japan covers 145,902 square miles. The |
| eventually banned all foreigners and the | | | | capital is Tokyo. The terrain is best |
| country was isolated for over 200 years. Not | | | | described as rugged, mountainous islands with |
| until 1854 did Japan open its doors to the | | | | varying temperatures. |