History
• Japan is an island in Asia with about 120 million people. Because it is such a mountainous country, you will find most of the population centered in specific areas, mainly Tokyo, Yokohama,
Osaka, and Nagoya.
• The first permanent capital was founded in 710 at Nara
• Some japanes period are : Heian period , Kamakura period, Muromachi period, AzuchiMomoyama period, Edo period, Meji Period, Taisho period , Showa period and Heisei period.
• The U.S. occupied Japan until 1952. After 1955, it enjoyed very high economic growth rates, and became a world economic powerhouse, especially in engineering, automobiles and electronics.
Geography
Japan consists of over 3,000 islands that extend from the northeast to southwest.
Most of the population centered in specific areas, mainly Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and
Nagoya.
It is a mountainous country.
Social Institutions
• Business hours might be 9-5, but most people don't follow this, and meetings can frequently go later.
• Lunchtime is generally 12-1.
• you need to be punctual.
• The Japanese are among the most literate peoples in the world.
Religion
Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century.
Most Japanese consider themselves
Buddhist, Shintoist or both.
Living
Conditions
The Japanese standard of living is very high.
Material possessions are comparable to those in the United States, and the general safety of Japanese city streets adds a sense of well-being. The major problems are restricted living space and the limited personal time left by demanding work and study hours.
Housing is a major problem in Japan's crowded cities. While Japanese prefer singlefamily houses, the enormous cost of land prevents them from having a real yard as many as forty houses may be built on one acre. Clothing,
Recreation
and Sports
Traditional clothing is the kimono. The
Japanese people are