Japan is an East Asian island country in the North Pacific Ocean. Known for its culture and technological advancements, Japan is one of the most visited Asian countries. Here are 10 interesting facts about Japan, the “land of the rising Sun”.
10 interesting facts about Japan
Japan geographical overview
Japan has an area of 377,975 sq km (145,898 square miles) and a population of 122.6 million (2024 estimate). It is the 12th most populous country in the world.
Japan is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west, the Sea of Okhotsk to the north, the East China Sea to the south, and the vast Pacific Ocean to the east. The country is heavily forested and mostly hilly. There are more than 14,000 islands in Japan.
1. High life expectancy in Japan
Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world for a country. The life expectancy at birth in Japan is over 84 years (2023 UN).
2. Japan is mostly mountainous
Japan is 70-80% mountainous. The major mountain ranges of Japan are the Hida Mountains, Kiso Nountains, and Akaishi Mountains. These three ranges are collectively termed the Japanese Alps. The highest peak in Japan is Mount Fuji. It is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 3,776.25 to 3,778.23 m (12,389.3 to 12,395.8 ft).
3. Japan has one of the highest GDPs in the world
Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, only behind the US, China, and Germany. The largest industries in Japan are automobiles and electronics. The largest contributor to the Japanese economy is the service sector, followed by the industrial sector.
4. Tokyo is one of the world’s largest capital cities
The capital of Japan is Tokyo, which is also the country’s largest city and economic hub. The Tokyo metropolitan area has a population of over 40 million (2024 estimate), which is more than the population of many countries.
5. Japan is at high natural disaster risk
Since Japan is located along the pacific ring of fire, it is one of the most vulnerable countries to natural disasters like Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. In an estimate, it is found that around 1,500 major or minor earthquakes hit Japan every year.
6. Japan is heavily forested
The forest cover in Japan is over 65% of the total land area. This makes Japan one of the most heavily forested countries in Asia.
7. Bullet trains in Japan
The Japanese bullet train, locally known as Shinkansen, is a high-speed railway network that connects far regions of Japan to Tokyo. The Japanese bullet train crossed the 600 km/hr (375 mph) mark in a test run in 2015. The maximum operating speed, however, is 320 km/h (200 mph).
8. Tea culture in Japan
Tea is a part of the culture in Japan. The traditional Japanese tea (o-cha) is a powdered green tea. In Japanese tea ceremonies, this green tea is served to the guests in a Tatami-floored tea room. The purpose of the tea ceremonies is to provide the guests with a a silent atmosphere away from the hustle of everyday life.
9. No shoes inside homes
In Japan, people do not wear shoes inside their homes. This is mainly because Japan has a culture of sleeping and eating on the traditional tatami (a type of mat) floor.
10. Honshu island
The Honshu island is the largest island in Japan. It is also the seventh-largest island in the world. The island has an area of 227,960 sq km (88,020 sq mi). Honshu Island is the second-most populous island in the world. Over 80% of the Japanese population resides on Honshu island.
Japanese anime
The anime industry is a large industry in Japan. The anime stories created in Japan are watched all over the world. Japanese anime have a separate fan base. Some of the shows are among the most-watched in the world.
(Also read: 21 interesting facts about Nepal, the “land of the Himalayas”)
Basic facts about Japan
| Area | 377,975 sq km (145,898 square miles) |
| Population | 122.6 million (2024 estimate) |
| Capital and largest city | Tokyo |
| Most spoken language | Japanese |
| Currency | Japanese Yen |
| Most popular sport | Baseball |
| Government type | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Highest point | Mount Fuji (3,776.25 to 3,778.23 m) |
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Beautiful country with rich history.
Yes