Japan¶

Area

Asia

Japan is an archipelago of 3,000 islands off the east coast of Asia. The original inhabitants arrived via land bridges about 30,000 years ago, and the Jomon culture appeared about 10,000 years ago. The Japanese did not start recording their own history until the 5th century when the Japanese writing system was introduced from one of the three kingdoms of Korea. In medieval times, a ruling class of warriors called samurai emerged, and the Shogun -- or "generals" -- were the practical rulers of Japan from the end of the 12th century until the 19th century.

In the 17th century, Japan felt threatened by foreign presence, and particularly by the Manchus who had conquered China and Korea. As a result, they kicked everybody out of the country and remained isolated for two-and-a-half centuries. During this period Japan's medieval culture reached its peak. In 1854, American Commodore Perry forced the opening of Japan to the west, which lead to a war between the shogunate and imperial forces and ultimately the downfall of the shoguns. With the emperor restored to power, Japan underwent many reformations that resulted in it becoming a world power. Japan's influence increased early in the 20th century as it fought alongside the allies in World War I. However, Japan joined in the Axis alliance and invaded China in 1931. After attacking the United States in 1941, Japan was devastated in World War II. In 1947, Japan adopted a new pacifist constitution and with U.S. help rebuilt their country into one of the largest and strongest economies on earth.

Japan on Wikipedia