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September 12, 2026Sources cited
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Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia in the Pacific Ocean.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 12, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Japan is an island country in East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. It is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, with Tokyo as its capital and largest city. Japan is known for its long history, distinctive culture, major economic and technological influence, and highly developed infrastructure.

Geography

Japan is an archipelago in East Asia situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Its terrain is largely mountainous, and most of the population lives in urban areas along coastal plains.

Government and politics

Japan is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. The emperor serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the prime minister heads the government.

Demographics

Japan has one of the world’s oldest populations, and its total population has been declining for more than a decade. Government statistics show continued year-on-year population decrease in recent estimates.

Culture and economy

Japan is known internationally for its cultural exports, advanced manufacturing, automotive and electronics industries, and influential popular culture. Traditional arts and customs remain an important part of national identity.

Key facts

  • Japan is an island nation made up of thousands of islands, including Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa.
  • Tokyo is both the capital and the largest city.
  • Japan’s population has been declining in recent years and was estimated at 123.8 million in October 2024.
  • Japanese is the official and predominant language.
  • Japan is widely associated with technology, manufacturing, anime, manga, cuisine, and traditional cultural forms such as tea ceremony and temple architecture.
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Canadian context

Japan is an important trade, investment, tourism, and security partner for Canada, and Japanese Canadian communities are part of Canada’s multicultural landscape.

Frequently asked questions

What is the population of Japan?
Japan’s population was estimated at 123,802,000 on 1 October 2024.
What is Japan known for?
Japan is known for its technology, manufacturing, anime, manga, cuisine, and long-standing cultural traditions.
What is the capital of Japan?
Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
Is Japan a safe country?
Japan is generally regarded as a very safe country, with low violent crime by international standards.
What language do they speak in Japan?
Japanese is the official and dominant language in Japan.
What is the currency of Japan?
The currency of Japan is the Japanese yen.

References

  1. Statistics Bureau of Japan — https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/jinsui/2024np/index.html
    Supports: Official population estimate as of October 1, 2024; demographic decline trend.
  2. Statistics Bureau of Japan — https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/pdf/2023all.pdf
    Supports: Population, geography, and demographic background.
  3. Worldometer — https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/japan-population/
    Supports: Recent population estimate based on UN data.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan
    Supports: Capital city, geography, government, and general overview.
  5. CIA World Factbook — https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/japan/
    Supports: Capital, language, currency, location, and country profile.