Japan as a Developed Country - Research Paper Example

Japan: A Developed Country Introduction to Japan Japan, regarded as the most developed nation in the entire continent of Asia, is among the most industrial and advanced countries all over the world. Located in East Asia, its capital and largest city is Tokyo. Nearly all speak Japanese as their first language. The currency used is Yen and it holds about 128,000,000 people. Also known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is currently a leading economic supremacy and is a major exporter and importer.

Geography The archipelago of Japan is a group of 6, 850 islands lying on the Pacific Ocean. Together the four major land masses and their surrounding islands make up the Japanese Archipelago. Japan consists of about 70% forests and mountainous regions that are not arable, and thus not suitable for agricultural businesses and industries as well as for housing. Consequently, the majority reside in the coastal areas, having exceedingly high population densities. Additionally, Japan’s climate is varied with the rich biodiversity of animals and plants.

Politics Japan is a constitutional monarchy, headed by a prime minister, the central power, and an emperor, with limited authority. Currently, the Japanese emperor is Akihito and the prime minister is Naoto Kan. The government systems show a major influence from the Chinese. They also sustain among the largest budgets for the military of any country globally. Demographics Japan has one of the most urbanized cities in the world. The largest are Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. The people are racially homogenous, with very few foreigners.

The main religion practiced is Buddhism and Shintoism. Culture Japanese culture is very rich, including woodblock printing, paintings, and manga which are famous today. It also includes musical practices including karaoke. Japanese cuisine is highly regarded around the world. Some of its famous dishes include maki, Japanese rice, sushi, and sashimi. Sumo, karate, judo, and kendo are the most popular Japanese sports today. Rise to Development The Meiji restoration era, which restored the imperial reign in the year 1868, marked the beginning of Japan’s development and advancement.

It was at this time that most of today’s leading Japanese industries were established and created. A massive acceleration in the manufacturing of goods and products and the erection of infrastructure occurred as a result. Economy It has one of the most urban and industrialized cities. Increasingly rising in its power, wealth, development, and eminence worldwide, Japan is becoming more and more urbanized and advanced, especially in the fields of technology and making electronics, gaming, automobiles, and others.

Renowned international companies such as Toyota, Nintendo, Honda, Canon, Sony, Toshiba, Sharp, and Panasonic among many others are all Japanese companies. Although Japan’s agriculture is developed, due to the fact that the arable lands are not large enough to sustain the needs of the whole country, there aren’t as many agricultural industries and businesses. However, their agricultural technologies and inventions have been exported to various countries in the world, and have greatly benefited from them.

The geographic features and the land quality has not hindered the potential for its agricultural development and advancement in the areas of technologies and machines. Japan today continues to become a developed country, rising continuously in the inventions and creations of new technologies and companies that are highly developed and of superior quality with innovative features. With the people’s hard work, intelligence, and creative minds, Japan’s development is continuing to climb and rise.

Questions1. Are there other aspects and resources of Japan that needs further development? 2. Aside from their geographical impediment, how has Japan triumphed over setbacks in the areas of society and culture?