Japan is an East Asian island nation in the Pacific Ocean, characterized by its mountainous terrain and a population of over 123 million people, with Tokyo as its bustling capital. Its rich history began with Upper Paleolithic habitation around 36,000 BC, evolving through imperial rule to a feudal society where military shōguns, daimyōs, and samurai held real power, culminating in the isolationist Tokugawa shogunate by 1600. Forced to open trade in 1853, Japan rapidly industrialized and militarized during the Meiji period, leading to its expansionist policies and role as an Axis power in World War II, which ended in 1945 after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Post-war, the country experienced remarkable economic growth, becoming a constitutional monarchy, a leading developed nation, and a G7 member, renowned for its global influence in industries like automotive, electronics, and robotics. Despite a high life expectancy and a globally celebrated culture, from traditional arts to popular anime, Japan now faces challenges including prolonged economic stagnation and a severe population decline, reflecting its dynamic journey as the "Land of the Rising Sun."