History
Samurai
Samurai were members of Japan's warrior class. For centuries they played important military and political roles and became closely associated with Japanese history.
History
East Asia
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia known for its long history, distinctive traditions, modern cities, food, art, technology, and globally influential popular culture.
TraditionsTechnologyFoodAnime & GamingArtHistory
Capital
Tokyo
Population
About 123 million
Languages
Japanese
Currency
Japanese Yen
Cultural Overview
The story of Japan
Japan combines centuries-old traditions with modern life. Historic temples, castles, festivals and traditional arts exist alongside high-speed trains, huge cities, advanced technology, anime, manga, gaming and contemporary fashion. Japan is made up of thousands of islands, with most people living on the four main islands.
TraditionsTechnologyFoodAnime & GamingArtHistory
Capital City
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the world's largest urban areas. It is known for its busy neighbourhoods, transport networks, technology, food, shopping and cultural attractions.
Fact File
Learn about Japan
Explore the history, food, wildlife and culture of Japan through images and short fact-file summaries.
Food
Japanese Food
Japanese cuisine includes a huge range of dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura and yakitori, with ingredients and specialities varying between regions.
Food
Wildlife
Japanese Macaque
Japanese macaques are native to Japan and are sometimes called snow monkeys because some populations live in cold, snowy mountain regions.
Wildlife
Culture
Anime & Manga
Japanese animation and comics have become hugely popular around the world, influencing entertainment, art, fashion and gaming.
Culture
Historical Timeline
The Story of Japan
Explore some of the events and periods that have helped shape the history of Japan.
Influential Figures
Influential People of Japan
Explore influential people who helped shape the country through music, leadership, sport, activism, and culture.
Film & Animation
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Film & Animation
An internationally celebrated animator and filmmaker behind some of the world's best-known Japanese animated films.
Video Games
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Video Games
A video-game designer who helped create some of gaming's most recognisable characters and series, including Mario and The Legend of Zelda.
Sport
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Sport
A Grand Slam-winning tennis player who became one of the most internationally recognised Japanese athletes of her generation.
Art & Music
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Art & Music
An internationally known artist, musician and activist associated with experimental art, music and peace activism, as well as her creative partnership with John Lennon.
Cultural Spotlight
Discover the culture of Japan
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Japan through its art, music, traditions, and more.
Cultural Spotlight
The Great Wave
Created by Katsushika Hokusai in the early 1830s, The Great Wave off Kanagawa is one of the most recognisable works of Japanese art in the world. The print is part of a series showing views of Mount Fuji.
Cultural Spotlight
Cultural Spotlight
Cherry Blossom Season
Each spring, people across Japan enjoy cherry blossom viewing, known as hanami. Friends and families gather beneath flowering cherry trees, continuing a tradition with a long history in Japanese culture.
Cultural Spotlight
Places to Explore
Explore Japan
Discover landscapes, cities, landmarks, and locations that help tell the story of Japan.
Nature
Nature
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain and one of the country's most recognisable landmarks. It has also inspired artists and writers for centuries.
Culture & History
Culture & History
Kyoto
Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for more than a thousand years and is famous for its temples, shrines, gardens and historic neighbourhoods.
History
History
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial preserves part of the city affected by the atomic bombing of 1945 and is now a place for remembrance and education about peace.
History & Culture
History & Culture
Nara
Nara was an early capital of Japan and is known for its ancient temples, shrines and historic park, where hundreds of free-roaming deer have become a symbol of the city.
Things We’ve Learned About Japan
Japan is an island country made up of thousands of islands.
The four largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan.
Japan's Shinkansen trains are famous for high-speed rail travel.
Anime, manga and Japanese video games have become popular around the world.