This document provides a brief history and overview of Japan. It summarizes that Japan was isolated for over 200 years until the US forced it to open in 1853. In 1868, the Shogun ended and the Empire of Japan was proclaimed. Key dates include Japan attacking Pearl Harbor in 1941 and surrendering after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Today, Japan has a population of over 123 million and its capital and largest city is Tokyo, which hosted the 2020 Olympics. The document includes maps and quick facts on Japan's government, culture, economy, and festivals.

1. JAPAN
KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
KNOW YOUR WORLD
A PROGRAM OF GLOBAL TIES AKRON

2. HISTORY AT A
GLANCE
JAPAN
MAJOR HISTORICAL
DATES
A.D.
YEAR EVENT
1941
1945
1952
2021
Japan launches a surprise attack on
US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor,
Hawaii. US declares war on Japan.
US planes drop two atomic bombs on
Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Emperor
Hirohito surrenders. county is placed
under U.S military
Japan regains independence.
Tokyo hosts the 2020 Olympics
YEAR EVENT
1853
1868
1914
1936
US fleet forces Japan to open up to
foreign influence after over 200 years
of self-imposed isolation.
Japan joins World War I on the side of
Britain, gaining some Pacific islands
from Germany
Japan signs alliance with Nazi
Germany.
End of the Shogun, Empire of Japan
proclaimed, rapid industrialisation

3. MAP OF THE COUNTRY
JAPAN LAND SIZE:
140,728 SQ MILES

4. JAPAN
COMPARED TO
OHIO/US
Comparison Data:
Japan is slightly smaller than
California

5. JAPAN
QUICK FACTS
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Climate: varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north
Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous
Natural hazards: many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500
seismic occurrences every year; tsunamis; typhoons
Population: 123,719,238 (2023 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
male: 82.11 years
female: 88.06 years

6. JAPAN
QUICK FACTS ECONOMIC DATA
FRONT & BACK OF CURRENCY
CENTRAL BANK:
MONETARY UNIT:
MONETARY SYMBOL:
Bank of Japan
Yen (JPY)

7. JAPAN
QUICK FACTS ECONOMIC DATA
NATURAL RESOURCES:
rice, milk, sugar beets, vegetables,
eggs
MAIN EXPORTS:
cars and vehicle parts, integrated
circuits, general machinery
MAIN IMPORTS:
crude petroleum, natural gas, integrated
circuits, coal, refined petroleum
AMOUNT: $919.158B
COUNTRIES (Top2): China, US
AMOUNT: $941.671B
COUNTRIES (Top2): China, US

8. JAPAN
QUICK FACTS
LANGUAGES &
RELIGIONS
Languages: Japanese
Religion: Shintoism 70.5%, Buddhism 67.2%
many people practice both Shintoism and Buddhism

9. JAPAN
QUICK FACTS GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT
STRUCTURE:
CURRENT
LEADER:
VOTING
LIBERTIES:
Category Name
parliamentary
constitutional
monarchy
Governing
Document (Est)
Constitution of
Japan (1947)
Fumio Kishida
Position
Prime Minister
Allowed (Yes/No)
Age
Restrictions
Yes
18
must be a Japanese
citizen

10. Shibuya Crossing: One of the busiest intersections in
the world shown in many movies. A popular nightlife
spot near Shibuya Station
FAMOUS
LANDMARKS
Mount Fuji: Japan’s largest volcanic mountain
surrounded by 5 lakes
JAPAN
Fushi-Inari Taisha: Shinto shrine from 711 AD
dedicated to the god of rice and used to wish for good
fortune

11. JAPAN
MODERN
CULTURAL
PRACTICES
IMPACT OF THE WORLD
RELIGION OF
SHINTOISM
KOJIKI
VALUES IN FAMILY,
NATURE,
CLEANLINESS, AND
WORSHIP
SHIRINE: PLACE FOR WORSHIP
KAMI: SACRED SPIRITS

12. JAPAN
MODERN
CULTURAL
PRACTICES
IMPACT OF THE WORLD
RELIGION OF
BUDDHISM
SUTRAS
BUDDHA TEMPLE: PLACE FOR WORSHIP
SAMSARA: CYCLE OF DEATH
AND REBIRTH

13. JAPAN
GENDER ROLES
GIRLS/BOYS &
MEN/WOMEN
GENDER ROLES

14. JAPAN
TRADITIONAL
DRESS
MEN

15. JAPAN
TRADITIONAL
DRESS
WOMEN

16. JAPAN
EVERYDAY
LIVING
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A
CHILD
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD
IN YOUR COUNTRY VIDEO2
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD
IN YOUR COUNTRY #VIDEO1

17. JAPAN
TRADITIONAL &
CONTEMPARY
MUSIC, DANCE, SPORTS,
FOLK TALES, CUSTOMS

18. JAPAN
NATIONAL
FESTIVALS &
HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAY/FESTIVAL DATE
New Year's Day
National Foundation
Day
Dolls Festival/Girls'
Festival
Shōwa Day
Constitution
Memorial Day
Star Festival
Hiroshima Memorial
Day
Bon Festival
Jan 1
Feb 11
Mar 3
Apr 29
May 3
Jul 7
Aug 6
August 15

19. JAPAN
FOOD
INSERT PICTURE
HERE
SUSHI
RAMEN

20. PRESENTATION PREPARED BY
Fumi Sugimoto