Japanese Culture Review

Four main islands of Japan

Hokkaidō (north), Honshū (largest), Shikoku, Kyūshū; plus Okinawa

Number of Japanese prefectures

47 prefectures.

Percent of Japan that is mountainous

Over 70% of Japan’s land area is mountainous.

Japan population vs U.S. size comparison

About ~121 million people in a country roughly the size of California.

Pacific Ring of Fire significance

Japan’s island location causes frequent volcanic activity

Misawa Air Base (Aomori)

35th Fighter Wing; F-16CJ 'Wild Weasels' (SEAD). Joint base with Japan Air Self-Defense Force in Misawa city

Yokota Air Base (Western Tokyo)

374th Airlift Wing; C-130J

Kadena Air Base (Okinawa)

18th Wing; F-15C

Major religions in Japan

Shintō (~69%)

Where Shintō worship happens

At shrines (神社・じんじゃ).

Where Buddhist worship happens

At temples (お寺・おてら).

Life events and religions in Japan

Common pattern: Shintō baby blessing → Christian-style wedding → Buddhist funeral.

Mt. Fuji basic facts

Japan’s highest mountain at 3

Meaning of 富士山（ふじさん）

富(ふ) = abundant/wealth; 士(じ) = samurai; 山(さん) = mountain.

Mt. Fuji UNESCO status

Mt. Fuji and related sites were added to UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list on June 22

Business card etiquette (受け取り方)

Receive 名刺 (めいし) with both hands while bowing; read/keep it out during the meeting; store respectfully in a card holder or wallet.

Compulsory education in Japan

First 9 years (6 years elementary + 3 years middle school).

Typical school progression

6 years elementary

High school continuation rate

About 97% of students go on to high school.

Common school features

Many schools require uniforms; cram schools (塾・じゅく); concerns include bullying (いじめ).

Branches of the JSDF

陸上自衛隊 (Ground)

Approx. size: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

約 150

Approx. size: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

約 45

Approx. size: Japan Air Self-Defense Force

約 46

JSDF main missions (1)

Ensure security of sea and airspace surrounding Japan.

JSDF main missions (2)

Respond to various disasters.

JSDF main missions (3)

Contribute to the security of international society.

Constitution of Japan (1947): Government & Rights

Established a parliamentary system and guaranteed fundamental rights; reduced the Emperor’s role to ceremonial/symbolic.

Article 9 core principle

Renounces the right to wage war; allows forces only for self-defense.

Offensive weapons and Article 9

Considered unconstitutional to possess offensive weapons like ICBMs

Japan–China dispute

Senkaku Islands (尖閣諸島).

Japan–Russia dispute, Southern Kurils / Northern Territories: Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, Habomai Islands.