Japan

Context: Prime Minister of India congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her landmark electoral victory in Japan’s House of Representatives, marking a historic mandate for her coalition.

About Japan:

What it is?

Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, governed under the 1947 Constitution, where the Emperor is a ceremonial head of state and real executive power rests with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Location:

• An island nation in East Asia, located in the western North Pacific Ocean
• Lies off the east coast of the Asian continent, forming a northeast–southwest arc

Capital: Tokyo.

Neighbouring Countries / Seas:

• Sea of Japan (East Sea), East China Sea, Pacific Ocean, and Sea of Okhotsk.

Key Geological & Physical Features

• Composed mainly of four major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu (largest), Shikoku, Kyushu.
• Highly mountainous terrain (over 80% mountains).
• Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire → frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
• Mount Fuji (3,776 m) – highest peak and iconic stratovolcano.
• Short, swift rivers; narrow coastal plains with dense population.
• Tectonically shaped by the Pacific and Philippine plates subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.

Governance System:

• Form of government – Constitutional Monarchy: The Emperor is the ceremonial head of state, while real executive authority is exercised by elected representatives under the Constitution.
• Legislature – Bicameral National Diet: Japan’s parliament consists of two houses, ensuring democratic law-making with checks and balance between popular mandate and continuity.