Why in news?
Japan has been in news recently, this article provides insights into its geography and strategic location.
Geographical overview
Japan is an archipelago in East Asia lying in the Pacific Ocean. It shares maritime borders with Russia to the north, China and South Korea to the west and Taiwan to the south. The country covers about 377,975 km² and comprises four main islands — Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu — along with thousands of smaller islands including the Ryukyu and Bonin chains.
Main islands
- Hokkaido: The northernmost island has a cold climate, expansive forests and mountain ranges such as the Daisetsuzan Mountains. Sapporo, its largest city, hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. Agriculture dominates, with potatoes and wheat as key crops.
- Honshu: The largest and most populous island is Japan’s cultural and economic heart. It hosts Tokyo (capital), Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. The Japanese Alps divide Honshu between the Pacific side and the Sea of Japan side. Fertile plains such as the Kanto and Kansai support rice cultivation. Mount Fuji (3,776 m) lies on Honshu.
- Shikoku: South of Honshu and separated by the Inland Sea, Shikoku is the smallest main island. It has mountainous terrain, the Yoshino River and cities like Matsuyama and Takamatsu. The island is famous for an 88‑temple Buddhist pilgrimage.
- Kyushu: The southernmost island features active volcanoes like Mount Aso and hot springs at Beppu. Its warm climate favours agriculture. Fukuoka, the largest city, has strong cultural and economic ties to mainland Asia.
Other islands and waters
The Nansei (Ryukyu) Islands, including Okinawa, extend southwest from Kyushu and have a subtropical climate. Japan is bordered by several seas: the Sea of Japan to the west, the East China Sea to the southwest and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Major rivers such as the Shinano, Tone and Yoshino flow mainly on Honshu and are vital for rice farming.