ABSTRACT
Surrounded by seas, Japan has an unusually long coastline in comparison with its area. The area contains volcanic and earthquake belts spreading across the land and its coastal waters. Agriculture in Japan primarily involves growing rice, which is not only the nation’s staple food but also was once the basic unit of economic value. The new independent farmers improved the productivity of rice, which was in short supply, and improved Japan’s agricultural self-sufficiency. Japan’s self-sufficiency for commodity foods is 63 percent. Only vegetables, eggs, milk, and other dairy products are above the average for self-sufficiency. Japanese is the national language, and the only one spoken universally throughout the country. The two major religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto. Japanese education is based on a six-three-three-four year system. Japan’s government is a constitutional monarchy. Japan has become the dominant economic power in Asia and is a key part of the US security structure in Asia.
