COUNTRY FILE · 86
Asia · 198 DESTINATIONS
Japan
Capital: TokyoMeet Japan
Japan is in Asia, and its capital is Tokyo. Study the flag in its correct proportions, then connect its design with the country's location and outline.
Outline of Japan
Capital and coordinates
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Region
- Asia
- Latitude
- 35.68° N
- Longitude
- 139.76° E
- Country code
- JP
- Collection
- 198 destinations
World Rankings
Design and meaning
Japan's national flag has a crimson disc at the centre of a white field. The disc represents the sun, a symbol closely associated with Japan.
Look closely at the placement of the colours, symbols and flag elements. Describing these features aloud is a simple way to remember the design.
Geography
Explore the geographic features that help explain Japan.
An island country surrounded by sea
Japan is an island country made up of the four main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, together with many smaller islands. The archipelago curves along the eastern edge of Asia, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and several regional seas. The sea supports food and transport, while also making preparation for typhoons and tsunamis essential.
[1]Mountainous land and limited plains
About three quarters of Japan is mountainous. Rivers descend quickly over short distances from central ranges to the sea, which makes flood and landslide planning important. With limited flat land, many cities and farms occupy coastal plains, river basins and valleys.
[1]A long archipelago with varied climates
The archipelago stretches more than 2,000 kilometres from north to south. Hokkaido has cold, snowy winters, while the southwestern islands remain much warmer. Mountain ranges also separate the weather of the Sea of Japan and Pacific sides, creating strong regional differences in plants, farming and daily life.
[1]See Japan's flag from another angle
Compare its shape, colours and symbols with flags from around the world.
Questions about Japan
What is the capital of Japan?
The capital of Japan is Tokyo.
Where is Japan?
Japan is in Asia, at approximately 35.68° N, 139.76° E.
What does the flag of Japan show?
Japan's national flag has a crimson disc at the centre of a white field. The disc represents the sun, a symbol closely associated with Japan.
Explore the source material
KOKKI EARTH checks flag and geographic information against material published by public institutions.