Facts about Japan

Edo period Katana, 19th century

Historians believe the position of Japan relative to its Asian neighbors has played a major role in its development. Although the archipelago of Japan is situated near Asia’s largest land mass, there is still a considerable amount of separation between the land masses. Thus, throughout Japan’s history, isolation and openness alternated according to the policies of the reigning government. It was not until the most recent times when Japan finally maintained an open connection to the world.