Japan, island nation located in East Asia, is known for its unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. It consists of four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—along with thousands of smaller islands. The name "Japan" is derived from the Chinese word *Cipangu* (from *Nihon* or *Nippon* in Japanese), meaning "origin of the sun" or "sun's origin," which refers to Japan's position to the east of China, where the sun rises. Japan has a history that dates back thousands of years, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in Shinto and Buddhism, as well as influential contributions to art, literature, and philosophy. It was ruled by an emperor for centuries, with periods of isolation and rapid modernization. Today, Japan is a global leader in technology, economy, and culture. The capital is Tokyo.