Play Rugby in Japan


Weather Average
February 45 °F / 8 °C
July 78 °F / 26 °C
Rainfall 8.5in September
  6.9in June
   
Largest city Tokyo
Capital Tokyo
36 00 N, 138 00 E
Currency Yen
Population 128,463,611
Official language Japanese
Calling code +81

Baseball is the most popular ball game in Japan - the professional baseball league in Japan was established in 1937. One of Japan's most famous baseball players in major league baseball is Suzuki Ichiro, who won a Gold Glove. Concerning football, the professional soccer league in Japan was established in 1992. Japan was a venue of the Intercontinental Cup from 1981 to 2004, and Japan co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with South Korea. Golf is popular in Japan, as is auto racing, the Super GT sports car series and Formula Nippon formula racing

Facts, Icons and Landmarks

Japan encompasses over 3,000 islands, the largest of which are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku. Most of Japan's islands are mountainous, and many are volcanic, including the highest peak, Mount Fuji. It has the world's 10th largest population, with nearly 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, with over 30 million residents, is the largest metropolitan area in the world
Japan is the thirtieth most densely populated country in the world. About 70% to 80% of the country is forested, mountainous,[14][15] and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use, due to the generally steep elevations, climate, and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, soft ground, and heavy rain.

Japanese food relies heavily on simplicity and freshness, with many dishes eaten raw. A variety of different foods, mainly in small portions, are served at a meal with much emphasis placed not only on the appearance of the food but also on the tableware and on general presentation.
Japan is famous for sake (rice wine). Beer is also produced but green tea is usually served with food. (Tea making has its own very elaborate ceremony)
Eighty-four percent of the people follow the Shinto and Buddhist religions.