Updated: March 2009
Japan
Overview | World Vision's history in Japan | World Vision in Japan today
OverviewLocated to the east of the Korean Peninsula, Japan consists of thousands of islands, though the four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—account for the majority of the country’s area. To the west of these islands, the Sea of Japan separates Japan from mainland Asia. The North Pacific Ocean forms the eastern coastline. To the southwest lies the East China Sea, and in the south, the Philippine Sea sits between the Philippine Islands and Japan. This country of rugged mountains experiences a varied climate; the northern regions are cold and temperate while the southern regions receive more tropical weather patterns. Japan is home to several volcanoes and gets an average of 1,500 seismic occurrences each year. Natural resources include some mineral resources and fish.For the past century, the population of Japan has seen rapid expansion. In recent years, however, birth rates have dropped and population growth has slowed. While more than 98 percent of the population is Japanese, Japan’s neighbors, Korea and China, both have ethnic representations within the country. The official language is Japanese. |  |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Though Japanese legend traces its beginnings to 600 B.C., official records begin in A.D. 405 when Japan initiated widespread use of the Chinese writing system. Over the following years, Chinese culture continued to have a profound influence on the Japanese; in the 6th century, the Chinese introduced Confucianism to Japan. Though Buddhism—brought by the Koreans—is Japan’s primary religion, the principles of Confucianism continue to shape Japanese thought. Wars with China (1894-1895) and Russia (1904-1905) secured Japan’s control of Korea, which Japan would later annex in 1910. The period following World War II—in which it lost all its overseas possessions—marked an era of change in Japan. Under the leadership of the Allies, Japan implemented a democratic-style government and adopted a constitution. In 1952, following the Treaty of Peace—an agreement between Japan and 46 allied nations—Japan was again granted independence. Today, with foreign policy aimed at promoting peace, Japan works closely with Western countries, and is an active member of both the United Nations and the G8. Japan’s economy also made a strong comeback following World War II. With few natural resources and limited agriculture, Japan’s success came from new industries and technologies, as well as improved trade relations. Today, this free-market economy is a world leader in technological innovations and has the third highest purchasing power in the world. Trade relations are important, as Japan imports 55 percent of its food and the majority of minerals necessary for industrial production. Following a significant decrease in economic growth in 2001, Japan’s economy has recently begun to recover. The average Japanese citizen receives 14.8 years of schooling. Primary school enrollment is 100 percent, and 54 percent of adults pursue higher education. This extremely technologically advanced nation also has one of the most energy-efficient developed economies in the world, having reduced its use of petroleum as an energy source from more than 75 percent (1973) to 52 percent (2000). Back to top World Vision's history in JapanWorld Vision opened a national office in Japan in 1987 to raise awareness and funds for children and families in need around the world.Beyond child sponsorship and emergency relief, World Vision’s donors in Japan contribute to global efforts such as developing agriculture and water resources, building schools, managing care facilities for the disabled, constructing hospitals and clinics, removing land mines, assisting those living with HIV and AIDS, replanting forests, and redeveloping slums. Back to top World Vision in Japan todayWorld Vision’s office in Japan recently celebrated 20 years of serving the poor in other countries. Today, more than 30,000 Japanese donors participate in child sponsorship programs and support 30 development projects in roughly 95 countries.For more information on World Vision’s work in Japan, please contact the United States office. Back to top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newsletter Sign-Up
World Vision
Phone: 1-888-511-6548
P.O. Box 9716
Federal,WA 98063-9716
© 2009 World Vision Inc.
- Fraud Alert
- Our Mission
- Trustworthy
Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
Accredited Charity
Charity Navigator Your Guide To Intelligent Giving
- Careers
- FAQs