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JAPAN
It is the rags to riches success story of Asia. Just imagine if you got in on the ground floor when Japan was poor and backward. Japan is now the second largest economy in the world behind only the United States. Not bad for a country with fewer than half the people on a bunch of islands about the size of California. There was a time when “made in Japan” meant cheap manufactured goods. No longer. Japan is renowned for the latest technological advancements. As a result, it’s pretty expensive now. Investment opportunities must be approached as carefully as you would here in America. The culture is really cool. It is the land of ninjas, samurai and honor. It is also the home of Hello Kitty, Speed Racer, and Pokemon. There’s something for everyone.

The Imperial Palace, Tokyo

Map of Japan

LOCATION: In the Pacific Ocean off the East coasts of Korea, China and Russia

SIZE: About the size of California. Japan is made up of more than 3000 islands. 97% of the land mass is on four main islands - Honshu, Hokkaido., Kyushu and Shikoku.

POPULATION: 127 million. Nearly all of them ethnic Japanese. Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world, nearly 82 years! Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world with more than 30 million people.

PEOPLE: The Japanese possess legendary politeness. They are courteous to most foreigners when approached but try to stick to themselves. Don’t expect the average person in the street to speak any English. However, most public signs are also written in our alphabet so it’s possible to get around with a good guide book. Don’t be intimidated. You are safe in Japan. There is virtually NO CRIME!

GOVERNMENT: Very stable constitutional monarchy. Their royal line is unbroken for more than 1000 years. That’s the longest on Earth!

CURRENCY: The Japanese Yen. It is very strong against the US dollar so don’t expect your money to go very far in Japan.

LANGUAGE: Japanese.

Flag of Japan

ECONOMY: A Godzilla sized open market economy. Japan has a nominal GDP of 4.5 trillion dollars! The country itself has few natural resources so they import just about everything and export finished goods and technology. Japan produces some of the world's best cars, electronics, machine tools, robotics, semiconductors, metals, chemicals, textiles and processed food. In the 1960’s Japan’s economy grew an amazing 10% a year. That slowed to 5% in the 1970’s, 4% in the 1980’s, and nearly stopped in the 1990’s. The main cause was seen as overinvestment. It’s been a long, slow recovery for Japan but it seems to be on the verge of another spurt of growth. It will be interesting to see how much impact America’s economic woes will have on Japan.

TRAVEL: Extremely expensive but there’s lots to see and do. Tokyo is a concrete jungle rivaling New York. Kyoto and Nara are jammed with ancient temples to stir you inner samurai. The countryside holds serene Buddha’s and majestic Mt Fuji. If you like sushi… well that’s where it’s from.

VISA: No visa required for Americans for stays up to 3 months. Passport must be valid for 3 months longer than planned stay.

GOING THERE: Direct flights from the United States to Japan are provided by Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, and Northwest Airlines. You can often get better deals on other airlines by flying through airports in other countries. For example, you could stop in Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific Airlines on the way to Japan. You can also stop in Japan on the way to another country like South Korea on Asiana Airlines or Korean Air. You can often pay less and get a free stopover in another cool place. Check around on sites like Orbitz, Expedia, Priceline or STA Travel then call the airlines directly to see if they can beat the price.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: In general, you don’t tip in Japan. Exceptions are made for western style establishments. There is virtually no crime in Japan. The streets are safe and clean. The Japanese follow the rules so you should too. Respect lines, wait your turn, if a sign says to do something then do it. Public displays of anger are frowned on. Don’t be loud in public places, especially on trains. Whatever you do, don’t litter. The Japanese bow for greetings but they also shake hands so don’t be afraid to offer yours. If they bow to you, bow back then extend your hand. Always take your shoes off before entering a home. Slippers are usually provided for inside use only. If you are offered something, accept it with both hands. If it’s a business card be sure to read it immediately in front of the person who offered it to you. Then leave it in front of you or in your hands. Don’t just shove it in your pocket. That is considered rude. If you are presenting your card be sure it is facing in the other person’s direction so they can read it. Offer it with both hands as well.

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Thanks! Kent Ninomiya, Managing Editor EmergingDragon.com