History Talk - Japan

Japans national Flag was adopted in 1870. With its large red centre representing the sun, it is officially named Nisshoki, but also known as Hinomary. Japan is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun" with its name meaning "sun-origin".

Japans landmass is divided into 6,852 islands with the four largest Islands making up 97% of the countries area. Most Islands are volcanic and mountainous, with its highest mountain being Mount Fuji.

Japans history goes back to so called "EARLY JAPAN history" which ended around 710 followed by the NARA and HEIAN period (710-1192), KAMAKURA period (1192-1333), MUROMACHI period (1333-1573), AZUCHI-MOMOYAMA period (1573-1603), EDO period (1603-1868), MEIJI period (1868-1912), the TAISHO and EARLY SHOWA period (1912-1945) and since 1945, the POSTWAR period.

Japan is worldwide known for its traditional Tea ceremonies, an art form which has been created by Buddhist Monks to achieve harmony. There are Tea Houses all over Japan mostly held near tranquil water gardens as part of a long Japanese tradition for mental discipline and relaxation.

Football is today one of Japans most popular sports. The first national football team was founded in 1921, joining FIFA in 1929. The national football team owes its nickname "Samurai Blue" to the blue and white football uniform.
Another sport, popular in Japan is "Sumo", a competitive contact sport where a wrestler attempts to force another out of a ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, which the only country where it is practiced professionally. Many other popular sports were imported. It is hard to find a sport that is not played in Japan. Japanese board games include a form of chess, known as Shogi. Go is also widely popular in the country.

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