History of Japan in Timeline
Japan, an East Asian island nation in the Pacific Ocean, comprises four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) and numerous smaller ones. With over 125 million residents, it's the world's 11th most populous country. Known for its mountainous, forested terrain, Japan's population centers, including the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, are concentrated along its eastern coastal plains. The country is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
1900: Japan's Extensive Coastline
Japan's coastline, stretching over 3000 km, has played a significant role in its history and culture, providing opportunities for fishing, trade, and cultural exchange. By the year 1900, this extensive coastline had influenced centuries of development, shaping the nation's identity.
1904: Start of the Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War, a conflict primarily over territorial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea, began in 1904.
1905: End of the Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War concluded in 1905 with a Japanese victory, solidifying its position as a rising military power.
1910: Japan Annexes Korea
Following its victory in the Russo-Japanese War and increasing influence on the Korean peninsula, Japan formally annexed Korea in 1910.
1912: End of the Meiji Period
The Meiji period, characterized by significant modernization and industrialization, ended in 1912.
1912: Beginning of Taishō Democracy
The Taishō period, marked by a shift towards democratic ideals, began in 1912.
1923: Tokyo Earthquake
A devastating earthquake struck Tokyo in 1923, resulting in the loss of over 140,000 lives.
1923: Great Tokyo Earthquake
The Great Tokyo Earthquake of 1923 caused widespread destruction and social upheaval, contributing to a period of lawlessness and political instability.
1926: End of Taishō Democracy
The period of Taishō Democracy, characterized by increasing political openness, ended in 1926.
1931: Japan Invades Manchuria
Driven by expansionist ambitions and fueled by growing militarism, Japan invaded and occupied Manchuria in 1931.
1935: Japanese Population Growth and Urbanization
By 1935, Japan's population doubled from its size in 1873, reaching 70 million, accompanied by a significant shift towards urbanization.
1936: Anti-Comintern Pact Signed
Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Nazi Germany in 1936, aligning itself with the Axis powers against communism.
1936: Establishment of Nippon Professional Baseball
Japan's premier professional baseball league, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), came into being in 1936, marking a key moment in the sport's history in the country.
1937: Japan Invades China
In 1937, the Empire of Japan escalated its military expansionism by launching a full-scale invasion of China, marking the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
1937: Second Sino-Japanese War Begins
Japan's full-scale invasion of China in 1937 marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War, a conflict that would last until the end of World War II.
1940: Tripartite Pact Signed
Japan formalized its alliance with the Axis powers by signing the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy in 1940.
1940: Japan Invades French Indochina
Seeking to expand its control over Southeast Asia, Japan invaded and occupied French Indochina in 1940.
1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor and Start of World War II in the Pacific
Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 triggered the United States' entry into World War II, marking the beginning of the war in the Pacific.
1941: Japan Enters World War II
On December 7-8, 1941, Japan launched surprise attacks on Pearl Harbor and other Allied targets, leading to its entry into World War II on the side of the Axis powers.
1945: Japan Surrenders in World War II
After enduring Allied victories and atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan surrendered unconditionally in 1945, marking the end of World War II.
1945: Soviet Occupation of the Southern Kuril Islands
The Soviet Union took control of the Southern Kuril Islands in 1945, an action that Japan continues to dispute.
1945: End of World War II and its Impact on Japan
The conclusion of World War II in 1945 brought about significant consequences for Japan, including the loss of its colonies and millions of lives.
1947: Japan Adopts a New Constitution
In 1947, under the Allied occupation, Japan adopted a new constitution that emphasized democratic principles and renounced war.
1947: Constitution of Japan
Japan adopted its Constitution in 1947, which holds the distinction of being the world's oldest constitution that has not undergone any amendments.
1947: Fundamental Law of Education in Japan
The Fundamental Law of Education, enacted in 1947, established compulsory education in Japan, encompassing elementary and junior high school for a total of nine years.
1948: Public Holiday Law Enactment
In 1948, Japan established the Public Holiday Law, formally regulating national holidays within the country.
1952: Treaty of San Francisco and End of Allied Occupation
The Treaty of San Francisco, signed in 1952, officially ended the Allied occupation of Japan and restored its sovereignty.
1955: Dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party
The Liberal Democratic Party, a center-right political force, has maintained a dominant presence in Japanese politics since the 1950s. This era of political dominance is often referred to as the "1955 System."
1956: United Nations Membership
Japan became a member state of the United Nations in 1956.
1956: Japan Joins the United Nations
Japan was admitted to the United Nations in 1956, signifying its return to the international community after World War II.
1964: Tokyo Summer Olympics
Tokyo hosted its inaugural Summer Olympics in 1964, marking Japan's entry into hosting major international sporting events.
1968: Nobel Prize in Literature
Japanese author Yasunari Kawabata was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968, marking a significant achievement for Japanese literature on the world stage.
1970: Environmental Protection Laws
In response to growing environmental concerns, Japan implemented environmental protection laws in 1970.
1972: Sapporo Winter Olympics
In 1972, Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics, showcasing Japan's ability to host both Summer and Winter Games.
1973: Government-Sponsored Insurance for Elderly
Since 1973, all elderly individuals in Japan have been covered by government-sponsored insurance.
1973: Oil Crisis and Energy Efficiency
The oil crisis of 1973 prompted Japan to prioritize the efficient use of energy due to the nation's limited natural resources.
1981: Shift in Leading Cause of Death
From 1981 onward, cancer became the primary cause of death in Japan, indicating a shift in health trends.
1987: Privatization of Japanese Railways
In 1987, Japanese railway companies were privatized, leading to increased competition in regional and local passenger transportation markets.
1990: Beginning of Japan's "Lost Decade"
After a period of substantial economic growth, Japan's asset price bubble burst in the early 1990s, leading to a period of economic stagnation known as the "Lost Decade."
1992: Formation of Japan Professional Football League
The Japan Professional Football League (J.League) was established in 1992, leading to a surge in the popularity of association football in Japan.
1994: Nobel Prize in Literature
Kenzaburō Ōe, a prominent Japanese author, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1994, further solidifying Japan's presence in the world of literature.
1995: Great Hanshin Earthquake
The Great Hanshin earthquake, a significant seismic event, struck Japan in 1995.
1997: Kyoto Protocol
Japan, as the host and a signatory of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions and taking measures to mitigate climate change.
1998: Nagano Winter Olympics
Nagano was the host city for the 1998 Winter Olympics, further cementing Japan's reputation as a Winter Olympics host.
2000: Implementation of the Happy Monday System
The year 2000 saw Japan adopt the Happy Monday System. This initiative involved shifting several national holidays to Mondays, aiming to create longer weekends.
2002: FIFA World Cup Co-hosting
Japan, alongside South Korea, co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup, a testament to the country's growing influence in international football.
2006: Hosting of the Basketball World Championship
Japan hosted the official 2006 Basketball World Championship, demonstrating its prowess in hosting major basketball tournaments.
October 4, 2007: Japan Launches SELENE Lunar Mission
On October 4, 2007, Japan launched the SELENE lunar explorer, its most ambitious lunar mission since the Apollo program, to study the Moon's origin and evolution.
2008: Japan's Contribution to the International Space Station
Japan played a key role in the International Space Station program with the installation of its Experiment Module, known as "Kibō," during Space Shuttle assembly flights in 2008.
June 11, 2009: Japan's SELENE Mission Ends with Intentional Lunar Impact
After successfully orbiting the Moon and gathering data, Japan's SELENE lunar explorer was intentionally crashed onto the lunar surface on June 11, 2009, marking the end of its mission.
2010: Population Density in Honshu
As of 2010, Honshu, Japan's largest and most populous island, had a high population density of 450 persons per square kilometer, highlighting the concentration of urban centers and economic activities in this region.
2010: Japan Launches Akatsuki Space Probe
In 2010, Japan launched the Akatsuki space probe, which successfully entered Venus's orbit in 2015, marking a significant achievement in planetary exploration.
2010: Nuclear Power Percentage in Japan
Nuclear power in Japan accounted for 11.2% of energy production in 2010.
March 2011: Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster occurred in March 2011, leading to significant public opposition to nuclear power in Japan.
2011: Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami
A major earthquake, known as the Tōhoku earthquake, hit Japan in 2011, triggering a massive tsunami.
2011: Tōhoku Earthquake and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
In 2011, Japan experienced one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history, the Tōhoku earthquake, which triggered a devastating tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
2011: Victory in FIFA Women's World Cup
Japan's women's football team achieved a historic victory by winning the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011.
May 2012: Japan Takes Nuclear Power Plants Offline
Due to public opposition in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, Japan took all of its nuclear power plants offline by May 2012.
May 2014: Japan Shifts from Post-War Passiveness to Regional Security Role
In May 2014, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan signaled a shift from its post-World War II passiveness in security matters, indicating a desire to assume a larger role in regional security.
2014: Endangerment of the Ainu Language
As of 2014, the Ainu language, a language isolate, was considered moribund with only a few native speakers remaining.
2014: Reclaimed Land in Japan
By 2014, approximately 0.5% of Japan's total land area consisted of reclaimed land, known as "umetatechi," demonstrating the nation's efforts to create usable land from the sea to accommodate its population and economic activities.
2014: Official Development Assistance
In 2014, Japan emerged as the world's fifth-largest provider of official development assistance, contributing US$9.2 billion.
2014: Japan's Video Game Market Thrives Despite Electronics Industry Decline
In 2014, despite challenges in the broader consumer electronics sector, Japan's video game market flourished, generating $9.6 billion in revenue, with mobile gaming accounting for a significant portion ($5.8 billion).
2015: Sendai Nuclear Power Plant Restarts
The Sendai Nuclear Power Plant restarted operations in 2015 after being offline due to the Fukushima disaster.
2015: Japan's Akatsuki Probe Achieves Venus Orbit
After a five-year journey, Japan's Akatsuki space probe successfully entered Venus's orbit in 2015, beginning its mission to study the planet's atmosphere and climate.
2015: Japan Emerges as a Major PC Gaming Market
Japan's prominence in the global gaming industry extended to PC gaming, with the country becoming the world's fourth-largest PC game market in 2015, trailing only China, the United States, and South Korea.
2015: Television Viewing in Japan
An NHK survey in 2015 revealed that 79% of Japanese people watched television daily, indicating its significance in Japanese society.
April 2016: Implementation of Integrated Schooling Program
Starting in April 2016, some Japanese schools began implementing a nine-year compulsory schooling program that integrated elementary and junior high school.
2016: Muslim Demographics in Japan
As of 2016, approximately 90% of Muslims in Japan were foreign-born migrants.
2016: Global Circulation of Japanese Newspapers
By 2016, Japanese newspapers had achieved a high circulation globally, demonstrating their reach and influence.
2016: World Risk Index
In 2016, Japan was ranked as having the 17th highest risk for natural disasters according to the World Risk Index.
2016: Population Density in Hokkaido
In contrast to Honshu, Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost major island, had a significantly lower population density of 64.5 persons per square kilometer in 2016, reflecting its more rural landscape and challenging climatic conditions.
2016: Japan's Fishing Industry: High Output and Concerns over Sustainability
Japan caught 3,167,610 metric tons of fish in 2016, ranking seventh globally. However, the scale of its fishing operations raised concerns about overfishing and its impact on fish populations.
2016: Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision
Japan unveiled its "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision in 2016, outlining its regional policy framework.
2016: Population of Greater Tokyo Area
The Greater Tokyo Area, encompassing the capital city Tokyo, had a population of 38,140,000 in 2016, making it the largest metropolitan area globally.
2017: Japan Prioritizes Research and Development
Japan demonstrated its commitment to scientific advancement in 2017, boasting the world's second-highest research and development budget relative to its GDP, with 867,000 researchers sharing a budget of 19 trillion yen.
2017: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or "the Quad," a multilateral security forum aimed at countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region, was revived in 2017 with Japan, the United States, Australia, and India as members.
2017: Keihin and Hanshin Superport Hubs
Data from 2017 shows that the Keihin and Hanshin superport hubs were among the largest in the world, handling 7.98 and 5.22 million TEU respectively.
2017: Japan Boasts High Concentration of Science and Technology Researchers
In 2017, Japan stood out for its high concentration of researchers in science and technology, with 14 researchers for every 1000 employees, securing the second-highest rate globally.
2017: Japan Invests in Transportation Infrastructure
By 2017, Japan had established an extensive road network spanning approximately 1,200,000 kilometers, highlighting the country's significant investment in transportation infrastructure since the 1990s.
July 23, 2018: Record High Temperature
On July 23, 2018, Japan experienced its highest temperature ever recorded, reaching 41.1 °C (106.0 °F).
2018: Challenges and Productivity in Japanese Agriculture
As of 2018, Japan's agricultural sector, while only accounting for 1.2% of GDP, achieved high crop yields per unit area due to land constraints and innovative farming techniques.
2018: Japan Maintains Low Violent Crime Rates
As of 2018, data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicated that Japan maintained remarkably low rates of violent crimes, including murder, abduction, sexual assault, and robbery.
2018: Japan's Strong Cooperative Sector
By 2018, Japan had cultivated a robust cooperative sector, boasting three of the world's ten largest cooperatives, underscoring the significance of cooperative models in its economy.
2018: Cancer Mortality Rate
By 2018, cancer accounted for 27% of all deaths in Japan, solidifying its position as a significant public health concern.
2018: Education Spending in Japan
In 2018, Japan allocated about 3.1% of its GDP to education, which was lower than the OECD average of 4.9%.
2018: Number of Mosques and Muslims in Japan
In 2018, Japan had an estimated 105 mosques and a Muslim population of 200,000, including 43,000 Japanese nationals.
2018: Environmental Performance Index
Japan secured the 20th position in the 2018 Environmental Performance Index, which assesses a nation's dedication to environmental sustainability.
April 1, 2019: Japan's Revised Immigration Law Enacted
On April 1, 2019, Japan enacted a revised immigration law to protect the rights of foreign workers and address labor shortages.
May 1, 2019: Emperor Naruhito's Ascension
On May 1, 2019, Naruhito became Emperor of Japan, succeeding his father, Emperor Akihito, who abdicated in a historic event, ushering in the Reiwa era.
2019: Japan's Territorial Extent
As of 2019, Japan's territory encompasses 14,125 islands, covering 377,975.24 km², showcasing the nation's geographically diverse archipelago.
2019: Emperor Naruhito's Accession
Naruhito became the Emperor of Japan in 2019, succeeding his father, Akihito, upon ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
2019: Wildlife Diversity
As of 2019, Japan was home to over 90,000 different species of wildlife.
2019: Haneda Airport Ranking
In 2019, Haneda Airport in Tokyo held the ranking of Asia's second busiest airport.
2019: Hosting the Rugby World Cup
Japan, recognized as a leading rugby nation in Asia, hosted the 2019 IRB Rugby World Cup, highlighting the country's passion for the sport.
2019: Japan's Global Standing in Competitiveness and Tourism
Japan demonstrated its economic strength by securing the sixth position in the 2019 Global Competitiveness Report. The nation also attracted 31.9 million international tourists, ranking eleventh globally in inbound tourism.
2019: Energy Production in Japan
In 2019, Japan's energy production relied on petroleum (37.1%), coal (25.1%), natural gas (22.4%), hydropower (3.5%), and nuclear power (2.8%), among other sources.
August 17, 2020: Record High Temperature
The record high temperature of 41.1 °C (106.0 °F) was observed again in Japan on August 17, 2020.
2020: Percentage of Elderly Population in Japan
As of 2020, over 28.7% of the Japanese population was aged 65 or older.
2020: Japan Leads in Robotics While Facing Competition in Electronics
Despite facing increased competition in the consumer electronics market, Japan maintained its dominance in robotics in 2020, supplying 45% of the global total, although this marked a decrease from 55% in 2017.
2020: Government Support for Japan's Shipbuilding Industry
Facing growing competition from South Korea and China, Japan's shipbuilding industry received government backing in 2020 as part of a strategy to boost exports.
2020: Healthcare Statistics in Japan
In 2020, Japan allocated 10.9% of its GDP to healthcare. The same year, the life expectancy reached 84.62 years, marking the highest globally. Conversely, Japan recorded a low infant mortality rate of 2 per 1,000 live births. Cancer emerged as a leading cause of death.
2020: Carbon Neutrality Target
In 2020, the Japanese government set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
2020: Postponement of Tokyo Summer Olympics
The 2020 Summer Olympics, originally slated to be held in Tokyo, were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Mandatory English Classes in Japanese Schools
By 2020, English classes became mandatory at all levels of the Japanese school system, reflecting the growing importance of English as a global language.
2021: Tertiary Education Attainment in Japan
Japan ranked third globally in 2021 for the proportion of 25 to 64-year-olds with tertiary education, at 55.6%.
2021: Tokyo Summer Olympics
Tokyo became the first Asian city to host the Olympics twice when it held the Summer Games in 2021.
2021: Japan Takes Top Spot in Tourism Competitiveness
Japan's dedication to tourism excellence was evident in 2021 when it clinched the top spot globally in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, surpassing 116 other nations.
2021: Japan's Export Sector: A Significant Contributor to GDP
Exports played a substantial role in Japan's economy in 2021, representing 18.2% of its total GDP.
2021: Japan's Labor Force Ranks Eighth Globally
In 2021, Japan had the world's eighth-largest labor force, with over 68.6 million workers.
2021: Japan's Service Sector Dominates the Economy
By 2021, Japan's service sector emerged as the dominant force in its economy, contributing approximately 69.5% of its total economic output.
2021: Number of Airports in Japan
As of 2021, Japan had 175 airports.
2021: Fumio Kishida Becomes Prime Minister
Fumio Kishida assumed the role of Japan's prime minister in 2021 after emerging victorious in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election.
December 2022: Japan Announces Significant Defense Spending Increase
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in December 2022, directed a substantial increase in Japan's defense spending, aiming for a 65% rise by 2027, reflecting growing regional security concerns.
2022: Global Peace Index Ranking and Military Expenditure
In the 2022 Global Peace Index, Japan secured the second-highest ranking among Asian nations, trailing only Singapore. The country allocated 1.1% of its GDP to defense spending in the same year, maintaining the world's tenth-largest military budget.
2022: Japan Records Low Unemployment but High Poverty Rate
Japan's unemployment rate remained low at 2.6% in 2022. However, the country faced the second-highest poverty rate among the G7 nations, exceeding 15.7%.
2022: Urbanization Rate in Japan
In 2022, approximately 92% of the Japanese population resided in cities.
2022: Japanese Population
In 2022, Japan had a population of almost 125 million, with nearly 122 million being Japanese nationals.
2022: Japan's Top Trading Partners: China and the United States
In 2022, China (including Hong Kong) and the United States emerged as Japan's primary export destinations, accounting for 23.9% and 18.5% respectively. These countries were also major import sources for Japan.
2023: Japan's Industrial Sector: A Global Powerhouse
In 2023, Japan solidified its position as a global industrial leader, with the fourth-highest manufacturing output worldwide.
2023: Co-hosting the Basketball World Championship
Japan once again showcased its capability in hosting global basketball events by co-hosting the 2023 Basketball World Championship.
2024: Diplomatic Network Ranking
Japan possessed the fourth-largest diplomatic network globally in 2024.
2030: Japan Sets Ambitious Goals for Space Exploration
Japan outlined ambitious plans for future space exploration, including the establishment of a Moon base and the landing of astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030.
2050: Carbon Neutrality Target
Japan aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, as announced by the government in 2020.
2060: Projected Ratio of Elderly to Working Age Population
The Japanese government projects that by 2060, there will be a near equal ratio of elderly people to those of working age.
2065: Projected Population Decline in Japan
Japan's population is projected to decrease to about 88 million by 2065 due to low birth rates and an aging population.