Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco

FAQ on Japan

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FAQ on Japan

	Basic / General Information on Japan
	What are Japan's national symbols? What is Japan's national anthem? What is the population of Japan? Where can I find a map of Japan? What is the symbolism of Japan's flag? What is the capital of Japan? What are the most populous cities in Japan? What is the time difference between Japan and the United States? What is the geography and climate of Japan? What natural disasters occur in Japan? What religions are represented in Japan?
	Business / Economy
	What are the major aspects of Japan's economy? How can I get information on doing business in / with Japan? What are some of the major industries in Japan? Where can I find information on Japanese agriculture? What major Japanese companies are located in the U.S.? Where can I find information on economic statistics of Japan? Where can I find information on Japan's international trade? Where can I find information on Japan's international direct investment? Where can I find information on labor in Japan?
	Culture, Popular Culture and Traditions
	What are the aspects of Japanese architecture? What is Japanese art? (1)Painting Ukiyo-e(woodblock prints) (2)Sculpture (3)Ceramics What are some aspects of Japanese cinema/film? Japanese Animated Films What games and toys are traditional in Japan? What are some aspects of Japanese popular culture? What are aspects of traditional Japanese gardens? What is kimono/Japanese dress? What is origami? What are the forms of Japanese theater and performing arts? (1)Japanese Theater (2)Japanese Dance What is tea ceremony? What is ikebana/Japanese flower arranging? What do Cherry Blossoms mean to the Japanese? What are the aspects of traditional music in Japan? What is bonsai? What are some regional aspects (Okinawa, etc.) of Japanese culture?
	Education
	What are characteristics of Japan's educational system? What is the system of higher education in Japan? How can US students study in Japan? How can Japanese students study in the US?
	Exchange and Student Information
	Where can I find information on student exchange opportunities? Where can I find information on university/higher education exchanges? How do I apply for the JET (Japan Exchange Teaching) Program? How can I find a pen/email pal? Where can I find information about sister-city relations with Japan?
	Food and Drink
	What are some well-known foods of Japan? What are some well-known beverages of Japan? What is the Japanese tea ceremony?
	Government / Political System
	Who is the current leader of Japan? What type of government does Japan have? What are the political parties in Japan? What is the role of the Imperial Family in Japan? Who is the Japanese ambassador to the US and vice-versa? What Japan-related governmental agencies are located in the US?
	History
	What is Japan's history (early history-1600)? What is Japan's history ( Edo Period: 1603-1868)? What is Japan's Meiji Period (1868-1912)? Where can I find information on Commodore Perry/Opening of Japan? Where can I find information on Japan prior to World War II? Where can I find information on World War II? What is Japan's post-war history? Who were the Samurai? Shogun? Ninja?
	Holidays and Festivals
	What are Japan's holidays? What are Japan's festivals?
	Language and Literature
	What are the aspects of the Japanese language? Where can I learn about Japanese literature? Who are some of Japan's well-known authors?
	Live / Work in Japan
	What general information do I need to know to travel in Japan? How can I obtain employment in Japan? Job Search Resources Do I need a visa/work permit for Japan? Alien Registration Cards How may I obtain medical attention in Japan? What do I need to know to drive in Japan? 1)Obtaining an International Driver's Permit 2)Transferring a driver's license from outside Japan to a Japanese license What is Japan's electrical system / voltage / outlet configuration? Where may I find information on schools for non-Japanese nationals? What are the rules regarding bringing animals into Japan? What restrictions apply to bringing medication to Japan?
	Science and Technology
	Where can I find information on science and technology in Japan? Where can I find information on robotics in Japan?
	Society
	What is the population of Japan? Where can I find statistics on Japan? Where can I get information on the role of women in Japan? Where can I find information on religion on Japan? Where can I find information on health care/ aging in Japan? Where can I get more information on Japan's press and media? Where can I find information on social welfare in Japan? Where can I get information on young people in Japan? Where can I find information on laws and law enforcement in Japan?
	Sports and Leisure
	How do the Japanese spend their leisure time? What are Japan's traditional sports (including martial arts)? What major sports are played in Japan today? What is Japan's involvement in the Olympics?
	Travel
	What general information do I need to know to travel to Japan? Where can I get information on travel arrangements and accommodations? What are some of Japan's most famous landmarks and tourist attractions? How can I send gifts or other packages to Japan? What customs regulations and restrictions apply to Japan? What restrictions apply to bringing medicine to Japan? What the climate of Japan? What is Japan's electrical system / voltage / outlet configuration?
	U.S. - Japan Relations
	What is the current state of Japan - U.S. relations? What is the current state of Japan - U.S. economic relations? What do the Japanese and U.S. governments do to tackle global issues? What are the major aspects of Japan - U.S. security arrangements?