Japan

Japan is a sovereign island located in East-Asia. It is often referred to as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” given its name means “sun origin”. The country consists of nearly 6900 smaller islands, with the largest being Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku, making up approximately 97% of the country’s land area. With a population of nearly 128 million, it is the 10th most populous country in the world, with about 9.1 million living in the country’s capital, Tokyo.

Japan is a member of the UN, G7, G8, and G20, OECD, and is considered a great power in the world. It has the third largest nominal GDP in the world, and fourth largest purchasing power parity (PPP). It is also the world’s fourth largest exporter and importer of goods. A skilled workforce, which are considered among the most educated in the world, the country is a major trade partner and economic driver for other nations around the world.

Japan has the world’s eighth largest military budget worldwide, with primary goals of peacekeeping and self-defense. The country enjoys the highest life expectancy worldwide, and the country is highly regarded for its cinema, cuisine, tourism, and modern-day technology production, among other facets. Nearly 73% of the country’s landmass is forested, mountainous, and isn’t suitable for agriculture, or industrial/residential use. Because of this, the 27% of the country’s hospitable zones, are high density populations.

As a constitutional monarchy, the Emperor has very limited powers in Japan; the constitution defines the Emperor as "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people". The Chief Prime Minister and cabinet control a majority of the executive authority in the country. The Japanese legal system is highly influenced by Chinese law, but since the 19th century the judicial system has been highly influenced by the civil laws of Europe, most notably that of Germany.

In Japan, the judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court.  Lower courts include the High Court, District Court, Family Courts and Summary Courts.  The judiciary is independent, as guaranteed by the Japanese Constitution, and most judges are basically lifetime employees of the government.

Japan is home to some of the most technologically advanced auto-manufacturers in the world, ships, steel and nonferrous metals, machine tools, processed foods, textiles, and machine tools. Among the leading exports from Japan were auto, electronics, transportation equipment, semiconductor, iron and steel parts. Its leading imports included fossil fuels, chemicals, textiles, raw materials, and machinery/equipment. Tourism is also a major economic driver, with nearly 20 million visiting the country in 2015, and over 24 million tourists visiting in 2016.

The National Law Review covers news stories from Japan, which affect the country, and international markets alike. Pharmaceuticals, healthcare sector, international trade, imports and exports, CFIUS and international purchases/acquisitions, fuel policies, and foreign relations. From international trade, company acquisitions, sales, cybersecurity and cryptocurrency markets, or new legislation between Japan and foreign country’s governments, the National Law Review has up to date news visitors want to read.