Japan is a country with a rich culture that has persisted throughout its history. The culture of Japan is the only thing that has survived the past few centuries relatively unscathed. This East Asian country has undergone many changes, economically, politically, and militarily, in the years preceding and following World War II. Japan’s relationship with the United States is one of the areas that experienced a great deal of change, alternating between polar extremes. The United States and Japan were bitter enemies during World War II, however in present times Japan is one of the United States closest allies. Feudalism dominated Japan for most of its history. Prior to the 19th century, Japan was culturally and politically isolationist. Despite …show more content…
There is still an emperor but the emperor only serves as a figurehead. The emperor’s powers are limited to convening the Diet, receiving ambassadors, and giving deserving citizens official awards * Japanese government has three branches, executive, legislative, and judicial. The Prime Minister is the head of the executive branch and has a cabinet that he or she appoints. The legislative branch consists of two Diets: the House of Councilors and the House of Representatives. The leader for the political majority party in the House of Representatives is usually appointed Prime Minister*. Japan’s judicial branch is similar to that of the United States, with a Supreme Court that rules on constitutional …show more content…
Japan imports most of its raw materials, fuel, and food. Sixty percent of Japan’s food supply is imported; however, they are self-sufficient in rice production. Japan’s exports are primarily industrial products and Japan is one of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of automobiles and consumer electronics in the world*. Their need for raw materials and markets for their products necessitates that Japan have strong trade relations with other countries. China is Japan’s largest trade partner and the United States is Japan’s second largest trade partner with 18.9% of its exports going to and 9% of its imports coming from the