Japan is an island nation located in East Asia. It lies in the Pacific Ocean and is situated to the east of the Asian continent. The relative location of Japan can be described as follows:
- To the west, it is bordered by the Sea of Japan and the Korean Peninsula, with South Korea directly west across the Korea Strait.
- To the north, Japan is near the Russian territory of Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands.
- To the south, it is located near Taiwan and, further southeast, it faces the Philippines.
Japan consists of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, along with numerous smaller islands. The geographical position of Japan not only influences its climate and biodiversity but also plays a crucial role in its culture, trade, and interactions with neighboring countries.