Japan is an East Asian island nation and an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, known for its parliamentary constitutional monarchy and a market economy. It consists of thousands of islands, with four main ones: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, with Honshu being the largest and home to the capital, Tokyo. Much of Japan is mountainous and forested, leading to most people living in coastal plains. The country experiences significant seismic activity due to its location on tectonic plate boundaries and has a vibrant culture blending ancient traditions with advanced technology.