News: Japan's National Diet passed the Secondary Capital Bill, allowing the Prime Minister to designate a backup capital if Tokyo is affected by a major earthquake or natural disaster.

Osaka is the leading contender due to its advanced infrastructure and political support.

Highlights

• Type: Island nation in East Asia comprising 6,800+ islands.
• Capital: Tokyo (located on the Kanto Plain, Honshu).
• Government: Constitutional Monarchy with a parliamentary system (National Diet).

Geographical Location

• Bounded by → Sea of Japan (West), Pacific Ocean (East), Sea of Okhotsk (North), East China Sea (Southwest)
• Four Main Islands →Hokkaido, Honshu (Largest), Shikoku, Kyushu

Key Geographical Features

Tectonic Setting

• Located at the convergence of 4 tectonic plates: Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, North American
• One of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.

Pacific Ring of Fire

• 110+ active volcanoes, Famous for onsen (hot springs).

Nankai Trough

• 900-km-long submarine trench off the Pacific coast.
• ➜ Prone to megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis.

Relief

• Over 80% mountainous.
• Narrow fertile coastal plains support most of the population and industries.