Japan

Japan is one of the world's most ethnically homogeneous nations, overwhelmingly Japanese-speaking, with small minorities including the indigenous Ainu and resident Koreans. Immigration has historically been low.

Most Japanese blend Shinto and Buddhist traditions, with religion woven into custom and ritual more than doctrine.

Society

Japan enjoys the world's highest life expectancy and excellent education and healthcare, but one of the lowest birth rates, leaving it with a rapidly aging and declining population and looming labor shortages.