Updated at 2022-03-23
Goldfish lanterns are unique handicrafts of Yanai, Yamaguchi. The idea for the lanterns is said to originate with an Edo Period merchant who was inspired by the Nebuta ornaments of Aomori. He used traditional "yanaijima" to create goldfish lanterns upon returning to Yanai.This lantern gradually became a local feature. Today, Yanai organizes a goldfish lantern festival in August every year, where more than 4,000 goldfish lanterns preserved from the Edo period are hung in the Town of white wall. Yamaguchi is also the hometown of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Flag: The flag of Japan is known as the "Flag of Sun," a red disc centered on a white rectangular banner). The ratio of the flag is 2:3, and the diameter of the red disk is three-fifths of the vertical length, with the center of the red disk aligned with the center of the flag.
National Day: February 11
Language: Japanese
Capital: Tokyo
Area: 377,973 square kilometers
Population: Approx. 123 million people
Currency: Japanese Yen
Government: Constitutional monarchy, separation of powers