1. For JAPAN, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

NOTE: Before answering the following questions, read the info under “Background” and watch the video under “Resources” below.

2. For JAPAN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) For what reason did Naruhito’s father Akihito abdicate the throne?
c) Who was Naruhito’s grandfather? What was the significance of his reign?
d) What is significant about the new Emperor and Empress?
e) Today, the role of Emperor is largely ceremonial and the emperor is barred from making any political statements. Why do you think the Emperor is important to the people of Japan?

CHALLENGE: President and Mrs. Trump will pay a state visit to Japan in late May, becoming Emperor Naruhito's first official foreign guests, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. Trump's trip will be the first state visit of a foreign leader in what will be known as Japan's Reiwa era. The president and First Lady will attend a banquet hosted by Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako, and will also meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
In a statement from the White House, a press secretary said that Trump's planned visit to Japan would "deepen the close bonds" between the Japanese and American people, and "highlight the continued importance of our alliance and partnership."
What is the date of the Trumps' trip to Japan? During the trip, check out the White House youtube page for video reports from Japan.