Japan is the world 's third largest economy in terms of GDP size . Rapid post-war growth ended in 1990s ; country has slipped in to recession four times since 2008 . The capital since 1868 , modern Tokyo is a sprawling mega city and home to over 36 million people . Comment: Relationship with neighbors strained over territorial claims and colonial history .
Japan is the world 's third largest economy in terms of GDP size . Rapid post-war growth ended in 1990s ; country has slipped in to recession four times since 2008 . Comment: Relationship with neighbors strained over territorial claims and colonial history .