Capital of Japan: Tokyo
The capital of Japan is Tokyo. Japan sits in Asia, has a population of 125,124,989, and uses the JPY. Official languages include Japanese.
Quick facts
- Capital: Tokyo
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~125,124,989
- Area: 377,975 km²
- Population density: 331 people per km²
- Official language: Japanese
- Currency: JPY
- ISO code: JP
How big is Japan?
By population, Japan ranks 11th in the world, holding roughly 1.57% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 62nd.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Japan has 331 people per square kilometre, which is about 5.6 times the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Japan is the 6th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Japan in population are Ethiopia (123,379,924) and Mexico (127,504,125).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Norway (385,207 km²) and Zimbabwe (390,757 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Japanese is listed as an official language of Japan alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Japan uses the JPY, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Japan in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Japan belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Japan and a page on the flag of Japan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Japan?
The capital of Japan is Tokyo.
What is the population of Japan?
About 125,124,989, making it the 11th most populous country in the world.
How big is Japan?
377,975 square kilometres, ranking 62nd by land area, at a density of 331 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Japan use?
The JPY, which no other country uses.