Japan is called a far-eastern country. This term is derived from the western world map in which the American continent is placed on the western (left-hand) side, and – sandwiching the Atlantic Ocean – Eurasia and African continents are placed on the eastern (righthand) side. In short, Japan is placed on the furthermost eastern (righthand) side. On the other hand, on the Japanese world map, Japan is placed slightly left of center with the Eurasian and African continents to its left. Australia is beneath Japan, and – sandwiching the Pacific Ocean – the American continent is placed on the right. From these maps, you might see that Japan is made up of four islands: Hokkaido, Honshu (the mainland), Shikoku, and Kyushu. However, Japan is a big oceanic country stretching 3,300 kilometers from the far northern Etorofu Island in Hokkaido to the far western island of Yonagunijima, and 2,800 kilometers to the southernmost island of Okinotorishima (Tokyo Prefecture). In Japan there are more than 6,800 islands; this number is the third highest in the world after Indonesia and the Philippines. These islands not only provide Japan with EEZ, but are also very important for military purposes. Japan’s farthest islands are located close to neighboring countries. Therefore, disputes continue with neighboring countries over the islands Japan lays claim to. The Senkaku Islands are located 330 kilometers away from China, and 170 kilometers away from Taiwan, so China and Taiwan are claiming them as their own. Takeshima Island is located 88 kilometers away from Korea, which claims the island as part of its own territories. Both the Senkaku Islands and Takeshima Island could be referred to as being mostly rock rather than island. The sea that surrounds the Japanese archperlago has served as a fortress protecting it from invasion by other countries. In addition, volcanic mountains have influenced natural diversity giving rise to a unique Japanese ecosystem. For instance, in terms of food, healthy Japanese dishes, such as sushi, deriving from seasonal ingredients, have been developed. In terms of houses, these are designed to blend in with nature with elements such as shouji screens that act as curtains while allowing a faint light to enter the room even when it is closed, or engawa (a ground-floor veranda) that connect the garden to the room. The Japanese live in harmony with nature by embracing its blessings. This influence can be seen in the Japanese way of thinking, character, and philosophy.