Where in the world is Renderosity? Our next stop is Japan - the land of the rising sun! This nation in the Pacific will be our destination for the next two weeks, so come and learn a little about what makes Japan a wonderful destination.

For over a year now, the Japanese language has been available in the Renderosity MarketPlace, as well as several other international languages.

As with our trip to Italy, we will be highlighting some of the Japanese members that make up part of the diverse community here at Renderosity! Those who have ever been to Japan are also welcome to share stories or experiences right in the Opinions section on this page. Also, we welcome you to use the Video Center to upload any Japanese related videos into the Spotlight section. Renderosity would also like to take a moment to thank members Slav and kabuking for helping to provide information and translation on this piece!

Congratulations to humbee, Lakotariver and arbee999. They were randomly selected from the correct entries in the Where in the World? Quiz. Our next stop in the Renderosity Travels will be around again before you know it, so stay tuned! In the meantime, we give you...Japan.

Pottery that was found from early Japanese people is some of the oldest examples of pottery throughout the entire world. Ancient Japanese civilization seemed to also have frequent contact with representatives of the various Chinese Dynasties of the time.

Buddhism was introduced in the 6th century. The Japanese helped to perfect a form of Buddhism which would become known as Zen, which is still in practice today with several other popular paths.

Japan also had a period similar to the Italian Renaissance called Heian, which had a focus on the arts. The oldest novel still remaining in the world, The Tale of Genji, was written during this period.

During this period the beginnings of what would become the Samurai would take shape. For almost seven centuries after the Heian Period Japan was under feudal rule. While an Emperor has been in place for over a thousand years, the position was not recognized as the true head of state again until well into the 1800s.

Post World War II Japan saw an economic boom due to massive goverment intervention and foreign investment. One benefit from the boom is the lasting technological prowess that is now prevelant in the island nation.

Although tiny in comparison to other nations, Japan has a lot to offer to the curious visitor. From beautiful landcapes and terrains to modern attractions, there is something to see for any traveler. Some of the more popular destinations can be found below.

The imperial capital of Japan. With over 35 million people, it is the largest metropolitan area in the entire world. Tokyo is the home of the Imperial Palace and the Emperor. While there you can see the Tokyo Tower, the Rainbow Bridge and Shibuya Station.

The northern most island, the area is a great place for the naturalist in you. It has several national parks with forests that rarely see the presence of man. Included with these is Shiretoko National Park - a World Heritage Site. The 1972 Winter Olympics were held on this island.

West of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is an everlasting symbol of the entire country of Japan. It is known for being an active volcano, and is often climbed during the winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Paragliding is also a favorite hobby of those who visit the mountain, but be careful! The forest below the mountain, Aokigahara, is known for its legends of ghosts and goblins!

Japan's largest incorporated city. Yokohama is seen as a major international population center. It even hosts many multicultural events, including the 2009 edition of SIGGRAPH Asia. In addition to more convential attractions, Yokohama is also home to the tallest lighthouse in the world. The title for tallest building in the country belongs to the Yokohama Landmark Tower. The city has also been featured in two of the more popular Godzilla films.

When some think of food in Japan the first thing that comes to mind is rice and noodles. Sushi and sashimi have become very popular abroad, as Japanese influences cuisine on a worldwide level. It also has contemporary dishes whose origins are abroad.

In addition to rice and noodles, other ingredients you'll find in popular Japanese food include beans, eggs, fruits, seafood, seaweed and soy products.

One of the more well known (and popular) Japanese dishes is sushi. A common misconception is that the raw fish ingredient is the sushi, when in fact it is known as sashimi. The familiar "rolls" of rice and other ingredients is just one type of sushi known as makizushi. Sushi is relatively easy to make with the proper ingredients and tools.

Sake is an alcoholic beverage that has its origins in Japan. It is derived from rice, but rather than using a fermenting process similar to grape based wine, sake is brewed in a process similar to how beer is made.

Similar to other cultures, the Japanese have certain dishes that are eaten to celebrate special occasions. Such foods include Osechi for New Year, Sekihan for celebrations and Chimaki for the Gion Festival.

Japan has been an epicenter for technological advancement - especially in the consumer electronics and automotive industries. Many giants in the field call Japan home, and continue to innovate and create high demand products into the 21st Century.

The Big screen. The Walkman. The Game Boy. The VHS recorder. These modern marvels and their amazing followups are a 21st Century testament to Japan's place on the world stage. The country is unofficially the largest electronics manufacturer in the world, and produces some of the most popular vehicles on the planet.

The larger coporations in the country are spread far and wide with their reach. Sony is involved in gaming, music, movies and financial services in addition to its entrenched place in the electronics market. Along with other Japanese companies - such as Panasonic, Toshiba and JVC - Sony helped usher in the era of the "Big Screen" TV. This has evolved to the point where these once massive sets are replaced by very thin and unobtrusive masterpieces.

Starting in the 1970s and '80s, video gaming moved from the arcade to the home. Several Japanese firms were instrumental in this movement, creating their own version of a device that is just as much a part of a home theater now as a television - the video game console. While American firms were pioneering the first generation of consoles, Japanese companies such as Nintendo, Sega and eventually Sony found success in this market. Today, two of the most popular pieces of personal entertainment - the Ninendo Wii and Sony's Playstation 3 - originate in Japan.

The automobile industry in Japan is a pillar in the worldwide car market. The vehicles that come out of this country have been known for years as reliable, safe automobiles, which is part of the reason why Japan is the largest manufacturer of vehicles in the world. The country has a stable of brands that are instantly recognizable throughout the world, including Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki and many others. Toyota's Corolla has the distinction of being the best selling car in the entire world.