Short answers, pulled from the story.
Japan first appeared in written history in the Chinese Book of Han, completed in 111 AD. This ancient description marked the beginning of a long relationship between the Japanese archipelago and the Asian mainland.
Samurai leader Minamoto no Yoritomo established the Kamakura shogunate in 1185 following the defeat of the Taira clan. This military government marked the beginning of the feudal era of Japan.
Commodore Matthew C. Perry arrived in Japan in July 1853 with four Black Ships. This event led to the March 1854 Convention of Kanagawa and the subsequent opening of Japan to the outside world.
Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world at 85 years. The life expectancy is 82 years for men and 88 years for women.
Japan adopted a new constitution emphasizing liberal democratic practices in 1947. The Allied occupation ended with the Treaty of San Francisco in 1952.