Japan

I am made of many, many islands floating in a big, blue ocean. The water tickles my toes all day long. In the springtime, soft pink flower petals dance in the wind. They are called cherry blossoms. They make everything pretty and pink. In the winter, my tall mountains wear fluffy white hats made of snow. It is so quiet and peaceful then. I am a special place with many beautiful things to see. Do you know who I am. I am the country of Japan.

A very, very long time ago, people came to live on my islands. They built big, beautiful castles with pointy roofs that reached for the sky. Brave people called samurai lived there to keep everyone safe. They were very strong. People also made quiet gardens with smooth stones and calm ponds. These gardens are next to special buildings called temples where people can think and be peaceful. I have a very tall mountain that looks like a giant triangle. Its name is Mount Fuji, and it often wears a hat of snow. The people who live with me are very creative. They love to make amazing drawings and cartoons. They also learned how to fold paper into wonderful shapes like birds and frogs. This is called origami. It is so much fun.

Today, I am a place of wonderful surprises. I have big cities with tall buildings and bright, colorful lights that twinkle like stars. Vroom, vroom go the fast trains. But I also have quiet forests and green fields where you can hear the birds sing. I am a home where old stories and new dreams live together like best friends. I love to share my yummy food, like noodles and rice balls, with everyone. I love to share my fun stories and my beautiful art, too. I am happy to be a friend to the whole world.