In 1639 Japan closed its borders and cut itself off from the outside world. Foreigners were expelled, Western culture was forbidden, and Entering or leaving Japan was punishable by Death. It would remain that way for over 200 years....

Japan is a fascinating country for a lot of reasons. But chief among them is the fact that well over half the population live in just three metropolitan areas: Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. And for a country that is both larger in population...