also: にっぽんこく
Japan; State of Japan
Formal name for Japan, often used in official documents, treaties, and legal contexts. In everyday conversation, 日本 (にほん/にっぽん) is more common.
The Constitution of Japan came into effect in 1947.
The passport says 'Japan' (日本国).
Standard kanji spelling; the reading にほんこく is the most common.
Alternate reading used in formal or official contexts, such as legal documents and international settings.
Formed from 日本 “Japan” and 国 “state; country,” denoting Japan as a state.