Japan

The story behind the answer

Tokyo is Japan’s capital, the seat of government and the Emperor’s residence. In 1868, after the Meiji Restoration, the capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo—literally “Eastern Capital.” Today, Tokyo anchors the world’s largest metropolitan area and is Japan’s political, economic, and cultural hub. Kyoto was the former imperial capital, Osaka is a major commercial city, and Hokkaido is a northern island/prefecture, not a city.

Memory tip: The shared “kyo” (京) in Kyoto and Tokyo means “capital.” Tokyo adds “To” (東), “east,” so think “Eastern Capital.” If you remember that the capital shifted east from Kyoto, you’ll remember Tokyo is Japan’s capital.