East Asia, including China, Japan, and the Korean peninsula enjoyed relative insulation and protection from the rest of the world for much of its history. In addition to being protected by numerous, and quite substantial, natural barriers the region benefited from a general abundance and wealth of natural resources, so they people did not need to look to other regions, realms, or peoples for help and support

The largest modern-day country of the region is China, however, the culture and people have a long history and traditions that reach back into history for thousands of years. Whether due to its size, wealth, or general influence, Chinese culture is sometimes referred to as the "mother culture" of many Asian cultures, traditions, or customs, but this could be disputed.

Further east on the Korean peninsula lies two countries, North Korea (D.P.R.K.) and South Korea (R.O.K.). For centuries the peninsula was unified under the ruling dynasties, or ruling family lines, most notably the Joseon (1392–1897). Unfortunately, during the 20th century Korea, and its peoples had many hardships to endure, and the schism between the North and the South started as a result of World War II, and was seemingly cemented as a lasting consequence of the Korean War (1950-1953).

The farthest eastern nation of this region is the so-called "Land of the Rising Sun," or Japan. The country is actually an archipelago, or island group, of 4 main islands and several smaller island to its south. In addition to being surrounded by water, Japan actually isolated itself even more from the world for 220 years from 1633 to 1853 during the sakoku, or "closed country" policies of the Tokugawa shogunate. The insulated archipelago of Japan produced some interesting an highly unique history, culture, traditions that are distinct yet still connected to the region.

Chinese culture, history, and people have a long and continuously enduring legacy occupying the same territory for thousands of years. The unique tonal, or so-called sing-song, quality of the language must resonate with many because Chinese, specifically Mandarin, or Putonghua, is the most spoken language in the world! For centuries the natural barriers of the Himalaya mountains to the southwest; the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts in the northwest and west, respectively; and the expansively harsh steppes of central Eurasia further west; and the vast Pacific Ocean to the east, all of these kept China relatively safe from constant threat from "outsiders," or foreigners. (Of course there were exceptions). In addition to these existent, natural barriers ancestors of contemporary Chinese people fortified their borders with walls, just as many other peoples throughout history, but the Chinese accomplishment was a phenomenal stretch of building that still stands as The Great Wall, or Chang Cheng, but with a cost.

In conjunction with ample resources provided by the Yellow River and Yangtze River for food, along with other natural resources unique to China, like silk, the region did not really need to, nor have an interest in looking beyond its borders or inviting trouble in.

Further information:

• ‎2,000 Years of Chinese History! The Mandate of Heaven and Confucius: World History #7

• Geography of China

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China endured a tumultuous history during the 19th, and much of the 20th centuries, including poor governance, austere resources and cultural upheaval, and even a schism between communist and nationalist politics that persists to this day. Nevertheless, Chinese economy and urbanization has seen rapid development within the past two decades from the dawn of the 21st century, to the point of having the 2nd most millionaires than any other country, after the U.S.A. What does the future hold for the dragons that wakes?

Communists, Nationalists, and China's Revolutions: Crash Course World History #37

The so-called "Land of the Rising Sun" was first referenced by Prince Shotoku, c. 607 C.E. in a letter to the Chinese Sui Emperor in closing: "from the Son of Heaven in the land where the sun rises [Japan] to the Son of Heaven in the land where the sun sets [China]" (Calichman, R. (2005). Contemporary Japanese thought. New York: Columbia University Press. p. 286). Although Japan imported many ideas and cultural borrowings from China, the distance across the East China Sea made these adoptions less similar to Chinese traditions, ala Korean adherence to Confucianism, and seemingly provided Japanese culture to adapt and blend imports to uniquely Japanese melange and character.

Further information:

• The Animated History of Japan