Japan consists of four huge islands and hundreds of smaller one's. 
This massive country lives, as it as always done under the Emperor rule system, which is so often associated with Japanese legend and history. 
92% of the country is Japanese population whilst the rest is made up of mainly Koreans. With hot and humid summers, the majority of European teams may find it difficult to play their favoured style of football, which could well be of favour to this far eastern nation over any european opponents they may encounter.
Japan's World Cup history is not the gretaest, France 98 was their first ever appearance in the Finals, but since that competition Japan have become a relativley strong force and should be hard to beat on their own territory come 2002.

Its history was upto 1948 similar to neighbours North Korea, until the Korean war interrupted the peace. 
Korea, which has a 5000 year history, has been divided into South Korea and North Korea since the end of World War II in 1945 and the subsequent Korean War (1950-53). 
The climate of South Korea is generally good, and western parts of the country have very little rainfall which should mean good playing surfaces and decent weather whilst the tournament is being played.
South Korea has qualified for the World Cup Finals six times since 1986. In accordance with the agreements reached between the two co-host countries, the opening ceremony and match will be held in Seoul.