What is the Exact Number of Islands in Japan? -

For my global studies class I need to find out what the exact number of Islands in Japan is. Anyone know? It would also be great if you could tell me the source?

I found out!!! There are 6,852 islands in Japan(including desert island) http://www.excite.co.jp/News/bit/0009117...

what do you consider and island? do marshalls count? cause the answer is a lot. Although there are 5 main islands, there are countless other islands.