I looked it up in the dictionary and found this:
ja·pan (j…-p˛n“) n. 1. A black enamel or lacquer used to produce a durable glossy finish. 2. An object decorated with this substance. --ja·pan tr.v. ja·panned, ja·pan·ning, ja·pans. 1. To decorate with a black enamel or lacquer. 2. To coat with a glossy finish. [After Japan.]
Brian Wiswell