Coding Logic: CHINA to FKLQD

The problem requires finding the coding pattern used to convert "CHINA" into "FKLQD" and then applying that pattern to encode "JAPAN".

We examine the relationship between the letters of "CHINA" and "FKLQD":

• C → F
• H → K
• I → L
• N → Q
• A → D

By checking the alphabetical positions, we find a consistent shift:

• C is the 3rd letter, F is the 6th. The shift is $6 - 3 = +3$.
• H is the 8th letter, K is the 11th. The shift is $11 - 8 = +3$.
• I is the 9th letter, L is the 12th. The shift is $12 - 9 = +3$.
• N is the 14th letter, Q is the 17th. The shift is $17 - 14 = +3$.
• A is the 1st letter, D is the 4th. The shift is $4 - 1 = +3$.

The identified pattern is a forward shift of 3 positions for each letter (Caesar cipher with a shift of 3).

Applying the Pattern to JAPAN

We apply the same "+3" shift pattern to the word "JAPAN":

• J (10th letter) shifts forward by 3 positions to become M (13th letter). $J + 3 = M$
• A (1st letter) shifts forward by 3 positions to become D (4th letter). $A + 3 = D$
• P (16th letter) shifts forward by 3 positions to become S (19th letter). $P + 3 = S$
• A (1st letter) shifts forward by 3 positions to become D (4th letter). $A + 3 = D$
• N (14th letter) shifts forward by 3 positions to become Q (17th letter). $N + 3 = Q$

Combining these results, "JAPAN" is coded as "MDSDQ".