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It's a long way for dad to go in January (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

japan

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'it's a long way' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'dad to go in january' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pa' (both can mean one's father).
'to go in' indicates putting letters inside.
'january' becomes 'Jan' (synonyms).
'pa' inserted into 'jan' is 'JAPAN'.

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for japan that I've seen before include "Glossy, black varnish; country" , "black gloss" , "Glossy black lacquer" , "Far Eastern island country" , "East Asian island nation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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