Crossword Genius

In January, father will be far away (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

japan

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'be far away' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'in january father' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'january' becomes 'Jan' (synonyms).
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa can mean dad or father).
'jan' enclosing 'pa' is 'JAPAN'.

'will' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for japan that I've seen before include "Glossy black lacquer" , "Country and decorated black lacquerware" , "black gloss" , "Far Eastern island country" , "Glossy, black varnish; country" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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