Japan Geography Notes

LG #1:

What are three ways the geography of Japan had an impact on its people/society? One example needs to address how the location/geography affected the spread of ideas.

Geography of Japan: YouTube Video

Archipelago= Chain of islands

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• Located off of East Asia

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• Provides lots of fish for food and protection from invasion

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• Enemies can’t approach without being seen

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• Culturally independent from rest of Asia
• Has borrowed ideas/technologies from China and Korea
• Pacific Ocean was used as a “highway” to these neighboring countries

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• About ¾ of Japan is mountains, made it difficult for farming, use terrace farming (like China)
• Has a mild climate with lots of rain, lakes, rivers, and lush forests

• Culture expresses an understanding and love of nature

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• In medieval times, artists and poets used the scenery as inspiration

• Less livable space because of so many mountains, creates �high population density
• Lots of people living in a small space
• Causes competition for resources

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• People live in very crowded conditions

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• Because of this, Japanese people are very polite and courteous

• There are few natural fuels, such as coal and oil

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• People eat sushi because it is raw, does not require cooking

• Japan has had periods of isolationism, which is the policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other countries
• Leaders wanted to avoid exposure to Western (or European) ideas

• Good: Unique culture, increased stability and unity, stayed out of other countries’ wars

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• Bad: New ideas didn’t spread as easily, lack of trade and contact with the outside world