What are the geographical characteristics of Japan?

Do Now: What geographic features in our area impact us?

What aspects of living in/near NYC do you dislike?

What are the geographical characteristics of Japan?

Why did I include this map as part of geography?

How has Japan’s geography impacted its development?

(use the map here to help with the 1st and/or 4th box. Feel free to walk to the front).

How has Japan’s geography impacted its development?

• Mountains:- Difficult to unite- Overcrowded plains and lowlands- Development of terrace farming- National symbols: Mt.Fuji !

How has Japan’s geography impacted its development?

• Few natural resources:- Must rely on trade! (esp. in modern times)- Few resources helped to create

hardworking, resourceful society

How has Japan’s geography impacted its development?

• Archipelago w/ 4 main islands:– seas protected Japan (Korea as a buffer) and

helped make it a unique culture (Ethnocentric)– Long coastline excellent fishing industry– Hard to unify:

• More clan based• Come to use a feudal system

How has Japan’s geography impacted its development?

• Located on the “ring of fire”- Prone to have coastal towns destroyed,

resources destroyed- Influence religious views- Different architecture- 2011 Tsunami:

How does Japan’s geography affect Japanese lifestyle…?

• Desk activity

Space becomes SO valued to the point where it will affect all

parts of their lifestyle…

Living in a small island nation 80% covered in forests and mountains isn't easy, especially when there are 127 million of you. Japan: Overcrowded from Cradle to Grave graphically illustrates how Japan's citizens cope with overcrowding everywhere; all the time

These streets were made for walking

Subways like Rolling Sardine Cans

Packed Parks

Overcrowded Graveyards Provide No Final Escape

Cheapest Hotels

Have a great (but cheap) sleep

Japanese apartments

Overcrowding

• High population density• Size of California but with ½

pop of USA• Land and space are expensive-

golf, parking, etc.

Japanese Home Life• Many Japanese live in small

apartments • Maximum use of space-living

rooms double as bedrooms, etc. • Many Japanese sleep on Futons

which can be stored away during the day

Group Harmony over Personal Freedom

• Fits with Confucian (family first) and Buddhist beliefs (no selfish desires)

• Strong pressure to “fit-in”• The nail that sticks up gets

hammered down• Very polite society/little crime or

litter

Miscellaneous

• Great respect for nature-Japanese gardens

• Great respect for space-feng shui

• “Smaller is better”-cars, electronics, etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inA-36YRV0Y&eurl=http://inventorspot.com/articles/six_startling_scenes_overcrowded_6802

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg9qnWg9kak