JAPANSection 1: Natural Environments
Section 2: History and Culture
Section 3: The Region Today
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CHAPTER 28CHAPTER 28
Objectives:2
What are the major landforms of Japan? Which climates are found in the region? What are some important resources in
Japan?
Section 1 Section 1
Natural EnvironmentsNatural Environments
Major landforms:3
Japan four main islands and thousands of smaller
ones mountains—70 percent of land; Japanese
Alps the longest chain plains—mainly on Pacific coast of Honshu nearly 200 volcanoes
Section 1 Section 1
Natural EnvironmentsNatural Environments
Climates: influenced by Asian monsoon
4
Japan—similar to U.S. east coast humid continental to the north; severe
winters humid subtropical to the south; mild winters,
warm and humid summers
Section 1 Section 1
Natural EnvironmentsNatural Environments
Key resources:5
Japan has limited mineral and energy resources and relies on imports.
Forests are plentiful in Japan, but logging is strictly controlled.
Japan is rich in marine life.
Section 1 Section 1
Natural EnvironmentsNatural Environments
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END OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Objectives:7
What cultures influenced the early history of Japan?
What were some major events in the modern history of the region?
What are some notable features of Japanese culture?
Section 2Section 2
History and CultureHistory and Culture
Early cultural influences:8
Asians invaded Japan around 300 B.C. and introduced rice farming.
Both China and Korea strongly influenced Japanese culture.
Europeans arrived in Japan in 1500s, but Japan resisted influence.
Section 2Section 2
History and CultureHistory and Culture
Major events in modern history:
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U.S. Navy arrived in Tokyo in 1853; Japan began to open up to foreign influences.
Meiji Restoration of 1868 brought emperor back; he began modernization reforms.
Japan expanded Asian territory between 1895 and 1937 (Taiwan, Sakhalin, Korea, China).
Japan joined Axis Powers in 1940; surrendered in 1945, after atomic bombs.
Japan established democratic system after World War II.
Section 2Section 2
History and CultureHistory and Culture
Cultural features: 10
strong Chinese influence Japan is dominated by a single ethnic
group religion—Buddhism and Shintoism food—rice the staple food; raw fish
popular in Japan
Section 2Section 2
History and CultureHistory and Culture
Cultural features: (continued)11
education—good schools, high literacy in Japan
customs—strong Western influences, but traditions survive; focus on family, respect for elders
art—music, literature, visual and decorative arts are strong traditions
Section 2Section 2
History and CultureHistory and Culture
Modern Japan is a blend of traditional and modern, East and West.
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Agriculture and industry are very efficient and productive.
Exports are a key to economic success, but Asian competition is growing.
Japan has many large cities; Tokyo-Yokohama is world’s largest.
Section 3Section 3
The Region TodayThe Region Today
Modern Japan is a blend of traditional and modern, East and West. (continued)
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Most people are middle-class suburbanites; homes are small and expensive.
Western cultural influences are common: clothing, food, music, sports.
Society is getting older; women’s roles are changing.
Section 3Section 3
The Region TodayThe Region Today