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