how geography affects the way of life in japan
Read lots and take good notes. Let us know what you decide to write.
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/japan/japanworkbook/geography/japgeo.html
http://veryasian.weebly.com/japans-geography.html
A PowerPoint to download:
http://globalregentsprep.wikispaces.com/file/view/GeographyJapan.ppt
Geography plays a significant role in shaping the way of life in Japan. Let me explain how you can understand this relationship.
1. Location and Climate:
Start by considering Japan's location and climate. Japan is an archipelago consisting of four main islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku) and numerous smaller islands. It lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, Japan experiences distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. Such geographical features influence several aspects of Japanese life.
2. Agriculture and Food:
The mountainous terrain covers around 70% of Japan's land, leaving limited arable farmland. Consequently, agriculture is primarily focused on cultivating terraces on hillsides and utilizing limited flat areas. Rice, vegetables, and fruits are staple crops. Seafood is also essential due to Japan's extensive coastline and fishing culture. Geography influences the availability of resources and dietary preferences, shaping traditional Japanese cuisine.
3. Population Distribution and Urbanization:
Due to limited flat land, Japan's urban areas are often concentrated in coastal plains and river valleys, with Tokyo being the most populous city. Mountainous regions are sparsely populated. Geography impacts the distribution of settlements, infrastructure, and transportation networks. It also influences the development of technologically advanced cities with efficient public transportation systems to overcome space constraints.
4. Natural Disasters and Infrastructure:
Japan is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons due to its location in the Ring of Fire. Over centuries, the Japanese have developed sophisticated disaster management systems, including earthquake-resistant buildings, early warning systems, and evacuation protocols. Infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, and highways are designed to withstand natural disasters. Geography shapes the development and implementation of such measures to ensure the safety and resilience of communities.
5. Cultural and Historical Influence:
Geography has influenced Japan's cultural development and historical events. The natural beauty of Japan's landscapes, including its mountains, cherry blossoms, and hot springs, has shaped traditional arts, poetry, and spiritual practices. Mountains have also acted as natural barriers, isolating regions and giving rise to distinct local cultures and dialects.
In summary, geography profoundly affects the way of life in Japan by influencing agriculture, food, population distribution, urbanization, infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and cultural development. Understanding these geographical factors helps us comprehend the unique aspects of Japanese society and its people's lifestyles.