Intro to Japan Notes

Question 1

What is Japan often called as?

Answer 1

The land of the rising sun

Question 2

Who is the sun goddess of the Japanese mythology?

Answer 2

Amaterasu

Question 3

What does the sun goddess’ emergence symbolize?

Answer 3

Amaterasu’s emergence from darkness symbolizes the return of light, reinforcing the connection to Japan’s identity as the the land of the rising sun.

Question 4

What must you know to understand to learn the geography of an area?

Answer 4

1)Physical feaures
2)Water features
3)Climate features
4)Living features

Question 5

What do physical features include?

Answer 5

Mountains, valleys, plains, etc.

Question 6

What do water features include?

Answer 6

rivers, seas, oceans, etc.

Question 7

What do climate features include?

Answer 7

long term temperature, humidity, weather.

Question 8

What do living features include?

Answer 8

animals, plants, people

Question 9

What % of Japan’s land is covered by mountains & steep valleys?

Answer 9

75%

Question 10

What is the most habitable region in Japan?

Answer 10

Regions along the coast(as the terrain is more accessible, allowing for easier settlement).

Question 11

What create a natural barrier around the middle of Japan?

Answer 11

Rugged mountains (Japanese Alps)

Question 12

Where are the swift-flowing rivers originating from & what is its characteristic?

Answer 12

The swift-flowing rivers originate from mountains & are largely non-navigable

Question 13

What is Japan often regarded in terms of geography?

Answer 13

Geographically isolated as it is an island nation.

Question 14

What lies in Japan to the north, southeast & west?

Answer 14

To the NORTH:Okhotsk Sea

#To the SOUTHEAST:East China Sea
#To the WEST:Pacific Ocean Borders

Question 15

What are the islands present in Inland Sea?

Answer 15

Shikoku, Honshu & Kyushu

Question 16

How many seasons does Japan have?

Answer 16

4

Question 17

Which island is colder & often has snowstorms in winter?

Answer 17

Hokkaido, the northern island

Question 18

What can lead to typhoons in summer at Japan?

Answer 18

The rainy season in early summer can lead to typhhons later in summer.

Question 19

Why does Japan experience natural disasters?

Answer 19

Because for its unique landscape with its islands, short fast rivers, small flat plains & mountains, all being located on tectonic plates.

Question 20

What are the reasons due to which Japan became self-sufficient?

Answer 20

Even though it has littke land for farming, available land is very fertile, allowing to grow food.The temperate climate & reliable rainfall give Japan a longer season to grow food that lasts until colder months.

Question 21

What are some other factors giving in for Japan’s growth?

Answer 21

Monsoon winds bring the moisture needed for rice production. On top of that, Japan has plenty of natural resources which help it to self-sufficient.

Question 22

What is the importance of rice in Japanese culture?

Answer 22

Rice is the food most commonly associated with Japan, it is vital as it has been the main food source for many people & is tied to cultural traditions.

Question 23

What happen if the monsoons fail?

Answer 23

If the monsoons fail, rice crops can fail too, leading to famine & causing problems in the country

Question 24

What is the major souce of protein for the Japanese diet?

Answer 24

Fish

Question 25

What does the sea provide to Japnese diet?

Answer 25

Fish