Japan Flashcards
Archipelago
A chain of islands
How many main islands does Japan have?
4 main islands (3400 smaller)
What was the effect of all of the islands Japan had?
- limits on cultural diffusion
- cultural unity
What was the topography of Japan?
Mountains
What percent of mountains is Japan?
85%
How did people of Japan farm?
Terrace farming
What was their main crop?
Rice
What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?
The fault line that Japan lies on - causes earthquakes, volcanos and tsunamis in japan
Why did the Japanese have a high respect for the power of nature?
The many natural disasters caused them to respect the power of nature - had a religion based on it
Why was transportation not good in Japan?
Rivers flowed from mountains/many mountains in Japan.
What was their coastline like?
Many natural harbors
What were the effects of the natural harbors?
Exalant trade/fishing - fish was their main source of protein - huge population centers along coastline (fertile lowlands)
Why would the Japanese plant crops near the lowlands?
The lowlands were fertile
Why was fish a main source of protein in Japan?
There was limited arable land/no flat land to have livestock
What is the climate in Japan like?
- Similar to East Coast of U.S / where we live
- North: temperate
- South: sub-tropical and rainy
- Warm ocean currents moderate the seasons - less hot summers - less cold winters
What did the climate cause in Japan?
Monsoons, lots of rainfall, long growing season
What wer the main beliefs of shintoism?
Purity, harmony, family respect, and RESPECT FOR NATURE
Why did shintoism become a belief in Japan?
Due to the many natural disasters from living on a fault line
