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
