Intro to Japan Notes Flashcards
1)The Land of the Rising Sun 2)Geography of Japan (25 cards)
What is Japan often called as?
The land of the rising sun
Who is the sun goddess of the Japanese mythology?
Amaterasu
What does the sun goddess’ emergence symbolize?
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.
What must you know to understand to learn the geography of an area?
1)Physical feaures
2)Water features
3)Climate features
4)Living features
What do physical features include?
Mountains, valleys, plains, etc.
What do water features include?
rivers, seas, oceans, etc.
What do climate features include?
long term temperature, humidity, weather.
What do living features include?
animals, plants, people
What % of Japan’s land is covered by mountains & steep valleys?
75%
What is the most habitable region in Japan?
Regions along the coast(as the terrain is more accessible, allowing for easier settlement).
What create a natural barrier around the middle of Japan?
Rugged mountains (Japanese Alps)
Where are the swift-flowing rivers originating from & what is its characteristic?
The swift-flowing rivers originate from mountains & are largely non-navigable
What is Japan often regarded in terms of geography?
Geographically isolated as it is an island nation.
What lies in Japan to the north, southeast & west?
To the NORTH:Okhotsk Sea
#To the SOUTHEAST:East China Sea
#To the WEST:Pacific Ocean Borders
What are the islands present in Inland Sea?
Shikoku, Honshu & Kyushu
How many seasons does Japan have?
4
Which island is colder & often has snowstorms in winter?
Hokkaido, the northern island
What can lead to typhoons in summer at Japan?
The rainy season in early summer can lead to typhhons later in summer.
Why does Japan experience natural disasters?
Because for its unique landscape with its islands, short fast rivers, small flat plains & mountains, all being located on tectonic plates.
What are the reasons due to which Japan became self-sufficient?
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.
What are some other factors giving in for Japan’s growth?
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.
What is the importance of rice in Japanese culture?
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.
What happen if the monsoons fail?
If the monsoons fail, rice crops can fail too, leading to famine & causing problems in the country
What is the major souce of protein for the Japanese diet?
Fish
