Japan: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Landforms

Japan is a stratovolcanic archipelago, a chain of islands formed by underwater volcanoes, off the coast of China. Over thousands of years, volcanoes have created nearly 3,000 small bodies, with four main islands-Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. As the Phillipine Plate and the Eurasian Plate collide due to movement of the Earth's crust, they have and continue to push up against each other, resulting in volcanic chains forming. The islands of Japan are the volcanoes that have spewed out lava, which cooled and became the surface land above sea level. The volcanic chain that formed Japan is part of the Ring of Fire - a "circle" around the Pacific Ocean comprised of volcanic chains. Because of Japan's positioning, having still been above the Ring of Fire, Japan is susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Japan is essentially a floating mountain (about 73% mountainous), with small amounts of flatlands.

Climates

The main three factors that affect the climates of Japan are latitude, winds, and ocean currents.

- Latitude makes Japan have variations in its climates: from subtropical temperatures (South), to Continental and Humid Continental in (North)

- Monsoon winds from the Northwest being cold air to Northern Japan, while warm and moist winds from the Southeast heat up the lower parts

- Currents act similarly (i.e. Black Current warms the Southern Coast, Oyashio cools North)

Ecosystems

The ecosystems of japan are...

Mid-lattitude decidious forest
tropical rain forest

some common plants and animals in Japan are...

the Racoon dog
Cherry blossom tree
Red crowned crane
Snow monkey
bamboo plant

Natural Resources

Japan has very few natural resources and very little usable land.

Less than 15% arable land
few usable resources (i.e. Gold, Silver, Magnesium)
low arable land - lead to use of terrace farming

Because of Japan's inaccessibility of natural resources, they import the larger portion of necessary materials from other countries.

Human-Environment Interactions

People in Japan are much closer to the oceans constantly, meaning that the temperatures tend to not shift as much as they would in, say, the United States. Seasonal climates are generally the same, so people only need to wear what is appropriate for that time of the year. Being so close to the ocean and having limited land to farm also affects what people eat; Japanese people tend to eat a lot more seafood and easily grown crops, such as rice. The Japanese have adapted to their limited usable land by building many compact cities. Most of these cities are on the coasts of the Japanese islands, and they tend to not be able to expand their population. More than sixty percent of Japan lives on relatively three percent of Japan’s land, on the narrow coastal plains. The Japanese people have also changed their houses, which are much smaller and sparsely furnished by American standards, with beds that can often fold up for storage during the day. People in big cities, like Tokyo, often live in apartments. Some Japanese people try to escape the crowded city life and move to suburbs or rural areas, but that often results in large commutes to work and school.

Political Borders

Japan's borders as a country are defined by the Pacific Ocean, nearby seas, and the land that the volcanic chain created. Japan is an island chain comprised of about 2,600 islands, each of which is considered a part of Japan. Within Japan, there are 47 "prefectures", or administrative districts, that act as subnational jurisdiction centers, with acting governors as their leaders.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Culture

Japan is mainly influenced by the democrization process of the Western world, as well as the beliefs of China that had diffused to the country. After World War 1, China spread its culture over to Japan, while the era of World War 2 brought in American ideals and policies.

Language:

· Japanese is the official language

· Many dialects of Japanese can make it hard to understand in different areas of the country

· English is taught as a part of their education

· Japanese was originally derived from Chinese

Religion:

· Freedom of religion as of 1946

· Shinto, Buddhism, and Confucianism are the primary religions

Food:

· For more than 2000 years, Rice, has been the most important food in the Japanese diet, and is used in many different dishes.

Ex: Fried rice, sushi, Onigiri,

· There are many kinds of fish, shellfish and other seafood that can be found in Japanese food. It us prepared in many different ways.

Ex: Sashimi, Yakizakana

· Nabe dishes, or hotpot dishes, are common foods to eat in the winter

Ex: Oden,Sukiyaki

· Meat became popular in Japan in the later 19^th century.

Ex: Yakitori,Nikujaga

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Demographics

· 80% of Japan lives on Honshu

· Dense populations, especially in cities (Industrial Revolution)

· Tokyo is the most populated city in Japan, and one of the most populated in the world

· Japan’s birth rate is lowering, while their life expectancy is increasing

· Tourism is increasing

Monday, May 28, 2012

Political System

Japan is a constitutional monarchy (like Britain) in which the Emperor’s power is limited. There is a Prime Minister, chosen for a term of four years, who is the Cabinet’s head and appoints and dismisses Ministers of State. He has to win a majority in the Diet, the Japanese legislature. The Diet has a bicameral structure, consisting of the House of Representative and the House of Councilors. On the other hand, the Supreme Court has the final say in all legal disputes, including those arising from of administrative actions between citizens and the state. The Chief Justice is appointed by the Emperor, following a selection process by the Cabinet. The Japanese political system is very different from those of the western democracies, although many portions may look similar.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Government

As Japan has slowly become more democratic, their populace and government system has shifted to adapt to that change.

· Monarchy since Constitutional changes in 1947

· Akihito, the current emperor, has been on the throne since 1989

· Diet, Japan’s legislative body, is comprised of the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors

· Supreme Court heads their judicial system

· 47 administrative districts

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Economic Activities

Japan has one of the world's leading industries, with lots of growth post-WW2. Commercial farming, manufacturing, and large improvements in their trade system has propelled the country's economy since the 1960's. Japan had a GNP growth of 11% during the 1970's, and that increase has continued. Because of good corporate management, a highly-educated labor force, high savings and investments not only from Japan, but other countries investing in Japanese industries, high industrial development, and lots of foreign trade, Japan's GDP and GNP are projected to increase fifve percent every ten years until 2050.