Demographics

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

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.

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

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.

Current or Future Issues

Not only is Japan's geography affecting its future, but so is its' human geography.

·         Volcanoes and Earthquakes are reaching 1,500 per year

·         Air pollution has lead to fogs and acid rain, threatening aquatic life

o   Given that Japan is the highest consumer of fish, this is BAD.

·         Power plant emissions and increases in factory production have led to higher increases in the effects of global warming

·         Fish and tropical timber is being quickly depleted

Fun Facts!

Bicycles are a very popular form of transportation in Japan.

Japan is the region of the world most affected by earthquakes, on average, 1500 are recorded per year.

 Tokyo is the the largest metropoltian area in the world.

Japan has the largest density of cafes, massage parlors, gaming centers, restaurants and clubs of any where else in the world.



Tsukiji market is the largest fish market in the world!

 Japan has the longest life expectancy in the world.

Over 70% of japan is mountanious, and out of those mountains, over 700 of them are volcanoes .

Japan has the longest reigning monarchy in the world.

Sumo wrestling is Japans national sport.

 Japanese food is said to be some of the healthiest and nutritous food in the world, not to mention delisous.

                                     



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