1. Do Now: List geographic features of Japan
Aim: What geographic features influenced the early development of Japan?
Do Now: List geographic features of Japan

3. Geography of Japan
Archipelago: chain of islands. Japan has several thousand islands.
Four Main Islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku
100 Miles off the Asian mainland
Japan stretches over 2,360 miles, so the people enjoy climatic variety
Superimposed on eastern United States, Japan stretches from central Maine to Florida.

4. Superimposed on eastern United States, Japan stretches from central Maine to Florida.

5. 75 % of Japan is mountainous

6. Mount Fuji

7. Land and Sea Japanese farmers make
the most of the arable land in narrow river valleys and coastal plains.
Developed a thriving fishing industry
Seas isolated and protected Japan
Developed trade routes
Sea of Japan

8. Ring of Fire
This region is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanoes.

9. Tsunami Underwater earthquake can trigger killer tidal waves
Katsushita Hokusai
Japan 1983
How might Japan’s geography increased death tolls?

10. Early Civilizations
Early Japanese society was divided ito uji or clans.
Each uji had its own chief and a special god or goddess
Yamato Clan in A. D. 500 dominated Honshu and set up Japan’s only dynasty
Claimed that they were descendants of the sun goddess

11. Early Traditions
Shinto belief in honoring Kami or nature spirits. They worshiped the forces of nature.
Korean Bridge: Japan and Korea exchanged ideas from early.
The Koreans connected Japan to China.
Buddhism was introduced by the Koreans as well as Chinese writing and culture.

12. Chinese Influence
600s Prince Shotoku sent young nobles to study China to learn about it first hand
Chinese art and technology spread
Strengthened the central government and adopted a similar law code
Capital modeled after Tang capital
Tea ceremonies
Food, music, dance were also imported
Selective Borrowing: Japan only used some of Chinese ideas
Japanese added Kana or phonetic symbols to Chinese writing system
Artists developed their own styles

13. Heian Period
Emperors and wealthy families merged and created an imperial capital in Heian (Kyoto)
Elegant Court: noblemen and women lived fairytale atmosphere with beautiful pavilions and gardens
Only men were allowed to study Chinese
Women however used kana to produce essays, diaries and poetry

14. The Pillow Book Collection of short essays
Provides observations of daily life at the royal court

15. Tale of Genji Lady Murasaki wrote the world’s first full length novel
It recounts the adventures of the fictional Prince Genji and his son

16. Japan 2009 Traditional and Modern Kabuki Theater-Ginza
Shibuya Crossing

17. Japan 2009 Importance of History Yokohama History Park (recreated)
Imperial Palace
Yokohama History Park (recreated)

18. Japan 2009
The lights of Japan
Shibuya