1. Japan
Land of the Rising Sun

2. Physical Characteristics
Archipelago the size of California
4 large islands, 3,900 small islands
Volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis,
typhoons, ring of fire
Temperate climate
Mountainous
Little arable land
Isolated by dangerous seas, but inland sea connects islands

3. Japanese culture Homogenous Middle Class Highly educated
Nuclear families
Crowded urban areas

4. Religious influences Secular lives Shintoism Buddhism Confucianism
Worship forces of nature and spirits of ancestors,
Alters in homes, prayers and sacrifices
Buddhism
Spiritual enlightenment, live selflessly and modestly
Confucianism
Respect wisdom of authority, importance of common good

5. Population Density
One of the highest population densities in the world
7,219 people per square mile

6. Transportation Average commute 90 minutes in Tokyo
Extensive and efficient public transportation system
Pushers
Bullet trains
Traffic jams
Parking

7. Housing Apartments smaller than typical American family room
Multiple use rooms, futons
Tiny appliances
Bonsai trees
Cremated after death
Capsule hotels

8. Land Use Conflicts common Earthquake zone Build up and underground
Building land in deltas and wetlands
Terracing

9. Health Masks Garbage, Recycling Pollution, Acid Rain
Strict environmental laws