JAPAN Regents Review

Geography Isolation and Protection due to island location A chain of Islands- Archipelago

Japan’s Geography The geography of Japan allowed for a unique and original culture to develop. Minimal cultural diffusion except from China through Korea.

Japan’s Geography Many mountains caused little farmland and forced Japan to adapt to its environment through fishing and terrace farming.

Japan’s Geography Lack of Natural Resources leads to eventual imperialism.

Society of Japan Religions: Shinto (nature worship –kami) Buddhism (Zen)

History of Japan Japanese feudalism (like Europe during the Middle Ages): Emperor, Daimyo, Samurai, peasants.

History of Japan Isolation from the world under the Tokugawa Shogunate.

History of Japan Arrival of Matthew Perry from the U.S. with steamships looking to open up Japan for trade. Fear of Imperialism by the Western powers, not to be conquered led japan to begin the Meiji Restoration.

History of Japan During the Meiji Restoration Japan began to industrialize in order to compete with the Western Powers, not to be conquered. Japan emerges as a powerful, industrial nation but a lack of resources still presented a problem. Japan begins a policy of Imperialism.

History of Japan Japan begins to imperialize Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands and Korea. U.S. opposition to Japanese imperialism caused tension and eventually Japan makes a critical gamble in attacking Pearl Harbor.

History of Japan Japan loses WWII (atomic bomb controversy) and the United States wrote the new Japanese Constitution. No military is allowed.

Japan Post World War II Economic Power – especially in the field of technology. Dedicated and hard-working workforce.

Japan Post World War II Competitive economy where nations like the U.S. have threatened the use of tariffs to even the playing field. Japan has decided to build products (especially cars) in the U.S. to help solve the issue. The United States is ok with this practice because it gives Americans jobs.