Homework Bring in your textbook! You don’t really need it to study for the final. Make sure your name is in it.

Aim: How have geography and religion influenced society and culture in Japan?

I. Location 1. Pacific Ocean: Trade, fishing, naval power, protects Japan from enemies, homogenous ethnic population 2. Proximity to Korea and China: Much of Japan’s culture and language is derived from China (ex: Buddhism, Confucianism).

II. Climate 1. Temperate Climate: Suitable for farming in non-mountainous areas 2. Seasonal Rainfall: Frequent monsoons and typhoons. Leads to fear and worship of nature.

III. Landforms / Topography 1. Very Mountainous: Only 20 percent of the total land can be farmed 2. Small Area (Archipelago with 4 main islands): Same size as Montana, very densely populated towns and cities. 3. Many volcanic mountains: Frequent volcanoes and earthquakes, opportunities for terrace farming.

IV. Natural Resources 1. Few Natural Resources: Promoted trade (world’s largest importer of coal and liquid gas, 2 nd largest importer of oil) 2. Reliant on the Ocean: Japan has one of the world’s largest fishing industries.

A. Traditional Japanese religion. Means “The way of the Gods.” B. Based on the worship of kami, or spirits found in all living and nonliving things (trees, rivers, mountains, etc). Respect for kami is shown through prayers and offerings at shrines. V. Shintoism How is this religion different from the Western religions we have looked at?

C. How is this different from Western religions? - Polytheistic - No founder - No sacred texts / religious writings - No afterlife - Not concerned with moral/ethical guidelines V. Shintoism

D. Shintoism influences myths discussing the history of Japan and the way the Japanese view their government. It becomes the official state religion of Japan. V. Shintoism

A. Buddhism 1. Comes to Japan from China in the sixth century A.D. Breaks into different sects 2. Zen Buddhism: Places an emphasis on meditation, simple living, love of nature to achieve enlightenment (pure state of being). VI. Other religious traditions

B. Confucianism 1. Also arrives by way of China and Korea 2. Confucian values would we also identify as Japanese values today:  Family loyalty  Respect for parents.  Respect for learning and the educated class. VI. Other religious traditions