1. What kind of tectonic activity does Japan experience?
Why do they experience these types of activity?
Why does Japan have very little arable land?
How have the Japanese adapted to a small percentage of arable land?
How have homes been adapted in Japan?
How can the Japanese culture be described?
What three religions dominate in Japan?
How have the Japanese tried to reduce pollution of the environment?

2. Japan “Land of the Rising Sun”x

3. Physical Characteristics
Archipelago the size of California
4 large islands, 3,900 small islands
Ring of Fire
Volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis
Typhoons
Temperate climate
Mountainous
Little arable land (10-15%)

4. Land Use Build up and underground Building land in deltas and wetlands
Terracing

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

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

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

8. Japanese Culture Homogenous Middle Class Highly educated
Crowded urban areas

9. 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

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