1. Chapter 32: Japan Section 1: Japan Land of the Rising Sun
Physical Characteristics and Climate

2. Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Honshu Honshu: 80% of the population
Archipelago
Seas: Isolated & protected
Inland Sea: Highway between Kyushu, Honshu, and Shikoku
Four large islands
Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Honshu
Honshu: 80% of the population

3. Mountainous Terrain
Islands are actually peaks of a great underwater mountain range
13% of Japan’s land is farmable

5. Problems Seismographs: 7,500 earthquakes
Center is on land: landslides in mountain areas
Center is offshore: Tsunami
170 volcanoes: 75 active
Heat creates hot springs: Resorts

6. Climates Very long country
Climates vary according to the area’s latitude
Hokkaido: long winters and cool summers
Honshu: mild winters and hot summers
Kyushu and Shikoku: Hot/warm year-around

7. Monsoons and Typhoons Summer Monsoons
Bring heavy rains and hot temperatures
Typhoon Season: Late Summer to early Fall
Winter Monsoons: Cold, dry air

8. Ocean Currents: pg. 67 Japan Current Warms the air Long growing season
Oyashio Current
Coast of Hokkaido and northeastern Honshu
Cools the air