Aim: What geographic features influenced the early

development of Japan?

Do Now: List geographic features of JapanDo Now: List geographic features of Japan

Geography of Japan

• Archipelago: chain of islands. Japan has several thousand islands.

• Four Main Islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku

• 100 Miles off the Asian mainland• Japan stretches over 2,360 miles, so the people

enjoy climatic variety • Superimposed on eastern United States, Japan

stretches from central Maine to Florida.

Superimposed on eastern United States, Japan stretches from central Maine to Florida.

75 % of Japan is mountainous

Mount Fuji

Land and Sea

• Japanese farmers makethe most of the arable land in

narrow river valleys and coastal plains.

• Developed a thriving fishing industry

• Seas isolated and protected Japan

• Developed trade routes

Sea of Japan

Ring of Fire

This region is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanoes.

Tsunami

• Underwater earthquake can trigger killer tidal waves

How might Japan’s geography increased death tolls?

Katsushita Hokusai 1829-1833 Japan 1983

Early Civilizations

• Early Japanese society was divided ito uji or clans.

• Each uji had its own chief and a special god or goddess

• Yamato Clan in A. D. 500 dominated Honshu and set up Japan’s only dynasty

• Claimed that they were descendants of the sun goddess

Early Traditions

• Shinto belief in honoring Kami or nature spirits. They worshiped the forces of nature.

• Korean Bridge: Japan and Korea exchanged ideas from early. – The Koreans connected Japan to China. – Buddhism was introduced by the Koreans as well as

Chinese writing and culture.

Chinese Influence• 600s Prince Shotoku sent young nobles to study

China to learn about it first hand• Chinese art and technology spread• Strengthened the central government and adopted a

similar law code• Capital modeled after Tang capital • Tea ceremonies • Food, music, dance were also imported• Selective Borrowing: Japan only used some of

Chinese ideas• Japanese added Kana or phonetic symbols to Chinese

writing system• Artists developed their own styles

Heian Period 794-1185

• Emperors and wealthy families merged and created an imperial capital in Heian (Kyoto)

• Elegant Court: noblemen and women lived fairytale atmosphere with beautiful pavilions and gardens

• Only men were allowed to study Chinese• Women however used kana to produce essays,

diaries and poetry

The Pillow Book

• Collection of short essays

• Provides observations of daily life at the royal court

Tale of Genji

• Lady Murasaki wrote the world’s first full length novel

• It recounts the adventures of the fictional Prince Genji and his son

Japan 2009Traditional and Modern

Kabuki Theater-Ginza Shibuya Crossing

Japan 2009

Importance of History

Imperial Palace Yokohama History Park (recreated)

Japan 2009

The lights of Japan Shibuya