9781422275528

J A P A N

ASIAN  COUNTRIES TODAY

ASIAN  COUNTRIES TODAY

CHINA INDONESIA JAPAN MALAYSIA

PHILIPPINES SINGAPORE SOUTH KOREA THAILAND VIETNAM

J A P A N

ASIAN  COUNTRIES TODAY

CATRINA  DANIElS-COwART

MASON CREST

PHIlADElPHIA MIAMI

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ISBN (hardback) 978-1-4222-4266-7 ISBN (series) 978-1-4222-4263-6 ISBN (ebook) 978-1-4222-7552-8 Cataloging-in-Publication Data on file with the Library of Congress

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japan at a Glance ......................................................................... 6 chapter 1: Japan’s Geography & landscape.............................11 chapter 2: The Government & History of Japan....................... 21 chapter 3 : The Japanese Economy........................................... 41 chapter 4 : Citizens of Japan—People, Customs & Culture....... 51 chapter 5: Famous Cities of Japan............................................ 67 chapter 6: A Bright Future for Japan......................................... 77 japanese food ........................................................................... 82 festivals & holidays .................................................................. 86 Series Glossary of Key Terms...................................................... 88 Chronology.................................................................................. 90 Further Reading & Internet Resources....................................... 91 Index............................................................................................ 92 Organizations to Contact............................................................ 95 Author’s Biography & Credits...................................................... 96

KEY ICONS TO lOOK FOR: Words to Understand: These words with their easy-to-understand definitions will increase the reader’s understanding of the text while building vocabulary skills. sidebars: This boxed material within the main text allows readers to build knowledge, gain insights, explore possibilities, and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. edUcational Videos: Readers can view videos by scanning our QR codes, providing them with additional educational content to supplement the text. Examples include news coverage, moments in history, speeches, iconic sports moments, and much more! text-dependent QUestions: These questions send the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there.

research projects: Readers are pointed toward areas of further inquiry connected to each chapter. Suggestions are provided for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis.

series Glossary of Key terms: This back-of-the book glossary contains terminology used throughout this series. words found here increase the reader’s ability to read and comprehend higher-level books and articles in this field.

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the Geography of japan

location: Near the eastern coast of China; Japan is made up of thousands of islands, including   Kyushu, Hokkaido, Honshu, and Shikoku area:         Approximately the size of                       California or Germany total :         145,913 sq. miles (377,915 sq. km) land:          140,728 sq. miles (364,485 sq. km) water:       5,185 sq. miles (13,430 sq. km) borders:   The closest neighbors to the                       islands include Korea, Russia,                       and China; the Sea of Japan                      separates the islands  from other                       countries climate:   Japan has four distinct seasons                        with a climate ranging from                       subarctic in the north to          subtropical in the south terrain:   Primarily mountainous and                       rugged—approximately 73% of                       Japan is mountainous; natural                       hot  springs are common among  lowest       The man-made Hachinohe mine point:        —558 feet (170 meters) below                       sea  level highest     Mount Fuji—12,388 feet (3,776  point:        meters) above sea level natural hazards: volcanoes, earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis Source: www.cia.gov 2017                      the islands elevation extremes:

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The flag of Japan is a rectangular white banner with a                              single red disc in the center. The flag, officially known                              as Nisshōki, or “the sun-mark flag,” is more                              commonly known in Japan as Hinomaru, or “the circle of the sun.” The country’s nickname, the land of the Rising Sun, suits this flag aptly. Japanese mythology and religion symbolize the emperor as a direct descendant of the sun goddess, which points to the significance of this symbolic flag. The Nisshōki flag became the national flag in the law Regarding the National Flag and National Anthem, which was only recently made effective in August 1999. Prior to this, the country did not have a national flag specified, but the sun-disc flag was already used regularly by nationals. In the Meiji Period, two proclamations made by the Daijō-kan, that era’s governing body, created a provision for one of the designs used at that time as the national flag. The Nisshōki flag was used by merchant ships starting in February of 1870, and by the Navy in October of 1870.

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the people of japan population: 126,451,398,               including foreign immigrants              Chinese, and Other age structure:              0–14 years: 12.84%               (16,236,665)              15–24 years: 9.64%               (12,195,989)               25–54 years: 37.5%               (47,416,104)              55–64 years: 12.15%                (15,357,581)              65 years and over: 27.87%               (35,245,068) population Growth rate:              –0.21% death rate:              9.8 deaths/1,000 pop. migration rate:              0.0 migrant(s)/1,000 pop. infant mortality rate:              2 deaths/1,000 live births life expectancy at birth:              total population: 81.8 years              male: 81.9 years              female: 88.8 years total fertility rate:              1.41 children born/woman religions:              Shintoism 79.2%, Buddhism              66.8%, Christianity 1.5%, Other 

ethnic Groups : Japanese, Korean,

             7.1% languages:

             Japanese literacy rate:              99%                    Source: www.cia.gov 2017

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The Northern Alps mountain range is famous for its breathtaking scenery.

economic slowdown: a situation where gross domestic product slows but does not decline Nihon and Nihongo: the Japanese words for “Japan,” and “Japanese language” Nihon e yōkoso: a phrase welcoming you to Japan onsen: a Japanese hot spring peninsula: a portion of land mostly surrounded by water and connected to a larger land area

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C H A P T E R

JAPAN’S GEOGRAPHY & LANDSCAPE

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“Nihon e yōkoso” in Nihongo —the Japanese language—or in other words, “Welcome to Japan!” This is the home of a beautiful indigenous culture that has retained its traditions while modernizing and industrializing the nation. After three decades of growth, Japan had a minor economic slowdown in the 1990s, but it remains a popular tourist destination and major economic power in today’s world. With popular locations to visit—such as the local onsens and Mt. Fuji—it is a tourist destination not to miss out on.

Geography Japan’s Neighbors

Japan is located in Eastern Asia, and it is an island chain. As such, it has no direct neighbors on its borders, but it is close to Russia, China, North Korea, and South Korea. The island chain rests between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. It also is within close range of the Korean peninsula . The Climate Japan’s climate ranges from cool and temperate in the north to tropical in the south. Japan has four distinct seasons, but they range significantly from north to south. While the north may have colder temperatures year-round, the south is more of a

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subtropical zone. There is heavy snow on the side of the islands facing the Sea of Japan in Northern and Eastern Japan. Northern Japan and Eastern Japan have extremely cold winters. Western Japan sees hot and humid summers, while Okinawa and Amami have subtropical climates. Japan’s climate varies significantly from island to island, so you need to know what to wear when you travel. In winter, areas along the Pacific coast may have temperatures that drop as low as 32° F (0°C), although freezing is unlikely. As you head north on the islands, you can expect snowfall, but southern areas have temperate climates and mild winters. Spring, which occurs from March to May, has temperatures that are warm but not hot, with a moderate amount of rain. It’s this time of year that has the famous

mount fuji              Known as “Fujisan” in Japan, Mt.               Fuji is 12,388 feet (3,776 meters)               tall and the highest mountain in Japan. In reality, it is a volcano, which makes it both beautiful and dangerous. It is worshipped as a sacred mountain and is extremely popular in Japanese art. Mt. Fuji is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707. The tall mountain can be viewed from Tokyo, Yokohama, the Fuji Five lakes region, and Hakone. The mountain is often obscured by clouds, so it’s best to travel to see the mountain during the colder seasons. It’s also most visible in the evenings and early morning hours. Mount Fuji is a distinctive landmark in Japan. Since it is just west of Tokyo, it is fairly easy to get to, making it a popular tourist destination. It appears in many art pieces and is a destination for travelers who enjoy hiking and exploring. There are five lakes surrounding the mountain: including lake Kawaguchi, lake Yamanaka, lake Sai, lake Shoji, and lake Motosu. There is also another lake nearby, named lake Ashi, which provides ideal views of the mountain.  Mt. Fuji is located in the Fuji- Hakone-Izu National Park. It is not known if Mt. Fuji is currently at risk of erupting, which could be extremely dangerous to tourists, residents, and wildlife. However, after a 2011 earthquake in Tohoku, it has been suggested that the volcano is closer to erupting than it was in years prior. Still, there is no way to know for sure.

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cherry blossoms. This is also the time of year when people are most likely to celebrate festivals that are focused on nature. Summer starts in June, which also signifies the start of the rainy season. The rainy season, named the Baiu, lasts for around four weeks and is when farmers are most likely to plant rice crops. It is caused by a stationary front called the “Baiu front.” The summer is humid and hot, with temperatures reaching 86° F (30°C) and higher. By August, summer is in decline. August has the highest number of tropical cyclones that hit Okinawa and Amami, which is something to watch out for if you plan to travel. Fall, between September and November, has cooler temperatures. Temperatures range between 46.4° F (8°C) and 50° F (10°C). Concerts, sports

Mount Fuji overshadowing a field of Shibazakura (moss phlox) at Yamanashi.

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tournaments, and other activities commonly occur during this time of year thanks to the lower temperatures. By October, there are normally sunny conditions thanks to anticyclonic weather systems. It is common to see rain and snow starting in November in Northern and Northeastern Japan. Waterways There are many rivers that flow into the Sea of Japan, including the Agano-gawa, Shinano-gawa, Hime-kawa, Kurobe-gawa, Jinzu-gawa, Seki-kawa, Joganji-gawa, Sho-gawa, Oyabe-gawa, Tedori-gawa, and Kuzuryu-gawa. Interestingly, there are 326 rivers just in Hokkaido alone. There are thirteen river systems in that area that have been designated as such by the central government as being important to the

This video provides a brief insight into Japan’s geography. Scan the QR code with your phone to watch!

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