Aim: What geographic features
influenced the early
development of Japan?
Do 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 make
the 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
Katsushita Hokusai 1829-1833
Japan 1983
How might Japan’s geography increased death tolls?
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 2009
Traditional 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