Japan
By: Caysi Simpson and Allison
Benson
Geography:
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Japan makes up an
archipelago that extends
along the Pacific coast of
Asia.
Japan is 36 degrees North
of the equator and 138
degrees East of the Prime
Meridian.
Japan makes up a total of
2,456 islands with a land
area of around 145, 916.9
square miles.
There are 4 major islands
called Hokkaido, Honshu,
Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Topography:
• 74% of Japan is mountainous
• Japans’ highest mountain is Mount Fuji with an
elevation of 12, 388 feet.
• The islands of Japan are settled on a dangerous
volcanic zone where many earthquakes send
tremors through the area, along with volcanic
eruptions.
• Japan is surrounded by many seas and oceans
such as the North Pacific Sea, Philippine Sea,
Korean Strait, Sea of Japan, and the East China
Sea.
Climate:
• Japan has 4 seasons, like the U.S.A, but their
climate ranges from cool-temperate in the north
to subtropical in the south.
• Japan is generally rainy with a lot of humidity.
Rainfall is around 39.4-78.7 inches annually.
Almost 70% of the rainfall falls between the
months of June-September.
• Its location near Asian continents and its major
ocean currents are what effect the climate.
History:
• There are many periods in history that made
Japan what it is today. It began with the
Prehistoric Period (began in 10,000 B.C.) and is
now at the Heisei Period (1989-present).
Japan got much of its culture and traditions
from China, which ruled the land of Japan
until around the Heian Period when Japanese
families took over the government. Many
families ruled for the title at the imperial
palace.
History continued…
• In 1923, an earthquake called The Great Kanto Earthquake struck
the island of Honshu. It only lasted 4-10 minutes but killed around
140,00 people. AT THE TIME, it was recorded to be the worst
earthquake Japan had ever had.
• Due to the earthquake, Japan had a minor economic depression.
The military then gained power of the government, which
somewhat lead to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Due to this
attack, Japan was bombed by the United States on August 6, 1945
with the bomb “Little Boy.” Then again on August 9, 1845 by “Fat
Man.” 15–20% died from radiation sickness, 20–30% from flash
burns, and 50–60% from other injuries, compounded by illness. In
both cities (Hiroshima and Nagasaki), most of the dead were
civilians.
• Japan has had to rebuild there economy and land, but eventually
took its place among the worlds leading democratic powers.
Government:
• Japan’s government is a constitutional monarchy
where the emperor has very limited authority
over things. The emperor is only defined as the
“symbol of the state and the unity of the people.”
Decisions of the government lie in the hands of
the Prime Minister and the Diet ( the bicameral
parliament). The House of Representatives has
480 seats and they serve 4 year terms. The House
of Councilors (242 seats), serve 6 year terms.
Economy:
• Has the third largest economy in the world…behind
United States and the People’s Republic of China.
• In recent years Japan has lead the world in having the
top export market in 15 trading nations.
• For industry, the manufacturing fields in which Japan
makes most income is in electronics and automobile
factory.
• 12% of Japan’s land is suitable for growth. Rice, wheat,
sorghum, soybeans, and multiple fruits are their main
exports. Japan’s fish counts for nearly 15% of the global
amount.
Tokyo:
• Capitol of Japan
• Largest metropolitan area in Japan
• Located off the eastern side of the main island
of Honshu.
• It is the location of the Japanese government
and home to the Imperial Palace, and the
imperial family.
• Has 35-39 million people.
• Leads the world in first place for using up the
most energy and electrical resources.
FOOD!!!!!!! ICKY!!!!!!!!!
• EEL DONBURI:
• This is eel grilled and
dipped in soya based
sauce before being
topped with cooked
rice.
FOOD CONTINUED!!! YUM!!!
• Sushi:
• The typical sushi in
Japan usually consists of
raw fish, stewed
vegetables, and rice
rolled together in a
seaweed wrap.
Holidays/ festivals (just a few):
• New Year (shogatsu): Celebrated January 1st. This is the most
important holiday in Japan. Most work is cancelled, along with
school.
• Valentine’s Day: February 14th. Women give chocolates to the
men.
• White Day: March 14th. Opposite of Valentines Day because the
MEN give chocolate or cake to the WOMEN.
• Respect for the elderly Day (keiro no hi): On this day it is required
that you show respect to those older than you. It is celebrated on
the 3rd Monday of September.
• Children’s Day, also called “boys’ festival” (THOUGH I DON’T
KNOW WHY!!!): National holiday on May 5th. It is a day to respect
children’s personalities and celebrate their happiness.
National animals:
Green pheasant: Found in light
wooded areas near cultivated
lands and meadows.
Koi: A common carp fish that
originated in Asia and is usually
found in water ponds or koi
garden for decorative purposes.
Funerals:
• Japan funerals are held in Buddhist style.
• The body of the deceased is cremated. During
this time guests make small talk and have a
small meal.
• After, relatives pick the bones out of the ash
and pass them around using chopsticks.
• For 35 days, the urn is kept at the families
house and incense is burned the whole time.
Then it is buried in a Buddhist cemetary.
Religion:
• Main religion is Buddhist.
• Surprisingly, most Japanese citizens don’t
believe in God OR Buddha. Less than 15%
actually have religious faith.
• Life cycle events are usually celebrated by a
trip to the Shinto shrine.
• Japan grants religious freedom to all.
Cherry Blossom Tree:
• Cherry blossom trees are indigenous to East Asian
countries including Japan, Korea, and China.
• Carry great cultural importance and significance
to Japan.
• Japan has over 200 different species of Cherry
Blossom Trees.
• Japanese people compare the life cycle of the
cherry blossom tree to the human life in general.
Education
• The Japanese schooling system has 6 years of
elementary school. 3 years of middle school. 3 years of
high school. 4 years at college (university).
• School year has 3 terms. Summer, winter, and spring,
each followed by a vacation.
• Japan has 23,633 elementary schools, 11,134 middle
schools, and 5,450 high schools.
• School attendance rate for all mandatory nine years is
99.98%.
• Japans’ students are in the top of the world’s highest
testing scores.
• Students go to school 6 days of the week.
Places to visit
Fuji Hakone Izu National Park: Home
to Japan’s most famous and sacred
mountain, mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is
a strato volcano that hasn’t erupted
since the 18th century.
Peace park in Nagasaki: built to
represent the atomic bombing that
happened during World War II. There
are many statues and plagues for
remembrance and to represent
eternal peace.
 Art 
• Japan has one of the most ancient traditions
in the world.
• Sculptures in Japan are first carved from wood
and then coated in gold.
• In the earliest culture, Jomon made clay pots
and figures.
• Poetry in Japan is written in calligraphy on
scrolls.
Fun words to know!:
• Konnichiwa: Hello
• Ha ji me ma shi te: Nice to meet you
• O genki desu ka: How are you?
• Yude Tamago: Boiled egg…OR boiled
grandchild.
• Saigo Ni: The end 最後に
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Japan&qpvt=Japan&F
ORM=IGRE&adlt=strict#x0y0
http://www.wikipedia.org/
http://www.kyrene.org/schools/brisas/sunda/arthist
ory/japan.htm
http://www.thereareplaces.com/newguidebook/pdes
t/Asia/jppts.htm
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html