Influences of geography on japan

Influences of Geography on Japan

Essential Question

• How was Japan’s development influenced by its landforms, its climate, and its closeness to China and Korea?

Legend

Landforms and Climate

• 120 Miles off the coast of Asia• 15% of land flat enough for farming• Ring of Fire – Volcanos, earthquakes, and tidal

waves• Mild climate with plenty of rain• Island nation = plenty of fish and protection

Nature Inspires Japanese Culture

• Expresses love of natural beauty• Shinto – Traditional religion focused on

respect for nature and ancestors • Art• Music

Influential Neighbors

• Closest neighbors are China and Korea• China had the largest influence – Gave Japan

it’s name Nippon “Land of the Rising Sun”Areas of Influence How Japan Adapted Chinese Influences

Religion Combined Buddhism with traditional Shinto beliefs

Government Adopted principles of Confucianism

Writing System Used Chinese characters

Arts Employed Chinese techniques and themes especially in landscape painting

Agriculture Adapted Chinese wet-field rice cultivation to Japan’s island environment

China

Japan

Review

• What areas of Japanese culture influenced by China?