Japan Unit: Lesson 1 How does geography influence cultural identity?

GeographyCultureGeographyCulture

“Made in America”-Toby Keith

Hometown Glory- Adele

“Alberta Bound”- Paul Brandt

“Empire State of Mind”- Alicia Keys Ft. JAY Z

The Relationship of Geography and Cultural Identity Geography and cultural identity are linked to one another in a mutual relationship. The geographical features of a country form a foundation for the development of ideas that contribute to people’s cultural identity (even our music). Geography shapes the traditions, rituals, and ideas that reinforce our cultural identity. The ideas, values, traditions, and rituals that make up cultural identity give people a “set of binoculars” through which they can better understand the geographical features of their country.

For a large part of their history, the Japanese believed that their country was favored and protected by gods. In 1274, Chinese Mongol rulers sent ships to invade southern Japan. However, the Chinese Mongols were hit by a fierce Typhoon that forced the invaders to return to China. The Mongols tried to invade again in 1281, this time with more ships and men. However, another ferocious storm destroyed the Mongol fleet and saved Japan from the Chinese invasion. The Japanese called this ferocious storm kamikaze; a divine wind sent by the gods to defend the Japanese Islands. Japanese culture has been shaped by the weather of the region. In this instance, weather is seen as a gift from the gods to protect Japan from foreign invasions. The Mongol Invasion

The Archipelago Japan is an archipelago that consists of four main islands and more than 3,000 smaller islands. Archipelago: a long chain of many islands. Japan is geographically isolated from its nearest neighbors, Korea, China and Russia. The ocean between the island nation of Japan and the continent of Asia is extremely rough. This makes travel on the ocean to-and-from Japan very difficult. Japan’s natural geographical isolation and rough ocean waters/weather created very limited intercultural contact between Japan and other countries in its early history. The natural geographical isolation and harsh weather has contributed to many Japanese people wanting to protect their cultural identity from invaders that may cause negative cultural changes.

Land and Population Size of Japan Japan is a relatively small country when you compare it to others. In fact, it is only 60% the size of Alberta. However, Japan has an extremely large population compared to Alberta. In the 1600’s Japan’s population was around 12 million people. In 1900, Alberta’s population was approximately 73,000 people. Forested mountains and steep valleys cover most (80%) of Japan. A very small amount, only 18%, of Japan is flat enough to provide space in which people can grow food and inhabit. Most of the people of Japan live along the coastlines. The limited space and large population of Japan has created a high population density in the area.

The Land of the Rising Sun For centuries, Japan has described itself as the “land of the rising sun”. The sun is particularly important for the Japanese people. This is a direct result of its physical geography. The geography of Japan in relation to the other Asian countries places the country farther east than all the rest. The geographical position of Japan in relation to the other countries in the east has led to the common cultural belief that Japan is the nation where the sun first rises each and every day.

Some impacts of Geography on the Japanese Cultural Identity: The Map on page 265 in the textbook leaves the impression that the Japanese envisioned that their society and culture was in the center of the world. The natural isolation caused by Japan’s geography has led to a general belief that the Japanese need to protect their cultural identity from foreign invasion and change. This has also limited their contact with other cultures. The Kamikaze winds that stopped the Mongol invasion created a cultural belief that the gods favor Japan, and that Japan’s environment naturally protects it from invaders.

The limited amount of land that is available for living and farming in Japan has created a very tight-knit culture, and has created deep appreciation for limited food resources. The closeness of many of the Japanese to the ocean has led to the Japanese using the ocean for much of its food resources. This has also created a deep cultural connection and ‘awe’ towards the ocean. Many Japanese believe the sun, rising ‘first’ in Japan, is a spiritual symbol that makes Japan a place more favored and unique than the other Asian lands. Some impacts of Geography on the Japanese Cultural Identity: