What kind of tectonic activity does Japan experience? Why do they experience these types of activity? Why does Japan have very little arable land? How have the Japanese adapted to a small percentage of arable land? How have homes been adapted in Japan? How can the Japanese culture be described? What three religions dominate in Japan? How have the Japanese tried to reduce pollution of the environment?

Japan “Land of the Rising Sun” x

Physical Characteristics Archipelago the size of California 4 large islands, 3,900 small islands Ring of Fire Volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis Typhoons Temperate climate Mountainous Little arable land (10-15%)

Land Use Build up and underground Building land in deltas and wetlands Terracing

One of the highest population densities in the world Population Density One of the highest population densities in the world 7,219 people per square mile

Housing Apartments smaller than typical American family room (video) Multiple use rooms, futons Tiny appliances Bonsai trees Cremated after death Capsule hotels

Transportation Average commute 90 minutes in Tokyo Extensive and efficient public transportation system Pushers (video) Bullet trains Traffic jams Parking

Japanese Culture Homogenous Middle Class Highly educated Crowded urban areas

Religious Influences Secular lives Shintoism Buddhism Confucianism Worship forces of nature and spirits of ancestors, Alters in homes, prayers and sacrifices Buddhism Spiritual enlightenment, live selflessly and modestly Confucianism Respect wisdom of authority, importance of common good

Health Pollution, Acid Rain Strict environmental laws Masks Garbage, Recycling