Japan – Past and Present Ch. 18 Sec. 1 Pp. 524-530

Japan’s Mountainous Islands Japan is a group of islands Largest islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu Mount Fuji is the highest mountain

Japan’s Economy Japan has few natural resources and must import iron ore, coal, and oil Modern factories produce cars, electronics, appliances, steel, cement, etc.

Japan’s Economy Not much farmland, so they grow crops where ever they can, even on hillsides Problems: trade restrictions, acid rain caused by pollution, overfishing

Japan’s History and Government Did not trade with other countries until 1853, when the U.S. forced them to start trading Fought in 1930s and 1940s to get control of more resources Attacked Pearl Harbor during WWII

Japan’s People and Culture 80% of people are crowded into urban areas along the coastal plain Most practice Shinto or Buddhism Family is the center of Japanese life

Japan’s People and Culture Art often shows beauty of nature Kabuki theater – actors wear colorful costumes Sumo wrestling and martial arts are popular

Questions In 1853 which country forced the Japanese to open trade privileges The United States

Questions What war did the United States enter as a result of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor? World War II

Questions Most of Japan’s people live in crowded urban areas. Where are these areas located? Along the coastal plains

Questions Buddhism is one of Japan’s major religions. What is the other major religion? Shinto

Questions In both rural and urban Japan, what has traditionally been the center of one’s life? Family