Chapter 32: Japan Section 1: Japan Land of the Rising Sun Physical Characteristics and Climate

Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Honshu Honshu: 80% of the population Archipelago Seas: Isolated & protected Inland Sea: Highway between Kyushu, Honshu, and Shikoku Four large islands Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Honshu Honshu: 80% of the population

Mountainous Terrain Islands are actually peaks of a great underwater mountain range 13% of Japan’s land is farmable

Problems Seismographs: 7,500 earthquakes Center is on land: landslides in mountain areas Center is offshore: Tsunami 170 volcanoes: 75 active Heat creates hot springs: Resorts

Climates Very long country Climates vary according to the area’s latitude Hokkaido: long winters and cool summers Honshu: mild winters and hot summers Kyushu and Shikoku: Hot/warm year-around

Monsoons and Typhoons Summer Monsoons Bring heavy rains and hot temperatures Typhoon Season: Late Summer to early Fall Winter Monsoons: Cold, dry air

Ocean Currents: pg. 67 Japan Current Warms the air Long growing season Oyashio Current Coast of Hokkaido and northeastern Honshu Cools the air