Chapter 32: Japan Section 1: Japan Land of the Rising Sun Population and Culture
Crowded Cities One of the most densely populated countries Driven up the prices of land and housing Many live in apartments in high-rises
Homogeneous Population Common heritage 99% of Japan’s people have an ancestor who lived in Japan thousands of years ago Strong sense of unity and identity
Isolation Shaped its society and view of the world Actively worked to keep foreigners out Nationalism also has led to prejudice and discrimination against Ainu and burakumin Ainu: Early inhabitants who were excluded from society Burakumin: Descendents of butchers and leather tanners
Enlightenment: living selflessly and modestly Buddhism Enlightenment: living selflessly and modestly Against taking the life of any creature Today: Negative view of the burakumin Shinto Worshipped the forces of nature and spirits of dead ancestors Home altar: daily prayer and sacrifices Today: Great love of nature Confucianism Respect for elders Obedience to those in positions of authority Importance of the common good
Large Middle Class Majority of the population: educated middle class “Imported” Popular Culture: TV, going to movies, sporting events “Exported” Popular Culture: Sushi bars, architecture, landscape gardening