1. Japan’s Geography Aim: How did geography affect the growth of Japan? Do Now: Analyze the map and answer the questions.

2. Geography of Japan Made up of 4,000 islands to form an archipelago- why is an island location advantageous? Four largest islands: 1.Hokkaido 2.Honshu 3.Shikoku 4.Kyushu Only 15% of the land is suitable for farming-very mountainous Natural resources: coil, oil, and iron Dangers: Typhoons, earthquakes and strong tropical storm.

3. “Land of the Rising Sun” Flag of the Rising Sun: Believed that the people are descended from Amaterasu, the sun goddess.

4. Societal Makeup Hundreds of clans controlled their own territories. Each clan worshipped its own nature gods and goddesses.

5. Yamato Emperors Fifth century: Yamato clan establishes itself as the leading clan. Japan gradually accepted the idea of an emperor. Lacked real power; but was never overthrown Clans would fight for power, and rule in the emperors name. First sign of Japanese government.

6. Geographic Features Which geographic feature is the most important or influential and why?