1. Homework J-1 due tomorrow Current events project due Monday, May 23. Test on China and Japan on Monday.  20 multiple choice questions  2 short answers (out of 3 choices).

2. Aim #7: How did geography influence the development of Japan?

3. Japan is located on the Pacific Ocean and is in close proximity to China and Korea: 1. Pacific Ocean: Trade, fishing, naval power, protects Japan from enemies, homogenous ethnic population 2. Proximity to Korea and China: Much of Japan’s culture and language is taken from China (ex: Buddhism, Confucianism).

4. Japan has a mild climate and seasonal rainfall (frequently resulting in monsoons and typhoons): 1. Temperate Climate: Suitable for farming in non-mountainous areas 2. Seasonal Rainfall: Frequent monsoons and typhoons. Leads to fear and worship of nature.

5. Most of Japan is mountainous: 1. Only 12 percent of the total land can be farmed 2. Very densely populated towns and cities. 3. Many volcanic mountains: Frequent volcanoes and earthquakes, opportunities for terrace farming.

6. Japan has few natural resources: 1. Forced Japan to trade (world’s largest importer of coal and liquid gas, 2 nd largest importer of oil)

7. Religion is Japan is largely based on the respect and fear the Japanese feel towards nature. Shintoism: Traditional Japanese religion. Means “The way of the Gods.” Based on the worship of kami, or spirits found in all living and nonliving things in nature (trees, rivers, mountains, etc). Respect for kami is shown through prayers and offerings at shrines. 4. What do the images above and to the left suggest about the relationship between Japanese religion and nature? How is this religion different from the Western religions (Christianity/Judaism) we have looked at?

8. - Polytheistic - No founder - No sacred texts / religious writings - No afterlife - Not concerned with moral/ethical guidelines 5. How is Shintoism different from the Western religions (Judaism/Christianity) we have learned about?

9. Buddhism  Comes to Japan from China. Breaks into different sects  Zen Buddhism: Places an emphasis on meditation, simple living, love of nature to achieve enlightenment (pure state of being). 6. What are some of the other religious traditions in Japan?

10. Confucianism  Also arrives by way of China and Korea  How will Confucianism influence Japanese culture?: 6. What are some of the other religious traditions in Japan?

11. Family loyalty Respect for parents. Respect for learning and the educated class.

12. Concluding Question Provide three examples of how Japan has been shaped by its geography or religious traditions.