1. Japan – Past and Present
Ch. 18
Sec. 1 Pp

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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