1. Postwar Japan
The Allies, under the command of US General Douglas MacArthur, oversaw
Japan and the drafting of a new
constitution after WWII.
The new constitution established a democratic government, reduced the size of Japan’s military to a defensive force, and allowed for a modified version of the emperor. It also guaranteed certain human rights and extended women the right to vote.
In 1951, Japan became independent again. However, it kept a close relationship with the US.
The US poured lots of money into rebuilding Japan and helped it grow economically. Today, Japan is one of the wealthiest and economically strongest nations in the world.

2. Outcomes for Japan Japan has a modern economic miracle.
Best educated work force in the world.
Women granted rights
Old power structure, and class system broken down and replaced.
Peasants could and did own property.
Democracy still reigns to this day.

3. To study governments, geographers look at the following:
Systems – How the power is distributed.
Types – Who rules and who participates.
Form- Limited / Unlimited
Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

4. Systems of Government are based on one question: How is the power distributed?
There are three ways governments distribute power:
Unitary
Confederation
Federal
JAPAN has a Federal System of Government.

5. Japan’s Government
Japan has a federal system, and its 47 prefectures are not sovereign entities in the sense that U.S. states are. Most depend on the central government for subsidies. Governors of prefectures, mayors of municipalities, and prefectural and municipal assembly members are popularly elected to 4-year terms..

6. To study governments, geographers look at the following:
Systems – How the power is distributed.
Types – Who rules and who participates.
Form- Limited / Unlimited
Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

7. Japan’s Government
Question-What type of government does Japan have?
ANSWER-Japan’s government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy government.

8. Constitutional Monarchy
A government with a written plan, or constitution, that includes a monarch as a ceremonial leader and a parliament or other legislature to make the laws.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1. Citizens are involved in decision making through their representatives, lobbying, and voting.
1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system.
2. Representatives are aware their job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents.
2. Representatives may not always agree with those they represent.
3. More likely that all elements of the population are represented.
3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives.
4. Monarch has almost celebrity status with the people. Are not held responsible for unpopular decisions, yet can help form public opinion

9. Parliamentary Democracy
Prime Minister is elected by legislator
There is no set term or limit on how long Prime Minister can hold office
Head of the state and the chief executive are two different offices

10. Parliamentary Democracy
Prime Minister is the chief executive and actually is in charge running the government.
The President is considered the Head of State and has more of a chief diplomat role with other countries.

11. Japan’s Government
Japan’s parliament or Diet serves as the legislative branch. It passes the country’s laws. Japan’s Parliament is bicameral (has two houses).
Question-What is the name of the two different houses?
ANSWER- The first house of Japan’s Diet is the House of Representatives and the second is the House of Councilors. Both of these positions are chosen by popular election.

12. To study governments, geographers look at the following:
Systems – How the power is distributed.
Types – Who rules and who participates.
Form- Limited / Unlimited
Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

13. Limited Government
A government in which everyone, including those in authority, must obey the laws.

14. To study governments, geographers look at the following:
Systems – How the power is distributed.
Types – Who rules and who participates.
Form- Limited / Unlimited
Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

15. Question- Who is Japan’s chief of state?
Japan’s Government
Question- Who is Japan’s chief of state?
ANSWER- Japan’s chief of state is Emperor AKIHITO
(since 7 January, 1989)
He holds no real power but serves as an ambassador for Japan.

16. Question- Who is Japan’s head of government?
Japan’s Government
Question- Who is Japan’s head of government?
ANSWER- Japan’s head of government is Prime Minister Taro ASO

17. Question- What type of Economy does Japan have?
Japan’s Economy
Question- What type of Economy does Japan have?
ANSWER- Japan’s economy is Mixed/Market

18. Japan does not have a lot of usable land

19. Swift-Moving Rivers: Hydroelectric Power
The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

20. The Izumo Plain
The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

21. Terrace Farming of Rice
The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

22. The Japanese Farm the Sea
The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.
Tokyo Fish Market

23. What is the reason for Japan’s economic success?
The Government
Their Work Ethic
Their Tariffs
Their Trade Surplus

24. What is the name for Japan’s legislature?
The Diet

25. What type of government does Japan have?
Constitutional Monarchy / Parliamentary Democracy