1. Chapter 32: Japan Section 1: Japan Land of the Rising Sun
Population and Culture

2. Crowded Cities One of the most densely populated countries
Driven up the prices of land and housing
Many live in apartments in high-rises

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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