Japan

1. Japan By: Caysi Simpson and Allison Benson

2. Geography: • Japan makes up an archipelago that extends along the Pacific coast of Asia. • Japan is 36 degrees North of the equator and 138 degrees East of the Prime Meridian. • Japan makes up a total of 2,456 islands with a land area of around 145, 916.9 square miles. • There are 4 major islands called Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

3. Topography: • 74% of Japan is mountainous • Japans’ highest mountain is Mount Fuji with an elevation of 12, 388 feet. • The islands of Japan are settled on a dangerous volcanic zone where many earthquakes send tremors through the area, along with volcanic eruptions. • Japan is surrounded by many seas and oceans such as the North Pacific Sea, Philippine Sea, Korean Strait, Sea of Japan, and the East China Sea.

4. Climate: • Japan has 4 seasons, like the U.S.A, but their climate ranges from cool-temperate in the north to subtropical in the south. • Japan is generally rainy with a lot of humidity. Rainfall is around 39.4-78.7 inches annually. Almost 70% of the rainfall falls between the months of June-September. • Its location near Asian continents and its major ocean currents are what effect the climate.

5. History: • There are many periods in history that made Japan what it is today. It began with the Prehistoric Period (began in 10,000 B.C.) and is now at the Heisei Period (1989-present). Japan got much of its culture and traditions from China, which ruled the land of Japan until around the Heian Period when Japanese families took over the government. Many families ruled for the title at the imperial palace.

6. History continued… • In 1923, an earthquake called The Great Kanto Earthquake struck the island of Honshu. It only lasted 4-10 minutes but killed around 140,00 people. AT THE TIME, it was recorded to be the worst earthquake Japan had ever had. • Due to the earthquake, Japan had a minor economic depression. The military then gained power of the government, which somewhat lead to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Due to this attack, Japan was bombed by the United States on August 6, 1945 with the bomb “Little Boy.” Then again on August 9, 1845 by “Fat Man.” 15–20% died from radiation sickness, 20–30% from flash burns, and 50–60% from other injuries, compounded by illness. In both cities (Hiroshima and Nagasaki), most of the dead were civilians. • Japan has had to rebuild there economy and land, but eventually took its place among the worlds leading democratic powers.

7. Government: • Japan’s government is a constitutional monarchy where the emperor has very limited authority over things. The emperor is only defined as the “symbol of the state and the unity of the people.” Decisions of the government lie in the hands of the Prime Minister and the Diet ( the bicameral parliament). The House of Representatives has 480 seats and they serve 4 year terms. The House of Councilors (242 seats), serve 6 year terms.

8. Economy: • Has the third largest economy in the world…behind United States and the People’s Republic of China. • In recent years Japan has lead the world in having the top export market in 15 trading nations. • For industry, the manufacturing fields in which Japan makes most income is in electronics and automobile factory. • 12% of Japan’s land is suitable for growth. Rice, wheat, sorghum, soybeans, and multiple fruits are their main exports. Japan’s fish counts for nearly 15% of the global amount.

9. Tokyo: • Capitol of Japan • Largest metropolitan area in Japan • Located off the eastern side of the main island of Honshu. • It is the location of the Japanese government and home to the Imperial Palace, and the imperial family. • Has 35-39 million people. • Leads the world in first place for using up the most energy and electrical resources.

10. FOOD!!!!!!! ICKY!!!!!!!!! • EEL DONBURI: • This is eel grilled and dipped in soya based sauce before being topped with cooked rice.

11. FOOD CONTINUED!!! YUM!!! • Sushi: • The typical sushi in Japan usually consists of raw fish, stewed vegetables, and rice rolled together in a seaweed wrap.

12. Holidays/ festivals (just a few): • New Year (shogatsu): Celebrated January 1st. This is the most important holiday in Japan. Most work is cancelled, along with school. • Valentine’s Day: February 14th. Women give chocolates to the men. • White Day: March 14th. Opposite of Valentines Day because the MEN give chocolate or cake to the WOMEN. • Respect for the elderly Day (keiro no hi): On this day it is required that you show respect to those older than you. It is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of September. • Children’s Day, also called “boys’ festival” (THOUGH I DON’T KNOW WHY!!!): National holiday on May 5th. It is a day to respect children’s personalities and celebrate their happiness.

13. National animals: Green pheasant: Found in light wooded areas near cultivated lands and meadows. Koi: A common carp fish that originated in Asia and is usually found in water ponds or koi garden for decorative purposes.

14. Funerals: • Japan funerals are held in Buddhist style. • The body of the deceased is cremated. During this time guests make small talk and have a small meal. • After, relatives pick the bones out of the ash and pass them around using chopsticks. • For 35 days, the urn is kept at the families house and incense is burned the whole time. Then it is buried in a Buddhist cemetary.

15. Religion: • Main religion is Buddhist. • Surprisingly, most Japanese citizens don’t believe in God OR Buddha. Less than 15% actually have religious faith. • Life cycle events are usually celebrated by a trip to the Shinto shrine. • Japan grants religious freedom to all.

16. Cherry Blossom Tree: • Cherry blossom trees are indigenous to East Asian countries including Japan, Korea, and China. • Carry great cultural importance and significance to Japan. • Japan has over 200 different species of Cherry Blossom Trees. • Japanese people compare the life cycle of the cherry blossom tree to the human life in general.

17. Education • The Japanese schooling system has 6 years of elementary school. 3 years of middle school. 3 years of high school. 4 years at college (university). • School year has 3 terms. Summer, winter, and spring, each followed by a vacation. • Japan has 23,633 elementary schools, 11,134 middle schools, and 5,450 high schools. • School attendance rate for all mandatory nine years is 99.98%. • Japans’ students are in the top of the world’s highest testing scores. • Students go to school 6 days of the week.

18. Places to visit Fuji Hakone Izu National Park: Home to Japan’s most famous and sacred mountain, mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is a strato volcano that hasn’t erupted since the 18th century. Peace park in Nagasaki: built to represent the atomic bombing that happened during World War II. There are many statues and plagues for remembrance and to represent eternal peace.

19.  Art • Japan has one of the most ancient traditions in the world. • Sculptures in Japan are first carved from wood and then coated in gold. • In the earliest culture, Jomon made clay pots and figures. • Poetry in Japan is written in calligraphy on scrolls.

20. Fun words to know!: • Konnichiwa: Hello • Ha ji me ma shite: Nice to meet you • O genkidesu ka: How are you? • YudeTamago: Boiled egg…OR boiled grandchild. • Saigo Ni: The end 最後に

21. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Japan&qpvt=Japan&FORM=IGRE&adlt=strict#x0y0http://www.wikipedia.org/http://www.kyrene.org/schools/brisas/sunda/arthistory/japan.htmhttp://www.thereareplaces.com/newguidebook/pdest/Asia/jppts.htmhttp://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.htmlhttp://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Japan&qpvt=Japan&FORM=IGRE&adlt=strict#x0y0http://www.wikipedia.org/http://www.kyrene.org/schools/brisas/sunda/arthistory/japan.htmhttp://www.thereareplaces.com/newguidebook/pdest/Asia/jppts.htmhttp://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html