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The Emergence of Japan. Geography of Japan. Japan is located on an archipelago, which is a chain of islands. Its four main islands are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. It is located on the ring of fire and is subject to tsunamis. Early Traditions.
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Geography of Japan • Japan is located on an archipelago, which is a chain of islands. • Its four main islands are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. • It is located on the ring of fire and is subject to tsunamis.
Early Traditions • In early Japanese times, people lived in ujis, or clans. Around 500 A.D., the Yamato clan dominated much of the Honshu island. • They set up Japan’s first and only dynasty.
Shintoism • This is a religion that was formed in Japan. • It is basically the worship of forces of nature. It isn’t a huge religion, but is still around today.
Japan and Korea • Because Japan is so close to Korea, their cultures and languages seem very similar. • The Koreans even introduced the Japanese to Buddhism. • This caused Japan to become more interested in China.
Japan Looks to China • Japan began trading and studying with the Chinese, which caused them to change things in the Japanese government. • Over time, the Japanese excitement for China died down.
Kana • In Japan, they developed their own language. • They developed kana, or phonetic symbols representing syllables. • It looks similar to Korea or Chinese, but is distinctly different.
The Heian Period • This was when the blending of Chinese and Japanese cultures really took place. Everyone dressed elegantly and went to court. • Lady Murasaki was one of the most popular writers. She wrote The Tale of Genji.