Ancient Japan

From 1853 to 1941, Japan changed from being a reclusive, isolated nation that kept to itself to an imperialistic power openly attacking and conquering surrounding territories and peoples.

The geography, climate, and location of Japan affects the inhabitants then and now. The geography of Japan consists of mountains, basins, plains, and many islands. The climate is a humid monsoon climate. Japan is located the coordinates of 36° N 138° E and is completely surrounded by water, isolating it from other civilizations and nations.

Japans history dates back almost 53,000 years and is filled with interesting and fascinating events. Most of Japans actions have left the major world powers in the world stunned. The base of this amazing country is astonishing just by itself. The base is a bunch of active and large under water volcanoes. Japans uniqueness from the rest of the world ranges from its culture to its very interesting history to the change in government every few hundred years and their trading dilemma with petroleum and their assortment of fish that they export. Japan as a country is so very appealing and kind compared to the rest of the world its no wonder that it’s geographically separate from the rest of the world.

With all of the hustle and bustle from the city and busy lives, they still make time for planting a garden, flowers, trees or picking up trash in parks. “…professing a love for nature while simultaneously pursuing environmentally unsustainable lifestyles” ("About Japan: A Teacher's Resource | Nature and the Environment in Postwar Japan | Japan Society”). Japan's love of nature isn't like anything else, they have a delicate touch for nature. “Grass-roots environmental groups have flourished in Japan in recent years and many Japanese corporations are world leaders in the development of environmentally sensitive technologies” ("About Japan: A Teacher's Resource | Nature and the Environment in Postwar Japan | Japan Society”). After the attacks on their country, they still wanted to nourish their land so it can thrive for the

In the late 1800’s and the early 1900’s, Japan took great leaps forward. This period was called the Meiji Restoration, which was named after a prominent Japanese leader form the time. Much of their growth was due to their pursuit of empire and the greater goal of a more modern country. Throughout this period, Japan used their extensive resources to expand and become more like their western neighbors. During World War I, Japan was among the world powers that fought on the side of the United States and Great Britain. This was a time of pride for the country which, however, changed in the blink of an eye after the war was over. Although other countries were advanced at the time, Japan believed that they were among the most advanced countries

But in the 19th century, Japan recognized its isolationist policies’ inadequacy and the new international power shift when Europe and the United States forced it to sign the Kanagawa and Yedo treaties limiting its control on its own foreign trade and demanding it open to outside trade . In 1798 already, Honda Toshiaki criticized the Tokugawa, demanding an “enlightened government” , prophesying clearly Japanese success if it adopted Western reforms “to learn the effective use of gunpowder, to develop metallurgy, to increase trade, and to colonize.” The Tokugawa collapse led to the 1868 Meiji Restoration, reinstalling the emperor, and reforming Japanese political and social structure mirroring western powers’. Directing the innovations and not afraid to challenge the social order thanks to its cultural, ethnic, and national homogeneity, Japan’s government proved successful in its endeavor, instating a centralized, practical government and a constitution with an elected parliament, the Diet. The Meiji Restoration was a political revolution, developing nationalism of “the descendants of the loyal and good subjects of Our Imperial Ancestors” centered on the “sacred and inviolable” Emperor presented as a symbol of Japanese culture and continuity. To increase the national budget and built up the country’s strength, the government started a more effective tax system. Liberal ideas brought political and financial security, allowing new industries and technologies investment. Its economy developed strong transportation and communication; its population grew highly educated and Japan built a “powerful army and navy.” Its Constitution guaranteed liberal principles of property rights (article 27), freedom of religion (article 28), and freedom of speech (article 29). Having fought and won against China and later Russia, Japan reclaimed

Japan has several failures along with several accomplishments. From the fallout of World War II and their military today. From the changing of the Constitution, that governs the political standpoint of the nation. Consequently, how the nation became a powerhouse in export and import. Finally hitting a major recession in the stock markets.

In 600 B.C.E Japan united into one central government. The Government was built around Military Strength.They Spent Years perfecting their skills until they became one of the most powerful armies in history.

The nation of Japan lies in the North Pacific Ocean, East of the Korean Peninsula and China. Slightly smaller than the U.S. state of California, it has a total area (land and water) of 377,915 square miles and is divided into four primary islands: Hokkaido, Kyushu, Honshu, and Shikoku. Japan is divided into 47 administrative divisions called prefectures. Japan was “founded” in 660 B.C. when Emperor Jimmu declared Japan as a sovereign Imperial nation. Until the Meiji Restoration in 1890, Japan operated under the Shogunate rule, which involved the rule of a hereditary dictator. The Meiji Constitution provided a constitutional monarchy instead of pure Imperial dictatorship. The Modern State of Japan began on May 3, 1947, which marked the formation of a new Japanese Constitution, an amendment to the Meiji Constitution.

Japan’s food is a little bit different than the U.S. It consists of vegetables, rice, and fish. They have little meat, fat, and dairy. Because of this diet, they live longer than others. The food they eat is actually pretty healthy. Their diet is like this because they live close to the ocean.

Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan, officially formed Japan in 660 Before Common Era (BCE.) Throughout Japan’s 2600 years of history, there have been many wars and conflicts fought across Japan and the Pacific region. Through the ages, Japan has always had an Emperor at the head of its government, although this role has changed through time. Japan saw many economic changes, the biggest of which occurred after World War II (WWII). With Japan’s history, woven in war throughout the Pacific has become a model of strong political standing and near immeasurable economic growth.

Japan is a land of great natural beauty. mountains and hills cover about 70% of

There is the year of the Rabbit, Tiger, Ox, and of course more, just as in Chinese culture (Website?). Although in Japan, it is very heavily populated so there is not many wild animals people see, but there are still animals. There are boars, monkeys, cranes, and other popular animals you could associate with Japan.

This is a rice noodles in broth with your choice of meats and tendons. They also have lots of vegetables in this dish including, carrots, broccoli, bamboo, cilantro, green onion, and bean sprouts. They also have a food similar to egg rolls from the chinese but these are spring rolls served with carrots, cabbage, tofu, and bean sprouts wrapped in a rice paper. Their food is very similar to chinese foods they have very similar dishes. They also have multiple ways of making the foods. Everyone loves japanese and chinese foods. Branching off of food brings them traditions. They are really big on parades and festivals. They always have dragon costumes and dresses as samurai and ninjas to so their history. They also have a tradition that spread around the world. Paper lanterns are a huge part of Japanese culture. They symbolize a passed on family member and they value that greatly.

Japan is located in the Pacific Ocean in East Asia close to the Asian market. It is 378,000 square kilometres with a total population in 2010 of 127.5 million people (Globaledge, 2011a). 98% of Japan’s population is Japanese. This can be beneficial when looking to enter the new market as a majority of the country holds the same culture and beliefs. It is an attractive market for Australian producers due to their relatively high average income and significant population (Austrade, 2011a).