Explain Why Japan Is An Island Country

Japan first started out as an isolated nation, but soon it would become one of the most powerful countries during WWII. But before Japan was a powerful Nation, it needed to modernize. According to document 1, Japan was isolated from 1635-1853.1853 to 1854.This was when US Commodore Perry visited Japan and forced them to open their ports(document 1, N.d, timeline. As a result of this, the Japanese create the Meiji Restoration. According to document 5, the emperor is given the power to command the Army and the Navy end to rule over Japan, but the citizens too have a house of representatives( Alfred Stead,1904, Doc 5).

Greatly because Japan was very mountainous, and it made farming a very difficult task. Trading

However, there were some unforeseen adverse effects. These effects have influenced and affected Japan as a nation and culture, enriching the culture and lifestyle that we associate with Japan today. Japan's isolation allowed them to develop their culture without the influence of other countries or religions. The economy of Japan also flourished during the Sakoku period. The long period of stability and peace was central to the economic boom. Moreover, the Japanese culture became richer because of the sakoku. Without foreign influence, they further developed their own unique culture. For example, traditional rituals and customs. The Japanese politics were also affected by the sakoku; the emperor continued to appoint the shoguns to keep his subjects in and foreigners out. These foreign traders and Christians were not welcomed by authorities. This was because they were afraid they would cause an uprise in the feudal system. On the other hand, this isolation had a negative effect because overtaxing and the rice payment continued. Sakoku also adversely affected the environment; the most noticeable impact was widespread deforestation. Without the ability to import wood, there was not enough for every person in the country. With an ever-growing need for natural products such as wood, the land was

The country of Japan is an island nation, which is separated from Mainland Asia by the Sea of Japan. (“Facts about Japan”)

Japan was a very nationalistic country in which the purpose of the civilians was to fight until death for their emperor. This was evident in the fact that they had practiced an extremely nationalistic concept of Bushido. This concept made surrender unacceptable for all Japanese people and they lived to die for the emperor. There nationalism was fueled by the fact that they won 2 large battles (Sino Japanese War and Russo Japanese war) against larger countries. Along with this, the Japanese also had Kamikaze pilots who suicide by deliberately crashing planes into American warship as a tactic of fighting. This extreme nationalism shows that they could not be fought with regular weapons and so posed a threat for the whole world.

Japan's practice of imperialism helped them capture lands such as a small portion of China and Manchuria. (Doc. 9). Since Japan had few natural resources, they industrialized those parts of their neighbors. Japan relied wholly on the imports from China and Manchuria. (Doc. 8).

Just as the British did, Japan had a period of expansion. The difference was, japan only went into Asian countries like Korea, Manchuria, China and Russia (Doc. 9). Japan was in need of raw materials to move their industrialization forward. According to William Beasley, “… [Japan] had become dependent on other parts of the world for markets and raw materials.” Similarly to great Brittan, the Japanese relied on other parts of the world for raw materials, as well as the fact that the position of the country was advantages to the trade industry. Japan was very dependent on its coast lines. Walter Weston explains, “The deeply indented coastline of Japan provides a number of excellent harbors on the Pacific coast, and its shores abound in fish of all kinds, the rich supplies of which have for centuries constituted one of the chief articles of food of the people (Doc. 6).” As stated earlier, the circumstances are eerily similar to those of Great

Similarities, shared between modern China and Japan, are abundant. Firstly, the geographic location of both countries is similar, due to the fact that both are located in Asia, towards the west. Apart from location, the topography of China and Japan alike as well. Japan includes a rugged and mountainous

In Japan, most of the Chinese influence was brought to Japan through Korea. Japan consists of four mountainous islands off the coast of Korea, and its early development reflected that of the mainland. There were several waves of immigrants that came to Japan. In about 10,000 B.C.E., the Jōmon people practiced hunting and fishing and made clay pots. People who immigrated from northeast Asia brought agriculture and Yayoi culture with them. Yayoi communities were distinguished by complex social organization containing rulers, soldier, artisans, and priests. Objects made in China and Korea could be found in Japan, which shows that people were traveling back and forth from Japan. More waves of immigrants came from Korea during the fourth through

The ideology that a larger country’s influence should be spread to a smaller nation was adopted quickly by Europe and the United States. Held together by nationalism, countries were introduced to the different cultures of the west. However, Japan’s adaptation of a different culture originates from their beginning, when they took in new technology from Southeast China and Korea, such as iron and rice farming. When western forces come in for trade, the Western and European Imperialism will push Japan for its industrialisation and militarisation, eventually leading them to become an imperial force, beginning with the introduction of guns from Europe, and leading to the Meiji restoration, the temporary positive effect of European Imperialism allowed

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.

Through the Geography 101 course, I have become increasingly familiar with certain concepts that are easily applicable to cities and countries that I am familiar with. These concepts help me fully understand the geographic situation occurring in these locations. One location that has been brought up many times throughout the semester and I have increased with familiarity is Japan. This location is constantly changing and growing. It exports many different vehicle and machinery parts, and is at the forefront of technology and the revolution that follows. Though I do not have any personal connections to the country of Japan, I know that has important geographical traits and occurrences that affect the population and cultural geographies, the agricultural and economic geographies, and the political and urban geographies of the country.

While Japan was made up of different clans they had different myths that centered on their divine ancestors. When Japan moved into a single imperial family, their divine ancestors took over and were the new myths of Japan.

Prior to World War Two Japan had been going through an economic crisis and was having issues with its government. The Japanese society was very militaristic and prideful making it a key power in world affairs. Their people have a strong and deep seated loyalty to their country.

Throughout the course of East Asian history, Japan has been largely influenced by the Asian mainland. From ancient times to the medieval period, significant contributions to Japan can be seen coming from both Korea and China. Both of these countries diffused elements of their cultures to form the basis of Japanese society – namely China. These foreigners would influence various aspects of society including technology, philosophy, politics, and religion.