Physical Geography The Big Idea Japan and Korea

Physical Geography The Big Idea Japan and Korea are both rugged, mountainous areas surrounding by water. Main Ideas The main physical features of Japan and the Koreas are rugged mountains. The climates and resources of Japan and the Koreas vary from north to south. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: The main physical features of Japan and the Koreas are rugged mountains. Japan • Four large islands, 3, 000 smaller islands • Major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu • Mountains cover 75 percent of the country. • Largest mountain range is called the Japanese Alps. • Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and has become a symbol of Japan. Holt Mc. Dougal, Korea • Korean peninsula includes both North and South Korea. • Much of the peninsula is covered by mountains. • Has some large plains • Most of Korea’s rivers flow westward and pour into the Yellow Sea.

Natural Disasters Japan • Volcanic eruptions • Earthquakes • Tsunamis Korea • Typhoons Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 2: The climates and resources of Japan and the Koreas vary from north to south. Humid, continental climate • Found in the northern parts of the region • Summers are cool. • Winters are long and cold. • Short growing season Holt Mc. Dougal, Humid, subtropical climate • Found in the southern parts of the region • Summers are hot and humid. • Mild winters • Heavy rains and typhoons in summer • Can receive up to 80 inches of rain per year

Resources of Japan and the Koreas Japan • One of the world’s strongest fishing economies • A fishery is a place where lots of fish and other seafood can be caught. • Not very rich in mineral resources North Korea • Large deposits of coal, iron, and other minerals • Hydroelectric power South Korea • Hydroelectric power • Not very rich in mineral resources Holt Mc. Dougal,

History and Culture The Big Idea History and tradition are very important to the people of Japan and the Koreas. Main Ideas • The early history of Japan and Korea were closely linked, but the countries developed very differently. • Japanese culture blends traditional customs with modern innovations. • Though they share a common culture, life is very different in North and South Korea. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: The early history of Japan and Korea were closely linked, but the countries developed very differently. • Both Japan and the Koreas have very long histories. • Both Japan and the Koreas were influenced by China. • Japan remained independent. • The Koreas were ruled by China for centuries and later by the Japanese. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Early History Both Japan and the Koreas were influenced by China. The Korean Peninsula borders China, and Japan lies just across the sea. Scholars and missionaries from China brought Buddhism to the Koreas and then to Japan. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Japanese History Emperors, Shoguns, and Samurai Later Japan • For many years emperors ruled Japan just as they did in China. • Heian (now called Kyoto) was the imperial capital. • After the emperors Japan was controlled by military leaders called shoguns. • The shogun ruled with the help of armies of samurai, or highly trained warriors. • Shoguns ruled Japan well into the 1800 s. • In 1868 a group of samurai overthrew the shogun and returned power to the emperor. • Hirohito was Japan’s emperor for most of the 1900 s. • Japan allied itself with Germany and Italy in World War II. • The Americans dropped atomic bombs on two Japanese cities to end World War II. Holt Mc. Dougal,

History of the Koreas • For centuries the Koreas were ruled by China. • Later the Japanese invaded the Korean Peninsula and were harsh rulers. • After World War II Korea was taken away from Japan. • The Koreans formed two countries: North Korea and South Korea. • North Korea created a Communist government. • South Korea created a democratic government. • In 1950 the Korean War started, and its effects still linger today. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 2: Japanese culture blends traditional customs with modern innovations. Language • Nearly everyone in Japan speaks Japanese writing uses two different types of characters: kanji and kana. Religion Customs and Traditions Most people in Japan blend elements of two religions—Shinto and Buddhism. Japanese people wear both traditional and western clothing. • Shinto is native to the islands. Buddhism came to Japan from China. Holt Mc. Dougal, Kimonos are traditional robes. The Japanese practice traditional forms of art such as Noh and Kabuki.

Main Idea 3: Though they share a common culture, life is very different in North and South Korea. Language Religion • People in both North Korea and South Korea speak Korean. In the past most Koreans were Buddhists and Confucianists. Korean is written with an alphabet. Recently Christianity has also become popular. Customs and Traditions Korean foods reflect their ancient traditions. In North Korea the government encouraged people to retain their old customs and traditions. In South Korea some Communist North traditional customs Korea discourages have been lost. people from practicing any religion. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Japan Today The Big Idea Japan has overcome many challenges to become one of the most highly developed countries in Asia. Main Ideas Since World War II, Japan has developed a democratic government and one of the world’s strongest economies. A shortage of open space shapes daily life in Japan. Crowding, competition, and pollution are among Japan’s main issues and challenges. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: Since World War II, Japan has developed a democratic government and one of the world’s strongest economies. Government Economy Japan’s government is a constitutional monarchy headed by an emperor. Manufacturing is the most successful area of Japan’s economy. The emperor has little real power. Many Japanese companies are leaders in new technology and ideas. Power rests in an elected legislature called the Diet and in an elected prime minister. • Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the seat of government. Holt Mc. Dougal, Many factors have contributed to Japan’s economic success. • Japan’s economy depends on trade. Japan has few natural resources.

The Japanese Economy Reasons for Success • The government • The workforce • Strong work ethic Trade Resources • Economy depends on trade • Few natural resources • The United States is Japan’s major trading partner. • Must import raw materials • Japan has a huge trade surplus. • Japan is able to export more than it imports because of high tariffs. Holt Mc. Dougal, • Little arable land • Must buy food from other countries

Main Idea 2: A shortage of open space shapes daily life in Japan. • Japan is a densely populated country. • Tokyo is the national capital and is busy, noisy, and very crowded. • Japan’s other cities are also crowded and busy. • The Japanese have built a network of rail lines to connect their cities. • Some of Japan’s people live in rural areas and own or work on farms. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Urban Life in Tokyo • Nearly 30 million people live in Tokyo’s small area. • Space is limited in Tokyo, forcing people to come up with creative ways to adapt. • Tall, narrow buildings • Using space underground • The capsule hotel • Many people live outside the city and commute into work by train. • Tokyo has many parks, museums, stores, and other attractions. Life in Other Cities • Most of Tokyo’s other cities are also crowded and busy. Osaka is Japan’s second largest city. • Kyoto is another major city and was once Japan’s capital. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Daily Life in Japan Transportation between Cities • To connect cities that lie far apart, the Japanese have built a network of rail lines. Some rail lines carry very fast trains called Shinkansen. Japan’s rail system is very efficient. Rural Life Some people live in small villages. The people in the villages own or work on farms. Not very much of Japan’s land is arable, and Japan imports much of its food. Many people have left the rural areas to find work in the cities. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 3: Crowding, competition, and pollution are among Japan’s main issues and challenges. Issues and Challenges • Lack of space • Economic competition from China and South Korea • Pollution – Kyoto Protocol Holt Mc. Dougal,

The Koreas Today The Big Idea Though they share a common history and culture, the two Koreas have very different governments and economies. Main Ideas • The people of South Korea today have freedom and economic opportunities. The people of North Korea today have little freedom or economic opportunity. Some people in both South and North Korea support the idea of Korean reunification. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: The people of South Korea today have freedom and economic opportunities. • South Korea is an economic rival and key trading partner of Japan. • South Korea has a democratic government. • South Korea has a strong economy. • South Korea shares a border with a potentially hostile neighbor—North Korea. Holt Mc. Dougal,

South Korea Government and Economy The official name of South Korea is the Republic of Korea. South Korea is a republic, headed by a president and an elected assembly. South Korea’s economy is one of the strongest in East Asia. South Korea is a major manufacturing country. Daily Life • South Korea is densely populated. Issues and Challenges Seoul is its capital city. • Potential corruption within South Korea’s industry Few people live in the mountainous interior. • South Korea’s relationship with North Korea Most people live in small apartments in the cities. • Demilitarized zone, an empty bugger zone created to keep the two countries from fighting, separates South Korea and North Korea. Outside the cities, South Koreans follow traditional ways of life— usually farming on small farms. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 2: The people of North Korea today have little freedom or economic opportunity. • The Communist Party controls both the government and the economy. • North Korea is largely urban. • Despite being rich in natural resources, North Korea has a troubled economy. • Many countries are worried about North Korea’s nuclear program. Holt Mc. Dougal,

North Korean Government and Economy • The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. • North Korea is a totalitarian state, in which the Communist Party controls both the government and the economy. • Kim Jong II rules as a dictator. • North Korea has a command economy. • Although North Korea is rich in mineral resources, it is much poorer than Japan and South Korea. • Little of North Korea’s land is arable, and the country is forced to import food. Holt Mc. Dougal,

North Korea Daily Life Issues and Challenges • North Korea is a largely urban society and most people live in cities. • Resources go unused because of bad choices by the government. • Pyongyang is its capital city. • Many countries worry about North Korea’s ability to make and use nuclear weapons. • The people of North Korea have fewer rights than the people of Japan or South Korea. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 3: Some people in both South and North Korea support the idea of Korean reunification. Because North and South Korea share a common culture and history, many people feel they should be one country. The governments of North and South Korea have also expressed an interest in reunification. The chief obstacle to reunification is that South Korea wants the reunified country to have a democratic government and North Korea demands that the government be Communist. Holt Mc. Dougal,