Geograph Geography And Its Impact On Japan

The country of Japan is located east of Asia. It also is an archipelago (a chain of islands) made up of 4,000 plus islands. Japan lacks resources because only 20% of the country is actually farmable. Most of the islands of Japan are mountainous. Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, sits on the island of Honshu, the largest island in Japan. Japan lies on what is called the Ring of Fire, an imaginary horseshoe-shape that goes around the Pacific Ocean. By lying on the Ring of Fire comes disadvantages. There are more frequent natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Japan also has a natural sea barrier for protection because Japan is separated from the rest of the Asian continent. Geography has affected the development of Japan as seen through the archipelago location, their trade, and their overall culture. Many themes in Japanese society have been impacted by their surroundings.

The country of Japan is separated from the mainland of Asia. Being apart from the rest of the Asia continent Japan became independent and preserved their culture and traditions. During the Tokugawa Era Japan was isolated from the rest of the world, no one could leave or enter. This was done so Japan could protect its culture. Another key factor is that Japan has easy access to the Pacific Ocean. Having access to the Pacific ocean helped trade products and resources in and out of Japan. Being an island also comes with some advantages. Japan has a natural sea barrier because the country is surrounded by water. The sea barrier helps prevent attacks and invasions from other countries. Japan being an archipelago island may help develop how Japan is today but there are other factors that also help Japan develop to what it is today in the modern