Regional Geography of Japan
Answer: The Japanese archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is bordered by the Sakhalin Islands, the Kuril Islands and the Sea of Okhotsk to the north; Taiwan and the East China Sea to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the east; and the Japan, Korean and Russian Seas to the west. It extends from 24°N to 46°N latitude in the south and from 123°E to 146°E longitude in the west. Therefore, the country is mainly in a temperate climate. Japan is about 2,400 km long north-south. It covers an area of 3,77,765 sq km. Therefore, although small in size, Japan is the tenth largest country in the world in terms of population. Its capital is Tokyo. Despite its lack of essential mineral resources and other natural resources, Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world.
2. Present a geographical introduction to Japan
Answer: The main island of Japan is surrounded by four rainbow mountain ranges. About 75 percent of the country's land is mountainous. The geological structure of the Japanese archipelago is very complex. It is still in an unstable state. There are numerous active and extinct volcanoes in the mountainous regions of Japan. Due to such geological complexity and instability, earthquakes occur frequently in Japan. Overall, Japan's topography is almost the same. However, the topography of Japan is divided into four main parts based on some minor differences. These are the divisions from north to south:
(১) Hokkaido Region,
(২) Northeast Japan Region,
(৩) Central Japan region and
(৪) Southwest Japan region.
Northeast Japan and Southwest Japan are again divided east-west into the inner region and the outer region. The western part facing the Sea of Japan is called the inner zone and the eastern part facing the Pacific Ocean is called the outer zone. In addition, central Japan is divided into the Fosamegna and Kanto plains
3. What are the major natural divisions of Japan? Briefly describe the topography of each division with map ǀ
Answer: The major natural divisions of Japan are divided into 4 categories:
(১) Hokkaido region (২) Northeast Japan region
(3) Central Japan region (৪) Southwest Japan region
(1) Hokkaido Region
The region consists of Hokkaido, the main island in the northernmost part of Japan. The topography of the region is mountainous. Located in the middle of the Hokkaido Mountains, Peak Asahi Dake reaches an altitude of 2,290 metres. However, there are vast alluvial lowlands formed by several rivers between these parallel mountain ranges. The most prominent of these is the Ishikari Ufuts Plain created by the Ishikari River. In addition, Takashi and Konsen are two other notable plains in the region. The Takashi plain has wide altars. The surface of the Consen Plain on the Pacific coast is composed of marine sediments.
(2) Northeast Japan Region
The Northeast Japan region is made up of the northern part of the island of Hansu. Its western part is full of numerous folds and faults. There are two parallel mountain ranges in the region, the Ao and the Utsu. Its peaks range in height from 1500-2000 m. The simple vegetation, volcanic peaks and lakes in this mountainous region make it very attractive for tourists. The Pacific Ocean region of northeastern Japan is separated from the Sea of Japan region by a deep valley. To the east of the valley lie the Kitakami Plateau, composed of Old Gedian rocks, and the Abukuma Plateau, composed of igneous rocks. The coastline of the southern Kitakami region is rugged and upland segments are fragmented by various rivers. This coastal section has been submerged due to earthquakes, creating a deep broken coastline. The northern Kitakami and Abukuma coastlines are a coastal plain with steep slopes. Some of the major cities in the region are Aomori, Akita, Marioka, Hachinohe, Sendai, Koriyama and Yamagata.
(3) Central Japan Region:
The central part of the island of Hansu is called central Japan. It is in this region that the Hansu Mountains and the Shishito Mariana Mountains meet to form the highest mountain range in Japan. The higher part to the east is known as Mount Hida. A valley called the Fossa Magna separates the mountain ranges. Mount Fuji, located to the south of the valley, is a sacred peak of the Japanese. This peak is composed of lava. It has an elevation of 3,776 m above sea level. Kanto and Nabi are two notable plains in central Japan. Other rivers, including the Tony, flowing through the region have deposited sediment and created floodplains as far as the Pacific coast. This area is very suitable for agriculture. It is home to several major cities such as Yokohama, Tokyo, Kasaki, Nagoya and Toyama.
(4) Southwest Japan region:
Southwest Japan consists of the southwestern part of the island of Honshu (ie, Chugoku-sanchi), the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu. The mountain ranges in this region are the longest in the country. An east-west fault separates the Sea of Japan from the Pacific Ocean. Most of southwestern Japan consists of older rocks. The plains of Kyoto, Nara, and Biwa in the region are formed from flooded valleys. The natural beauty of the region is spectacular with its many island-shaped rocky mountains and broken coastlines. The steep valleys separating the mountain ranges that extend to the coast of the Sigoku region have become fertile agricultural land filled with sediment. In some parts, the river has also formed vast islands. The Pacific Ocean region of southwestern Japan is mountainous. Its southern Kyushu region is frequently volcanic. There is very little flat land in this area. The mountainous terrain creates wedding beaches on the east and west coasts of Kyushu Island. Numerous cities in the region include Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Kita-kyushu, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Okayama
4. Give a brief description of the topography of Japan
Answer: The main island of Japan is surrounded by four rainbow mountain ranges. About 75 percent of the country's land is mountainous. The geological structure of the Japanese archipelago is very complex. It is still in an unstable state. There are numerous active and extinct volcanoes in the mountainous regions of Japan. Due to such geological complexity and instability, earthquakes occur frequently in Japan. Overall, Japan's topography is almost the same.
5. Briefly describe the growth and distribution of the population of Japan.
Answer: Japan is the tenth most populous country in the world ǀ it is also very densely populated ǀ the country had a population of 5 million in 610 AD and 128 million in 2007 ǀ with rapid socio-economic development, the country's birth and death rates have declined significantly. As a result, the average annual population growth rate in the country is currently 0.4 per cent.
Population growth in Japan
Japan has an average population density of 338 people per square kilometer ǀ less than 100 in other mountainous regions, including Hokkaido. Densities range from 100-800 in agricultural plains and more than 800 in industrial plains. Only 20 percent of the country's population lives in the mountainous regions that cover about 80 percent of Japan's land area. For example, the Hokkaido region, which covers 25 percent of the country's land area, has only 5 percent of the country's total population. Due to industrialization and urbanization, the population density in many parts of these two regions exceeds 10,000 people per square kilometre. Tokyo is the largest city in the country and the world with a population of more than 30 million.
6. State the factors ǀ of variation in population density in Japan
Answer: The distribution of Japan's population is not uniform everywhere due to differences in topography and climate on the one hand and inequalities in economic development on the other. The mountainous areas are sparsely populated due to being unsuitable for habitation and economic development. River valleys and coastal areas are densely populated. Due to the spread of industrialization and urbanization, some areas of Japan have much higher population densities ǀ rapid industrialization has significantly reduced the importance of agricultural production in many parts of the country. Therefore, the migration of people from rural to urban areas is increasing rapidly. New cities have also been created and their population densities have increased significantly
7. Write ǀ about the role of agriculture in the Japanese economy
Answer: Only 17 percent of Japan's total land area is under agriculture. However, agriculture is done on a commercial basis with modern methods and the production is of good quality. It has the highest production rate per hectare of agricultural land among the Oriental countries. The country applies 290 kg of fertilizer per hectare of land to increase agricultural production. Japan is surrounded by oceans and ranks first in the world in fish production. Agriculture accounts for 6 per cent of the total economic activity in the country. Rice is the main agricultural crop in Japan. Paddy is cultivated on about two-thirds of the total agricultural land in the country.
In addition to rice, Japan also grows a variety of vegetables, fruits, tea and coffee in different seasons in different regions and these also earn the country a considerable income. Livestock is also raised in different parts of Japan (central Japan, Tokai region).
8. With the help of a map, show the major agricultural regions of Japan and write down the main characteristics of each region
Answer: Some agricultural regions in Japan have been identified depending on the extent of agricultural areas, crop distribution and production. The influence of topography, climate, soil, etc. is particularly important in this regard. Based on these, the country can be divided into two main agricultural regions:
(a) Old Japan area and
(b) Hokkaido region.
The Old Japan region can be further divided into 1) the interior region, 2) the periphery region and 3) the border region.
1) The interior is located in central Japan. Its agricultural areas are very small. Two to three crops are grown per year as the climate is favorable for agriculture. This area is very densely populated. A variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers are grown commercially. Animals are also raised to provide meat and milk. The Vedika system is cultivated in the southern parts of the hills of this region. The area is again divided into several smaller areas.
(a) Chitoshi-Kinki area: It is a very small agricultural area in the Sugoku Mountains. During the dry season, 40 per cent of the plains of the region are cultivated with paddy. They also grow vegetables and raise livestock. Fruits are grown in higher elevations some distance from the sea. Fruits, sweet potatoes etc. are also grown in some parts of the region by the Vedika method.
(b) North Kyushu Region: The agricultural practices in this area are lower than those in the Sitoshi Kinki area. These plains produce abundant paddy.
(c) Chukyo region: The paddy fields in the highlands of this region are artificially irrigated.
(d) Nokai area: The climate is slightly warm due to the influence of coastal ocean currents. There is very limited flat land in the area. 45 per cent of its agriculture is done in highland areas. Tea leaves and various vegetables are grown here. Various animals are also raised. The area is particularly suitable for orange production.
(e) West Kanto Region: This area has fertile broad plains. It is cultivated twice a year. It produces one-third of Japan's wheat and most of its barley. This area is famous for its salt trees।
(f) Tosan Region: The area is not suitable for agriculture due to its high mountains. Most of the area is covered with trees. Some paddy is grown in the steep valley areas.
(g) Hakuriko region: This region can be considered as a paddy producing region. The paddy production rate is also quite high. Although the climate is cool, about 45% of the paddy is produced in winter.
(2) Border areas: It belongs to the southern part of Kyushu and the Toheku border region. The size of agricultural land in the southern part of Kyushu is very small. Its agricultural practices are also backward. About 45 per cent of the population is agricultural. Due to its relatively warm climate, it produces abundant fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, the Tohoku region in the northern part of Insu Island is very cold. Paddy cultivation is not good even in summer.
(3) Peripheral region: The periphery consists of the mountainous and coastal regions of southern Chico. Its agricultural fields are considerable in size –large but not particularly developed. Jum cultivation is the most prevalent in this region. The region can be further divided into four parts: central Kyushu, Sanin, southern Chikoku and Hida. The central part of Kyushu is very rich ǀ it grows fruits, vegetables, salt trees in addition to riceǀ the Sunin coastal area is not very suitable for agriculture. Zum is cultivated to some extent in the mountainous regions of Chikoku. Most of the Hida region is covered with mountains. Its fertile valleys are well cultivated.
(a) Hokkaido Region : The Ichikari Valley is the main agricultural area of the region. The climate of the region is very cold and only one crop is grown during the year. Paddy is the main crop in the region. Potatoes are also grown to some extent. The area is not suitable for agriculture due to its mountainous terrain, green climate and infertile soil. The region can be divided into three regions: West Hokkaido, Central Hokkaido and East Hokkaido.
9. What are the major industrial areas of Japan ? Show these industrial zones on a map of Japan and give a brief description of each zone
Answer: The major industrial areas of Japan are divided into 4 categories:
(1) Tokyo Yokohama Industrial Zone-
(2) Osaka-Kobe Kyoto Initiative Zone
(3) Nagoya Enterprise Zone
(4) North Kyusiu Industrial Zone
(1) Tokyo Yokohama Industrial Zone:
This industry zone covers the coastal area of Tokyo Bay on the island of Honshu. This area is particularly suitable for industrial establishment as it is located in the Kanto Plain. The region has industries including iron and steel, shipbuilding, aircraft, chemical industries, textiles and machinery manufacturing industries ǀ in addition to the major cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, there are more than 25 cities and towns in the region. These cities and towns are concentrated in various industries. 30 per cent of the country’s total industrial output comes from this industrial zone ǀ the region is also home to many hydroelectric power plants ǀ
(2) Osaka-Kobe Kyoto Industrial Zone:
Located on the coast of Osaka Bay, the industrial area surrounds the Kinki Plain. Therefore, this industrial area is also known as Kinki Industrial Area. Gulf water transport, easy rail transport in the plains and rapid urbanization have contributed to the development of industrial centers in the Kiki region. In addition to Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto, there are several industrial cities in the region. Osaka and Kyoto are traditionally famous in the country for weaving and handicrafts. Cotton weaving, jute and silk in Osaka. Art has a special reputation. Recently, machinery manufacturing is gaining prominence in both these industrial centres. The raw materials required for such industries are usually imported from abroad. The region has iron and steel industries, mineral oil industries, ship and aircraft building industries and chemical industries.
(3) Nagoya Industrial Zone:
This area is located in the eastern part of the island of Honshu. The Nagoya Industrial Area is famous for its jute, wool and cotton weaving industries. Recently, the area. They are also making special progress in the manufacture of vehicles. This industrial area is known as the Detroit of Japan.
(8) North Kyushu Industrial Zone:
This area covers the northern part of Kyushu Island. This region of Japan has abundant coal to meet industrial demand. The region is advanced in large scale iron and steel industries. The region also has shipbuilding, cement production and machinery manufacturing. Yawata, Nagasaki and Shimonoseki are the major industrial centers of the region.
10) Click to write:
a) The islands of Japan
Japan is located at the eastern tip of Asia. Japan is a collection of many small and large islands in the northern Pacific Ocean. Japan is made up of the four main islands—Hokkaido, Hansu, Chikoku, and Kyushu—and many smaller islands, including the Ryukyu Islands. Hsu is the largest of its islands in Japan ǀ the country's main island is surrounded by four rainbow mountain ranges. The geological structure of the Japanese archipelago is complex. Despite the adverse environment of the islands of Japan, the inhabitants have made the country shine to the world through agriculture and industry
(b) Topography of the Hokkaido region
The region consists of Hokkaido, the main island in the northernmost part of Japan. The topography of the region is mountainous. Located in the middle of the Hokkaido Mountains, Peak Asahi Dake reaches an altitude of 2,290 metres. However, there are vast alluvial lowlands formed by several rivers between these parallel mountain ranges. The most prominent of these is the Ishikari Ufuts Plain created by the Ishikari River. In addition, Takashi and Konsen are two other notable plains in the region. The Takashi plain has wide altars. The surface of the Consen Plain on the Pacific coast is composed of marine sediments.
(c) Entrepreneurship and economic development in Japan
Japan's geographical environment is not conducive to industrialization. Industrialization is limited to limited areas. Japan's industrial zones are divided into four zones: (1) Tokyo Yokohama Industrial Zone, (2) Osaka-Kobe Kyoto Industrial Zone, (3) Nagoya Industrial Zone and (8) North Kyushu Industrial Zone ǀ The country imports raw materials for industry due to lack of mineral resources and limitations in exploration. The Tokyo Yokohama Industrial Zone has industries including iron and steel, shipbuilding, aircraft building, chemical industry, weaving industry and machinery manufacturing ǀ30 per cent of the country's total industrial output comes from this industrial zone ǀOsaka and Kyoto are traditionally famous in the country for weaving and handicrafts. Cotton weaving, jute and silk in Osaka. The industry has a special reputation.The Nagoya Industrial Area is famous for jute, wool and cotton weaving. Recently, the area. They are also making special progress in the manufacture of vehicles. This industrial area is known as the Detroit of Japan. The North Kyushu Industrial Zone is leading in large scale iron and steel industries. 81 percent of Japan's total exports are produced through medium and high technology ǀ Japan is currently one of the strongest economies in the world ǀJapan ranks second in the world in terms of industrial production ǀJapan has an annual per capita income of $33,000 ǀ40% of the country's GDP comes from the industrial sector
(d) Vedic agriculture in Japan
Japan is a small country and its topography is quite diverse ǀ with a combination of mountains, hills, plains, plateaus, coastal areas. Most places are not suitable for agriculture ǀ yet Japan's agricultural production is higher and better than many other countries The inhabitants cultivate in the Vedika system ǀ this method involves clearing mountain or upland forests and leveling the soil and storing water ǀ this system is mainly used for paddy cultivation but vegetables are also grown in some places ǀ Vedika cultivation is done on hillsides Water and land erosion can be prevented ǀ
(e) Tokyo Yokohama Industrial Zone:
This industry zone covers the coastal area of Tokyo Bay on the island of Honshu. This area is particularly suitable for industrial establishment as it is located in the Kanto Plain. The region has industries including iron and steel, shipbuilding, aircraft, chemical industries, textiles and machinery manufacturing industries ǀ in addition to the major cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, there are more than 25 cities and towns in the region. These cities and towns are concentrated in various industries. 30 per cent of the country’s total industrial output comes from this industrial zone ǀ the region is also home to many hydroelectric power plants ǀ
f) Coastal areas of Japan:
Japan is made up of four main islands ǀ Hokkaido, Hansu, Chikoku and Kyushu ǀ Being an island nation, Japan's landscape is surrounded by coastal areas Convenient for port construction ǀ The coastline of South Kitakami in northeastern Japan is steep and fragmented by various rivers ǀ this coastline has been submerged by landslides forming a deep broken coastline ǀ while the northern Kitakami and Abukuma coastlines are a coastal plain with steep slopes ǀ central In Japan, sediment created by other rivers, including the Ton River, has created floodplains up to the Pacific coast that are very suitable for agriculture. ǀ The region of southwestern Japan is mountainous
g) Honshu island region of Japan
Japan is located at the eastern tip of Asia. Japan is a collection of many small and large islands in the northern Pacific Ocean. Japan is made up of the four main islands—Hokkaido, Hansu, Chikoku, and Kyushu—and many smaller islands, including the Ryukyu Islands. Among its islands, Hsu is the largest island in Japan ǀ the southwestern part of Honshu Island (ie Chugoku-sanchi), Shikoku and Kyushu Islands. The mountain ranges in this region are the longest in the country. An east-west fault separates the Sea of Japan from the Pacific Ocean. The Northeast Japan region is made up of the northern part of the island of Hansu. Its western part is full of numerous folds and faults. The central part of the island of Hansu is called central Japan. It is in this region that the Hansu Mountains and the Shishito Mariana Mountains meet to form the highest mountain range in Japan.
(h) Mineral Resources of Japan
Japan is not rich in mineral resources ǀ Very little coal, iron ore, gold, silver, zinc, nickel, aluminum, sandstone, gypsum, tungsten are available around Japan's industrial areas ǀ Many of Japan's mineral resources are submerged in the sea and have not yet been discovered Most of the mineral resources used are imported by the country from other nations ǀ
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Editing By:- Lipi Medhi
