Japan and the Koreas

1. Japan and the Koreas

2. Natural Environment • Four main islands and thousands of smaller ones that make up Japan. • Hokkaido • Honshu—largest and most populated • Shikoku • Kyushu • Ryukyu Island to the south • Okinawa is the largest

3. Landform • 70 percent is mountainous • Japanese Alps • Highest peak Fuji • Less than 30 percent of land is plains • Located on the Pacific coast of Honshu • Kanto Plain • Nobi Plain • Lies in the Kansai region

4. Japan’s location makes it a hotbed of tectonic and volcanic activity. • 200 volcanoes—1/3 are active • Tectonic activity also creates large sea waves called tsunamis

5. Korea • Two countries, North and South Korea’ • North Koreas borders China and a short border with Russia in the far northeast • Landforms • Hills and low mountains • No active volcanoes • Coastal plain contains the best farmland and most of its population

6. Climates, Plants, and Animals • The Asian Monsoon affect the climates • Precipitation is greatest in the summer • 40-60 inches of precipitation • Typhoon strike in the late summer and fall • Japan almost same latitude as east coast of US—similar climate

7. Forest cover much of Japan and Koreas • Camphor, oak, and pine trees • Deforestation in Korea and population growth have limited the habitats of many large animals. • Japan animals • Antelope, bears, deer, and foxes • Major flyway—migration route for birds

8. Natural Resources • Minerals and energy resources are quite limited in Japan • Rely on oil and coal imports • Because of imports—Japan has used nuclear and hyrdopower to help lower cost. • North Korea • Deposits of iron ore, copper, lead, and coal

9. Japan • 65% is forested • Commercial forestry is controlled to limit erosion • Japan also imports much of its timber from Canada, US, SE Asia • Rely on sea for much of its resources. • Rich marine life—world’s largest fishing fleet • Hunt whales in international waters • Aquaculture—supply fish, shellfish, seaweed and pearls.—sea farming

10. History and Culture