Japan is a fun country for students to cover because so many of them are already huge fans of Japanese pop culture, from Hello Kitty to manga to Pokémon.
Japan is an island nation located in East Asia, situated in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of the Asian mainland. It consists of four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—along with thousands of smaller islands. The country stretches in a long, narrow arc and is mountainous, with roughly 75% of its land covered by mountains and hills. Due to this rugged terrain, only a small portion of Japan's land is arable, making flat coastal plains and river valleys critical for agriculture and settlement.
Japan lies on the Ring of Fire, a tectonically active zone prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This geography has shaped both the environment and culture, fostering a strong tradition of disaster preparedness and reverence for nature. Its location along the sea has deeply influenced Japanese life, economy, and diet. Surrounded by water, Japan has historically benefited from maritime trade and abundant fishing grounds, while also being relatively isolated, allowing for the development of a unique culture.
The climate varies from north to south, ranging from snowy winters in Hokkaido to subtropical conditions in Okinawa. This geographic diversity has contributed to a wide variety of agricultural products and regional cultural differences throughout the country.
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