Geography's Impact On Japanese Culture

The Effects of Japan’s Geography On Its Culture & Economy

Japan is an archipelago that is covered in mountains and consist more than six-thousand islands. Japan has a warm and wet climate, also since Japan has very little flat land it was a challenge to farm. Since farming was difficult the Japanese decided to grow rice, rice was very easy to grow and japan had the perfect weather to grow it. The geography of Japan was very strange for a civilization of people to live on. Only 15% of the land was farmable and the rest was taken by mountains. Japan's location also affected what type of jobs people would have. Most people in japan would grow up to be Fisherman and sailors since they were surrounded by water. The geography also affected the japanese culture since they were seperated from the rest of the word, It was hard for the japanese to influence other people but they were influenced from their powerful neighbors the chinese. The region was also affected by the japanese since they loved to be balanced and make zen gardens. Japan's geography also affected its economy since many people work as fisherman and farmers. Some other jobs where pottery making, and weaving.

The Early Clan System of Japan
On top is the emperor- this ruler was at the top of society, but had little power. Shogun and Daimyo were the most important, daimyo or large landowner had the real power in Japan. In the middle were samurai warriors, they were highly trained and fought to protect their lord's land even if it meant their lives. Next were the farmers and artisans, they were the most common people and most of japan's population fit in this class. Lastly were the merchants, they were at the bottom of the system and had no real power at all. These people meant nothing to the rest of the