Class 10 Elective Geography Chapter 5 Regional Geography of Japan

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Class 10 Elective Geography Chapter 5 Regional Geography of Japan

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Regional Geography of Japan

Chapter: 5

TEXTUAL QUESTION ANSWER

1. State the geographical location of Japan?

Ans: Japan is located east of Asia. Situated in the Pacific Ocean the Japan archipelago is surrounded by the Sakhalin island, Kuril island and Okhotsk Sea in the north, the Taiwan Sea and East China Sea in the south, the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Japan Sea, Korea Sea and Russia Sea in the west. It has its extension from the 24º N latitude in the south to the 46° N latitude and from 123° E longitude in the west to 146° E longitude in the east. So this country is mainly included in the temperate climate. The north south extension of Japan is about 2400 kilometres. Its total area is about 377765 square kilometers.

2. Give a geographical description of Japan.

Ans: Japan is Situated in the Pacific Ocean the Japan archipelago in surrounded by the Sakhalin island, Kuril island and Okhotsk S in the north, the Taiwan Sea and East China Sea in the south, the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Japan Sea, Korea Sea and Russia Sea in the west. It has its extension from the 24º N latitude in the south to the 46° N latitude and from 123° E longitude in the west to 146° E longitude in the east. So this country is mainly included in the temperate climate. The north south extension of Japan is about 2400 kilometres. Its total area is about 377765 square kilometers. Significantly the geographical location, size and economic conditions of Japan are almost similar to those of the United Kingdom.japan is the tenth largest country of the world. it’s city is Tokyo.

3. What are the major physical divisions of Japan? Briefly describe with map the landform of each division?

Ans: Physical Divisions have Four major islands of Japan are surrounded by an arch- shaped mountain range. About 75% of the country’s area is mountainous. The geological structure of Japan composed of newly formed folded mountain is very complex. It is still in unstable condition.

(a) Hokkaido Region: The main island Hokkaido which, exists in the northern most part of Japan, comprises this region The landform of this region is mountainous. The height of the Achahidak Peak of the Hokkaido mountain range located in the central part of this region is 2290 metres. A number of extensive and alluvial lowlands are found in the midst of these parallel mountain ranges. Amongst these the Ishikari-Yufutoh plain formed by the Ishikari river is noteworthy. In addition Tsukushi and Konsen are two other significant plains of this region Remarkably, Tsukushi plain is extensive along with terrace. De the other hand the Konsen plain along the coast of the Pacific Ocean is formed by accumulation of marine deposits. The vastal areas being somewhat up and low lands are suitable for onstruction of buildings, roads ete. Sapporo, Kushiro, Muronn, sahigawa, Hakodate are small but important towns of this region.

(b) The North East Japan Region: Region comprises the northern part of the Honshu island. The western portion of this region is characteristically marked by numerous folds and faults. Two parallel mountain ranges namely Auo and Utsu lie in this region. The heights of the peaks of these mountain ranges vary between 1500-2000 metres. Coniferous trees of the mountains, volcanic peaks and lakes etc. have made the region attractive for the tourists. The region along the Pacific Ocean of north east Japan is separated from the region along the Japan Sea by a deep valley. Towards the east of this valley there lie the Kitakami plateau formed by old sedimentary rocks and Abukuma plateau made of volcanic rocks. The coastal areas of the South Kitakami region is narrow and the highlands are divided by numerous rivers. As this coast has descent due to earth movement, it became deep and broken. On the other hand, the coastal areas of northern Kitakami and Abukuma are plain with steep escarpment. Aomori, Akita, Morioka, Hachinoha, Sendai, Koriyama and Yamaguta are some of the important cities of this region.

(c) Central Japan Region: The central part of Honshu island is known as the Central Japan. Here the Honshu mountain and Shicito Mariana mountain ranges fused together to create the highest mountain region of Japan. The highest portion c towards the east is known as the Hida mountain. A river va given the name of Fossa Magna has separated the mountain ranges. Towards the south of the Fossa Magna there lie Mount Fuji, the holy mountain peak of the Japanese. This is composed of lava. Its height is 3776 metres above th level. Kwanto plain and Nabi plain are the two important plains  of central Japan.

(d) South West Japan Region: The South West Japan region comprises of the south west part of Honshu (i.e.,Chugoku- Hanshu), Shikoku and Kyushu island. The mountain ranges of this region is the longest in the country. Lying in eastwest direction a fault has separated the coastal region of theJapan Sea from the region along the Pacific Ocean. Most of the areas of South West Japan region are formed by ancient rocks.The plains namely Kyoto, Nara and Biwa etc. have been formed from rift valleys. The natural beauty created by a large number of island shaped rocky hills and rugged coasts is very attractive in this region.

4. Give a brief description of the land forms of Japan?

Ans: Located in the Circum-Pacific “ring of fire”, Japan is predominantly mountainous – about three-fourths of the national land is mountains – and long mountain ranges form the backbone of the archipelago. The dramatic Japan Alps, studded with 3,000-meter peaks, bisect the central portion of Honshu, the main island.

5. Write briefly about population growth and distribution of Japan?

Ans: Japan is the tenth largest populous country in the world. It has also highest concentration of population. The country, being the home of mainly the Mongoloid group of people recorded about 5 million people in 610 A.D. It increased gradually to 38 million in 1880; 72 million in 1945; 127 million in 1999 and it reached 128 million in 2007 (Table 5.01). It is because of rapid socio-economic development that the rates of birth and death are specifically declining. Consequently the annual average growth rate of Japan’s population has become 0.4%.

Census	Population (in million)
1880	38
1900	44
1920	55
1945	72
1960	93
1975	112
1999	127
2007	128

Due to difference in physiography and climate in one hand and imbalance in economic development on the other, the distribution of population is not uniform throughout Japan. 

The mountainous regions being unsuitable for settlement and economic development, population in these regions is very thin On the other hand the river valleys and coastal areas are densely populated. It is worth mentioning that the density of population in the mountainous region of Hokkaido and others is less than 100 against the average density of population of Japan being 338 persons per square kilometre. Density of population is between 100-800 persons in the agro-based plains and more than 800 persons in the industrialised plains. In brief, about 20% of population is settled in the mountainous regions that covers 80% of total area of Japan. For example, Hokkaido region, that covers 25% area of Japan, has only 5% of the country’s population. Throughout the country, the Tokyo-Yokohama industrial region of Central Japan and Kobe-Osaka industrial region of South West Japan are the two densely populated regions. Because of industrialisation and urbanisation, the density of population in many places of these two regions is more than 10 thousand persons per square kilometre. Tokyo, the largest city in Japan as well as in the world accommodate more than crores of population  at present .

6. Mention the factors which affect the density of population of Japan?

Ans: Japan has a population of millions as per 2007 estimate. This makes density of population of Japan is 338 person per sq. km. The density of population of Japan varies from place to place.

population density of an individual country. Female infertility rates, Birth rates, healthcare facilities, increasing urbanization, immigration & emigration rates, education, and other social & cultural aspects are the secondary factors that affect the distribution and density.

Urbanization: Urbanization refers to the concentration of human populations into discrete areas. The urban population of Japan is around 79.% people Flocked to towns and cities because of the economic advantage of setting down in these places rustling in diminished agricultural production. Their towns and cities of Japan  have highly density of population.

7. Write about the role of agriculture in the economy of Japan?

Ans: Japan one is the leading industrial nation of the world. Japan occupies of second place of industrial production. In Spite of having scarcity of necessary natural resources Japan has emerged today as one of the most developed countries in the world due to rapid agricultural and industrial development, improvement of transport system and expansion of international trade. In fact in terms of industrial production Japan occupies the second place throughout the world. The patriotism of the Japanese people, their working skill and the country’s open industrial and market policies have enough contribution in this regard. The per capita annual national income of Japan is 33,000 dollars. With the economic development the standard of living of people is also going up. Significantly the life span of the Japanese people is the longest in the world. Against the average age of 78 years of life span of the Americans, the average life span of the Japanese is 82 years. According to the Report of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 2003, Japan ranks the eleventh position in the world in respect of the standard of human development. On the other hand, Japan occupies the fourth place in the world in terms of development of Science and Technology. 

So far as land use pattern is concerned it is observed that about 17% of the total area of the country is occupied by agricultural.

8. Show the main agricultural regions of Japan on a map and describe the main characteristics of each region.

Ans: (a) Sitsi-Kinki Division: It is a very small agricultural division included in the Sugoku hilly region. In summer, rice is cultivated in nearly 40% land of its plains. Horticulture and cattle- rearing also practised. Fruits are planted in the relatively highlands off the sea. In certain places of this division fruits, sweet potato etc. are produced through terrace cultivation.

(b) North Kyushyu Division: The farming of this division is of lower quality than that of the Sitsi-Kinki division. Rice is abundantly produced in the plains of this region.

(c) Sukio Division: The significance of this region is that the high lands where rice is cultivated are filled with water in artificial ways.

(d) Tokai Division: Under the influence of coastal Ocean current, the climate of this division is relatively warm. Here plain areas are quite limited. About 45% of farming is confined in highlands. Tea and various types of vegetables are produced. Animal rearing is also practised. This division is suitable for orange production.

(e) West Kanto Division: The division is characterise by large alluvial plains. Crops are grown twice in a year. O third of total wheat production and almost entire barley product of Japan are done here. This division is famous for mulberry tree.

9. What are the chief industrial regions of Japan? Show they regions in a map and give a brief description of each region?

Ans: A large portion of the total area of Japan is occupied by various industries. Although the country is small in size the industrial region of Japan is quite vast. The industrial belt extending from Tokyo to Kyushu is about 1000 kilometres in length. 

Four large industrial concentrations can be recognised within this great industrial belt- 

(a) Tokyo-Yakohama region.

(b) Osaka-Kobe- Kiota region.

(c) Nogoya region. and

(d) North Kyushu region.

(a) Tokyo-Yakohama Region: This region includes the coastal areas along the Tokyo Bay of the Honshu island. This region is highly suitable for the establishment of industries as it is situated in the Kanto plain. A large variety of industries are found in the region. Amongst these industries the Iron and Steel industry, Ship building industry, Air craft manufacturing industry, chemical industry, textile industry and machinery industry are notable. Besides Tokyo the megalopolis and Yokohama there are more than 25 big and small towns and cities. These towns and cities are the centres of varrious types of industries. This zone provides to about 30% industrial production of Japan. Moreover this region has a number of hydro electricity production centres.

(b) Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto Industrial Region: It is situated in the coastal areas of the Osaka Bay. It covers the Kinki plain Therefore this industrial region is also known as the kinki region Good water transport facilities coupled with convenient rai transport of the plain and rapid industrialisation have contributed in flourishing the industrial centre. In addition to Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto there are more than about ten towns in this region. Osaka and Kyoto are traditionally famous for textile and handicraft industries throughout the country. The cotton and silk industries of Osaka have a good reputation. Machines and tools manufacturing industry has dominated both Dentres recently. Raw materials for such industries are imported from foreign countries. Iron and steel industry, petroleum industry, Ship building industry, aircraft manufacturing and chemical industry are other industries of this region.

(c) Nagoya Industrial Region: It is situated on the east coast of Honshu between Tokyo-Yokohama and Osaka-Kobe- Kyoto region. It is a centre of cotton, silk and woolen textile industries. At present, car manufacturing industries have also developed here. This region is known as ‘Detroit’ of Japan.

(a) North Kyushu Industrial Region: This region is situated in the northern part of Kyushu. Sufficient coals are found here which satisfy the demand of the industries. The region is advanced in heavy industries like iron and steel etc. Ship building industries, cement and tools and machines manufacturing industries are also found in this region. Yawata, Nagasaki and Shimonosoki are important industrial centres of the region.

10. Write short notes on:

(a) Islands of Japan.

Ans: Japan is an island country of 14,125 islands, of which approximately 260 are inhabited. Japan is the fourth-largest island country in the world, behind Indonesia, Madagascar, and Papua New Guinea. Japan is also the second-most-populous island country in the world, only behind Indonesia.

(b) Physiography of Hokkaido region.

Ans: This region comprises Hokkaido island which is situated in the northern part of Japan. The physiography of the region consists of mountains, hills, valleys and few plains. However, it is chiefly mountainous Because of its hilly nature, this region has not achieved much Industrial or agricultural progress. The Hokkaido mountain range is situated in the central part of this region A number of extensive alluvial lowlands are found in the midst of the parallel mountain ranges that lie in this region The important plains of this region are Ishikan-Yufutoh plain, Tsukushi plain, Konsern plain, etc. The important towns of the region are Sapporo. Kushiro Muroran, Asahikawa. Hakodate, etc Unlike the towns and cities of Honshu island, these are small.

(c) Industrialisation and economic development of Japan.

Ans: Japanese industrialization led to unprecedented changes in the country’s economic, military, and social structure. This had a greater effect on both the nation and the entire world. Japan’s quick industrialization aided in its military modernisation to the point where it could compete with major European powers.

(d) Terrace cultivation in Japan.

Ans: Terrace cultivation in Japan is mostly a mountainous country In fact, more than 75% of the total land area of Japan is mountainous in nature. As a result, Japan is forced to opt for terrace cultivation. This is a method of cultivation whereby steps are cut on the slopes of mountainous and hills so as to prevent the erosion of soil and water. A separate drain is provided at the side of the filed for the drainage and supply of water Rice and tea are the main crops cultivated in Japan These two crops are cultivated by terrace cultivation. The Japanese have developed a unique method of cultivation of Ince on hilly slopes and foothills of mountains using a better form of terrace method of cultivation. This method has become very famous all over the world. Terrace cultivation in also ideal for the cultivation of tea. Japan produces mostly green tea Tea is mostly produced on the Western and Eastern slopes of the mountainous region of central and southern Honshu island.

(e) Tokyo Yokohama Industrial Region.

Ans: This region includes the coastal areas along the Tokyo Bay of the Honshu island. This region is highly suitable for the establishment of industries as it is situated in the Kanto plain. A large variety of industries are found in the region. Amongst these industries the Iron and Steel industry, Ship building industry, Air craft manufacturing industry, chemical industry, textile industry and machinery industry are notable. Besides Tokyo the megalopolis and Yokohama there are more than 25 big and small towns and cities. These towns and cities are the centres of varrious types of industries. This zone provides to about 30% industrial production of Japan. Moreover this region has a number of hydro electricity production centres.

(f) Coastal areas of Japan.

Ans: The coastal regions became the centre of Japan’s International trade and business. In fact, most of the industries of Japan are situated in the coastal regions of Japan. Three of the four industrial belts, namely the Tokyo-Yokohama region. Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto region and Nagoya region are situated in me coastal regions of Japan. These regions got developed primarily because of the possibility of bringing adequate resources from outside the country as well as due to the facility for export of manufactured goods.

(g) Honshu island region of Japan.

Ans: Honshu, largest of the four main islands of Japan, lying between the Pacific Ocean (east) and the Sea of Japan (west). It forms a northeast–southwest arc extending about 800 miles (1,287 km) and varies greatly in width.

(h) Mineral Resources of Japan.

Ans: Mineral Resources of Japan:mineral resources  of Japan has Coal, iron ore, zinc, lead, copper, sulphur, gold, and silver are among the most abundant minerals (in relative terms), with lesser quantities of tungsten, chromite, and manganese.