Intro to Japan

Japan

Introduction to Japan (article from Readworks.org)

East Asia

Japan is a powerful and wealthy country in Asia. It is made up of four major islands and several small islands. The capital of Japan is Tokyo. Over 127 million people live in Japan, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. To the Japanese, Japan is called Nippon, meaning source of the sun. It is also known as "Land of the Rising Sun." Japan's national flag is a simple red circle on a white background. The red circle represents the rising sun. 

Multiple Choice

Japan is part of which continent?

• Asia

• North America

• South America

• Africa

Multiple Choice

Which flag is the flag of Japan?

Japan's history began thousands of years ago. Around 660 B.C., a man named Jimmu was proclaimed Japan's first emperor. For centuries, Japan was closed off from the rest of the world. The island nation kept to itself, except for when it waged war on the neighboring countries of Korea and China. Japan refused to trade with foreign countries, especially western countries.

Multiple Choice

In the past, Japan’s relationships with Korea and China have been

• troubled

• harmonious

• based on trade

Japan refused to trade with foreign countries, especially western countries. In 1853, a man named Matthew Perry traveled to Japan from America. His goal was to encourage Japan to open up its ports to the world and begin trading. Perry was successful. Japan became a powerful member of the world's trading community.

Open Ended

Why would Matthew Perry want to convince Japan to open up their country and trade with the rest of the world?

(Think... what are benefits to trading with other countries?)

The land in Japan is hilly and beautiful. Most people live in and around the coastal cities. But nature hasn't always been kind. Two major natural forces have plagued the Japanese people for its entire history: earthquakes and tsunamis. Small earthquakes occur in Japan on a daily basis. Every once in a while, a major earthquake strikes causing thousands of deaths and unbelievable destruction. A tsunami is a huge ocean wave brought on by earthquakes. Some waves have been so large they have wiped out entire Japanese cities.

Multiple Choice

Tsunamis are caused by

• earthquakes

• hurricanes

• floods

• tornados

Multiple Choice

All of the following describe Japan, except

• very dry

• hilly

• a group of islands

• old

Japan is a nation jam-packed with art, culture, and industry. Japanese cuisine is popular throughout the world. Japanese architecture and art can be found in homes in Asia, Europe, and North America. Many home electronics and cars are made in Japan. Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are all Japanese brands. For many people, Japanese cartoons and comics are the very best. The influence of Japan can be felt everywhere around the world!

Multiple Choice

Which word best describes how Japanese feel about their country?

• proud

• indifferent

• ashamed

• disloyal

Multiple Choice

The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

_______ over 127 million people live there, Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

• Because

• Although

• Until

• Unless

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements are facts?

• Japan is a country in Asia.

• The capital of Japan is Tokyo.

• Japan is made up of several island.

• Japan is the coolest country in the world!

• Japan is the most interesting country to read about.

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements are opinions?

• Japan is a country in East Asia.

• Japan has the yummiest food on earth.

• Japan is made up of several island.

• Japan is the coolest country to live in!

• Japan manufactures the best cars ever.