Topic 3: Japan

Japan is an archipelago. What is an archipelago?

• 1. A piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides.

• 1. A chain of islands.

• 1. A large island surrounded by smaller islands.

• 1. An island that has two countries. 

1. The geography of Japan is primarily mountainous. How does this affect unity amongst its people in early times?

• It creates an obstacle between groups of people that prevents unity.

• It provided protection from outside forces, allowing the Japanese to develop their own unique culture.

• It creates paths for trade and commerce that build the Japanese economy.

The sea distancing Japan from the mainland countries of Korea and China allow it to do what?

• Develop unique technology that the Koreans and Chinese did not have.

• Create a Navy that would allow it conquer the Pacific Islands and Eastern Asia.

• Selectively borrow portions of Chinese culture, rather than having to accept it like mainland countries did.

Japan is located on the Ring of Fire on the Pacific Ocean. What are common natural disasters that occur at this location?

• Earthquakes and tsunamis

• Hurricanes and droughts

• Blizzards and superstorms

• Wildfires and floods

Which of the following causes earthquakes? ​ (a)  

• Earthquakes under the ocean.
• A giant catfish under the island
• Strong winds from hurricanes
• The full moon.
• The Earth spinning faster

In its early history, Japanese society was divided into uji or clans. Which clan dominated the region of Honshu and is the clan of the current Japanese emperor?

• Minamoto

• Fujiwara

• Taira

• Yamato

In the Shinto belief system, who did its followers worship?

• The Buddha who taught them the four Noble Truths.

• Their ancestors who they believed watched over and protected them.

• The kami who embodied the forces of nature and inhabited all things.

• The Lord Shiva who creates, protects, and transforms the universe.

True or False: Japan currently has thousands of Shinto shrines that are still maintained and visited by thousands of people each year.

• True

• False

In the early 600s, Prince Shotoku of the Yamato Clan sent scribes, monks, and officials to China. Why?

• 1. To create a peace treaty with the Chinese emperor.

• 1. To put spies in the court of the Chinese emperor.

• 1. To study Chinese culture, religion, and technology.

• 1. To spread Japanese culture, religion, and technology in China.

In their selective borrowing of Chinese culture, which of the following did the Japanese not continue to use?

• 1. The civil service examination. The Japanese continued to grant positions based on inheritance.

• The language system. The Japanese continued to use their own language system, ignoring Chinese characters.

• The government. The Japanese continued to have shoguns rule them, no longer having an emperor.

• The religion. The Japanese continued to follow Shinto, no longer allowing Buddhism in their country.