Japan, Korea and Ming Dynasty

Japan

• Located near China, North Korea, and South Korea.
• Surrounded by the Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea.
• Includes islands like Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

Japan Elevation Map

• Elevation ranges from 0m to 4000m.
• Most people likely settle in areas with lower elevation due to geographic features.

Population Distribution in Japan

• High population density in areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and surrounding regions.
• Lower population density in mountainous regions and northern Hokkaido.
• Population measured in persons per square mile and persons per square kilometer.
• Data from the 1960 census.

Geographical Characteristics Shaping Japanese Lifestyle/Development

• Mountains:
  • Difficult to unite the country.
  • Overcrowded plains and lowlands impact settlement and farming.
  • Development of terrace farming to maximize land use.
  • Mountains protect the Japanese from invasion.
  • Mt. Fuji is a national symbol.
• Few Natural Resources:
  • Reliance on trade, especially in modern times.
  • Scarcity of resources fostered a hardworking, resourceful society.
• Archipelago with 4 Main Islands:
  • Seas protected Japan (Korea served as a buffer).
  • Contributed to a unique, isolated culture (ethnocentric).
  • Long coastline supports an excellent fishing industry.
  • Difficult to unify, leading to clan-based society and feudal system.
• Ring of Fire Location:
  • Prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and typhoons.
  • Coastal towns are often destroyed, impacting settlement patterns.
  • Influences religious views.
  • Necessitates different types of architecture.

Population Challenges

• Declining Birth Rate:
  • Crude birth rate decreasing from 1950 to 2010.
  • Crude death rate relatively stable.
• Aging Population:
  • Population pyramid shows a larger proportion of older individuals compared to younger ones.
  • Surplus of females in older age groups.

Space Limitations and Adaptations

• High population density in a small island nation.
• Commuting is common due to the high cost of living in cities like Tokyo.
• Limited living space, leading to cramped apartments.
• Innovative use of space, such as miniature golf courses and baseball fields on rooftops.
• Capsule hotels provide inexpensive overnight accommodations.
• Potential solutions include filling in Tokyo Bay or buying land from railroads.

Japanese Home Life and Values

• Small apartments are common.
• Maximum use of space with living rooms doubling as bedrooms.
• Futons are used for sleeping and can be stored away during the day.
• Emphasis on group harmony over personal freedom, influenced by Confucian and Buddhist beliefs.
• Polite society with little crime or litter.
• Great respect for nature (Japanese gardens).
• Great respect for space.
• Preference for smaller items (cars, electronics).

Korea: Geographic Characteristics and Impact

• Korea described as "A shrimp among whales" and "Land of the morning calm."
• Peninsula with a mountainous terrain (70% mountains, especially along East Coast).
• Taebaek Mountains run North and South along the east coast.
• Significant coastline.
• Limited farmland.
• Located between China and Japan.

Hangul and Korean Identity

• Chong Inji viewed the new Korean alphabet positively, seeing it as natural and essential for conveying Korean culture.
• He believed each region should have its own writing system.
• Ch'oe Malli opposed the new alphabet, arguing it would disgrace Korea's policy of respecting China and lead to the neglect of scholarly literature.
• Positive effects of Hangul include increased literacy and a unique Korean identity.
• Negative effects include potential angering of China and the loss of the old language of scholars.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Korea's Geographic Location

• Advantages:
  • Protected along the northern border by mountains.
  • Able to trade/interact with China and Japan.
  • Good access to food (fish).
  • Benefits from cultural diffusion.
• Disadvantages:
  • Open to attack by sea.
  • Limited farming land/building space/living space.
  • Easily taken advantage of by superpowers.
  • Difficult to unify.
• Korea often serves as a