Japan (4/4)
This is also part of this series: Journeys from the Centre of the Earth (4)
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Subjects:
Anthropology, Art, Asian Studies, Geography, Geology, History, Volcanoes, World Religions |
Grade Level: JrH-Adult
Producer: BBC
Closed Captioned: No |
Running Time: 50 mins
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Study Guide: No |
Copyright Date: 2006
Available in French: No
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Japan is a geological refugee. Lying adrift in the Pacific 100 kms off the coast of the Asian mainland, it has developed an independent and distinctive culture which, in the modern era, emerged from isolation to become a global economic powerhouse. Japan's geology shaped this cultural legacy. Isolated by the sea, it has the most homogenous population in the world. In addition, 80% of Japan is uninhabitable due to its great volcanic mountain backbone to the North. But the fresh, nutrient-rich material constantly shed from its volcanoes means that a square mile of farmland supports eight times more people than in the USA or Europe. Trapped between these mountains and the deep blue sea, Japan has the densest population in the world. This has led to the miniaturisation of culture – from the microchip, walkmans, Bonsai and pachinko (vertical pinball machines). |
Links: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/documentaries/features/journeys-centre-earth.shtml
