JapanChina

Human Geography: China and Japan

China

Early HistoryOldest continuous civilizations: geographic isolation allowed them developDynasty: a series of rulers from the same family

Lasted until 1911

Shi Huangdi of the Qin Dynasty…built most of the Great Wall and had an elaborate tomb with thousands of clay soldiers!

The Great Wall of China More than 4,000 miles along China’s northern border with Mongolia, whom many conflicts occurred with.

China: Revolution and Change

19th century: Controlled by Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan (sphere of influence)Boxer Rebellion 1900: Chinese killed Europeans and Christians in China

(boxer: fists of righteous unity)

Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong

Mid 20th Century, fighting occurs between:

Chiang Kai-shek, the Leader of the Nationalists (can have private ownership) &Mao Zedong: Leader of the Communists (no private ownership)

China becomes Communist!The People’s Republic of China

I win!

I’m heading to Taiwan.

Fireworks, noodles, paper, gunpowder, compass, porcelain, silk, and printing all were invented by the Chinese

Rural and Industrial EconomiesLargely agricultural: 60% work on farms

What can explain why most of the people list in the east and not the west?

Manufacturing: abundant resources (coal, iron ore, oil)

Shanghai: One of the world’s great industrial centersTextiles, steel, consumer goods

Confucius(551-479 BCE)

Considered China’s greatest philosopherEthics – correct way to liveHuman nature – good Men should be kind, tolerant, and love their elders and ancestors (filial piety)Golden rule: “Do not do to others what you would not have others do to you.”Confucianism – code of behavior and religion

Education, good manners, right morals, respect for others, love of tradition, obedience to one’s parents

“Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.”

“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”

“Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.” “Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.”

“He who will not economize will have to agonize.”

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

“Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star.”

TaoismPhilosophy based on the teachings of Lao-Tzu of ChinaBelieves in everything being in harmony with natureGovernment should leave people alone

TAOISMTaoism is not a religion. Taoism is a philosophy, a way of looking at life and a way of thinking about things. Taoists believe if you look at life and think about things in the right way, you'll be much happier. 

Taoists are firm believers in joy and laughter

“There is more to knowing than just being correct.”“A clever mind is not a heart.”Taoists believe it's very important to understand the way Things Are. This does not mean that there are not things we need to change about ourselves, but it's important to recognize and trust our own inner nature, and discover who we are

BuddhismSpread from IndiaMany branches and different interpretationsInfluences from Confucianism and Taoism

Buddhism in Tibet Tibet was an independent religious state led by the Dalai Lama The area was taken over by communist China and the Dalai Lama is currently in exile in India from there he is traveling the world to help free Tibet

Population – China Over 1.6 billion people

Shanghai = 13.5 millionBeijing = 11.2 million (host of the 2008 summer Olympics)

Pollution consequences

Production needs to keep up with population

Because of concerns about a rapidly expanding population, china in 1979 adopted a policy of one child per family. In addition, the country has age restrictions for marriage. A man must be 22 and a woman 20 before they can marry. Those policies have reduced China’s birthrate dramatically.

However, the government policy of one child per family has run into opposition. Rural families, in particular, feel the need for more than one child to help work on their farms. Because of these problems, the government has relaxed the one-child policy.

Population

Deng Xiaoping

Chinese ruler that instituted the “One Child Policy”Repercussions of policy:

Forced abortionsSterilization Majority of population is male

Japan

Ancient Japan Not unified: hundreds of clans ruling separate territoriesProfessional soldiers called samurai served the interest of landowners and clan chiefs1192 Emperor creates military ruler = SHOGUN

Supported by SamuraiFought off Mongol invasion1868 last shogun resigns,

all power to the emperor

Economic Powerhouse2nd to the United States in size of its economyManufacturing and trade at the heart of economyImports most of its natural resources75% of people live in cities

How does contribute to their economy?

Population of Japan Population = about 127 millionVery urbanized (3/4 of the people live in cities) Tokyo – 13.6 million people Cities are overcrowded and polluted

Japan’s Recent Population ProblemsJapan’s population could plummet by more than 61 percent to just under 50 million in the next century.

○ More than two-fifths (41.1 percent) of the total population will be above the age of 65 by then.

Why is this happening?Japan is also not very culturally diverse

Japanese Culture: Modern & Traditional

Shintoism – traditional Japanese religion (ancestor & nature worship)

Kabuki Theater: Dress in traditional clothing and have dramatic plays

Japanese Culture: Modern & TraditionalArchitectural style derived from Buddhist temples

Capsule hotels in Japan provide tiny rooms for overnight guests

China’s One Child Policy (OCP)