Samurai - a professional warrior of preindustrial

Japan.
● Acculturation - cultural modification of an
individual,
group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits
from
another culture.
● Trade surplus - earning more money from export
sales
than spending for imports.

History and Government

● Japan’s early human
geography reflects it
influences from ancient China
and Korea.
● The Japanese civilization that
developed from these two
countries then isolated itself
well into the 1800s.
● Japan’s history combines
tradition with transformation.

History and Government

● China and Korea had a
significant impact on Japan.
● Japan was ruled by dynasties
for centuries. Japanese
society evolved, developing a
government and establishing
an emperor as absolute
monarch.
● Japan has a line of Emperors
to the present
● From 12th to late 19th
Century Shoguns had control

History and Government

● Shoguns expelled all
foreigners in 17th century,
opted for strict isolation
● In 1853, US Naval Officer
Perry sailed into Tokyo and
demanded a Treaty
● Became a regional power
through victories against
China (1895) and Russia
(1905)
● After WWII, US occupied
Japan from 1945-1952

Society and Culture

● The forces of modernization
and globalization has
influence Japanese society.
● Japanese society is group
oriented.
● Loyalty to the group and
superiors takes precedent
over personal feeling
● The Japanese feel an
obligation to return favors
and gifts.

Society and Culture

● The following characteristics are
admired in Japanese society:
honor, patience, respect and
politeness is extremely important
● Outside of school, youth wear
the latest American and
European fashions
● Traditional Japanese clothing
such as kimonos and yukatas are
worn for special occasions and at
onsens

Society and Culture

● Family Life
• Family is the foundation of
Japanese society
• A children’s actions is a reflection
on the family
• Traditionally the father is the
head of the household and the
mother is the head of the
household
● Today women are nearly 50% of
the workforce
● Divorce and single parenthood are
rare compared to other countries.
● Families generally have fewer than
three children

Economic Activities
● Japan’s industrial economy is
based on a mixed market
system. Such a system
emphasis private ownership of
the means of production and
distribution.
● The government plays a key
role in Japan’s economy. It
carefully cooperates with
industry and regulates all
sectors of the economy,
including imports.

Economic Activities
● Japan has seen extraordinary economic growth since World
War II.
● High demand for trade goods around the world has made it
a global economic power since the 1980s.
● Lacking natural resources, such as fossil fuels and
minerals, Japan has focused on trade to sustain its
industries.
● With highly skilled and well educated workers, Japan
became a leading producer of consumer goods such as cars,
electronic devices, and computers.
● Japan has a trade surplus in its balance of trade because
the value of its exports is greater than the value of its
imports.