Japanese history and culture has been profoundly shaped by geographical factors such as location, topography, climate, and vegetation. Here teachers will find "openers" -- questions or assertions to launch discussion -- and other tools to introduce students to the Japanese geography.

Images of Japan

Land Use

Principal Islands and Cities

Topography

Population Density

Relative Size and Location

California and Japan

Three Capitals: Precipitation and Temperature

Twentieth-Century Population Trends

A Graying Population