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Country Research Fact Finder

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Country Research Fact Finder

Use the country profile to investigate how location, environment and people connect. Read carefully, support answers with evidence, and write in your own words.

Country profile: Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. It lies in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Korean Peninsula and China. Its capital city is Tokyo. Japan has four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku—and many smaller islands. Mountains cover much of the land, and Mount Fuji is its highest mountain. Japan has a mostly temperate climate, but conditions vary from snowy winters in the north to subtropical weather in the south. Japanese is the main language. The country is a constitutional monarchy with an elected body of lawmakers. Many people live in busy coastal cities, where ports, transport and industries connect Japan with other countries. Rice, seafood and seasonal vegetables are common foods. Cherry blossom viewing is a popular spring custom.

1.According to the country profile, in which continent is Japan, and which ocean lies to its east?

2.A ship is travelling from Japan towards the Korean Peninsula. Which general direction will it travel?

North-east
West
South-east
South

3.Select two statements supported by the profile.

Japan is made up of islands.
Most of Japan is flat grassland.
Tokyo is Japan’s capital city.
Japan has the same climate everywhere.

4.Explain one way Japan’s physical geography may affect where people live or how they travel.

5.The profile says northern Japan can have snowy winters while the south can be subtropical. What does this tell you about Japan’s climate?

6.Match each profile detail to the best geography category.

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain
Tokyo is the capital city
Japanese is the main language
Ports connect the country with other countries

Settlement
Trade and transport
Physical feature
Culture and people

7.A classmate writes, “Everyone in Japan eats only rice and seafood.” Is this a fair conclusion from the profile? Explain why or why not.

8.What does the profile say about Japan’s body of lawmakers?

9.Use two details from the profile to explain how Japan is connected to other countries.

10.Research challenge: Choose one question you would investigate next about Japan. Write the question and name one reliable source you could use, such as an atlas, an official tourism or government website, or an encyclopaedia.