Japan: A Self-Sufficient Country

Presentation on theme: "Japan: A Self-Sufficient Country"— Presentation transcript:

1 Japan: A Self-Sufficient Country

2 Self-Sufficient What does the term Self-Sufficient mean to you?
Self-Sufficient means to not require anything from anyone else and to be able to take care of yourself. As a tiny Island country, what would Japan need to be Self-Sufficient?

3 Resources! Japan had very little trade with other countries prior to 1853 (more on that later) and thus needed to find a way to sustain itself with the resources it had Fortunately, Japan had access to enough resources to meets its many needs, such as: Farmers & Fishers provided food Wood for building & fuel Silkworms & cotton for clothing Metals for art & jewelery

4 Climate! Japan’s nature & climate also helped compensate for the tiny, isolated island. Japan had very little arable (farmable) land – but the land it did have was very fertile. It also had a very mild climate with lots of rainfall that helped create a longer growing season.

5 Food - Rice! Because of the wet climate of Japan’s growing season Rice became the main crop When there was not enough rain – crops would fail & famine would follow! Rice was so important it was also used a money! The value of land was based on the amount of rice it produced A lord’s rank (importance) was based on the total amount of rice produced in this territory

6 A Homogenous Society While Japan was many different Islands with distinct climates & geography – the people of Japan were largely homogenous They viewed themselves as being one great unified family with common values & beliefs They believed this because of the sea. Most people lived along the coast & would trade resources as well as ideas, values & beliefs along the coastline

7 Self-Sufficiency Effecting Worldview
In your Interactive Notebook create a cause & effect chart on how self- sufficiency may have influenced Japan’s worldview. CAUSE EFFECT SELF-SUFFICIENCY