I. Economic and geographical location….….…………2
Russian-Japanese relations……………………………10
VIII. Appendix………………………………………………………..13
Economic and geographical location.
The size of Japan is 378 thousand km 2 Japan is an archipelago country located on four large (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku) and almost 6 thousand small islands. The length of the coastline is almost 30 thousand km. The shores are heavily indented and form many bays and bays.
Japan is separated from the mainland by the East China, Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk. From the east and southeast the country is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The Inland Sea of Japan is located between the islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.
The seas and oceans that wash Japan are of great importance for the country as a source of biological, mineral and energy resources. Japan's communication with other countries of the world is carried out by sea.
Japan's position at the junction of the Eurasian continent and the Pacific Ocean, located in the center of the Asia-Pacific region, opens up very great opportunities for the country's participation in the international division of labor.
Japan is a mountainous country (75% of the territory). To expand the living space, the water area adjacent to the land is used: residential and industrial zones are located on artificial peninsulas and islands created by filling shallow waters. The bulk of the country's population lives on the coastal plains (mainly along the Pacific coast of the islands).
High seismicity and volcanism have a significant impact on economic development. Every year in Japan there are about 1.5 thousand earthquakes of varying strength. There are 15 active volcanoes on the islands, and several dozen more may awaken. The highest peak in Japan is Mount Fuji (3776 m). The eruption of underwater volcanoes is associated with seaquakes and the tsunami waves they cause, causing great damage to the economy (mainly Honshu and Hokkaido). However, life on the islands cannot be called idyllic. Up to 1,700 mm of precipitation falls here per year - more than in rainy Great Britain. To this we must add typhoons and tropical downpours, tsunamis and earthquakes, which are frequent guests here. And only the amazing resilience and hard work of the Japanese people allow the country not only to withstand the natural elements, but also to prosper.
The climate of Japan as a whole is quite favorable for human habitation and farming. The island of Hokkaido and northern Honshu are located in a temperate maritime climate, the rest of Honshu, the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu are in a humid subtropical climate, and the Ryukyu Islands (including Okinawa) are in a tropical climate.
The most important factor shaping the climate is the monsoons, which are accompanied by typhoons and downpours in summer and snowfalls in winter. The warm Kuroshio ocean current has a softening effect. Due to climatic conditions in the southern subtropical and tropical regions, it is possible to harvest two crops per year.
In recent years, Japan has become increasingly land problem(land quality is deteriorating). There are mainly slightly podzolic and peaty soils, as well as brown forest and red soils, suitable for growing many crops (from potatoes in the north to sugar cane in the south). Cultivated lands make up 13% of the area, meadows and pastures – 4%.
Currently, Japan is a constitutional monarchy (i.e., an empire). The highest body of state power and the highest legislative body is the parliament, consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives (512 deputies) and the House of Councilors (252 deputies). The term of office of deputies of the House of Representatives is 4 years, the House of Councilors is 6 years (with re-election of half of the members every 3 years). Parliament plays an important role - it adopts the budget, ratifies international treaties and agreements, and makes proposals for amendments to the Constitution.
Executive power is exercised by the cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister. The main religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. The monetary unit is 1 yen = 10 sen.
Natural resources.
Japan is poor in mineral resources. Linking to external sources of raw materials and markets for finished goods has become the most important reason for the country's active foreign policy.
Over 2/3 of Japan's territory is occupied by forests and shrubs; a significant part of the forests, over 1/3 are artificial plantations. Coniferous species account for 50% of the total timber reserves and 37% of the total forest area. In total, the flora of Japan contains about 300 species of herbs and over 700 species of trees and shrubs.
The rivers of Japan are numerous, but short. The largest of them is the Sinako River (367 km). Most rivers are turbulent mountain streams, sources of hydroelectric power and water for irrigation. The rivers are unsuitable for navigation. There are two types of lakes in Japan: deep-water mountain lakes and shallow-water lakes located in coastal lowlands. The abundance of rivers, lakes, and groundwater, which Japan is generously endowed with, has a beneficial effect on the development of agriculture and industry. The industrial development of the country caused serious problems with environmental pollution, which led to the development of a program to improve control over the state of nature.
Recently, Japan has paid special attention to the development of recreational resources. Issues of culture and landscape aesthetics, ornamental gardening, the creation of parks and reserves, and the protection of ancient monuments have long been part of the life of the Japanese people. There are currently about 25 national parks in Japan. Tourism development comes at a cost, and there is now concern about significant damage to the natural environment. Therefore, ways are being developed to make better use of nature's attractions, while simultaneously protecting and preserving it.
Population.
In terms of population (more than 135 million people), Japan is one of the top ten countries in the world. However, over the past decade, the nature of the natural population movement has changed dramatically. Japan became the first Asian state to move from the second to the first type of reproduction. According to forecasts of Japanese demographers, the population will stabilize by 2010 at the level of 130 million people. A major problem for Japan has been the rapid increase in the proportion of people over 65 years of age. Life expectancy in this country is the highest in the world (76 years for men, 82 years for women). The population of Japan is characterized by national homogeneity (more than 95% are Japanese). Of other nationalities, the number of living Koreans and Chinese is significant.
The Japanese language is very specific and does not belong to any language family. The Japanese writing system is also very complex, using both hieroglyphs and the dictionary alphabet.
The population is distributed unevenly throughout the territory. With a high average density (more than 330 million people per 1 km 2), some areas according to this indicator are the most densely populated areas in the world (these are coastal areas of the Pacific coast, where 2/3 of the country’s population lives).
Almost 4/5 of Japan's population are urban residents. 11 cities have a population of over 1 million people. The largest urban agglomeration is Kehin (Tokyo - Yokohama), where more than 25 million people are concentrated in 150 settlements. Together with the two other largest agglomerations Hanshin (Osako - Kobe - Quito) and Chuke (Nagoya, etc.), as well as with the cities located between them, the Keihin agglomeration merges into a single system - the Tokyo metropolis (Tokaido). Its total population is more than 60 million people.
The metropolis of Tokaido stretches along the coast for 600 - 700 km. The average population density within its borders is 800 – 1000 people. per 1 km 2. The proximity of the sea and the winding coastline create favorable conditions for the development of maritime transport and the construction of ports.
Peripheral centers such as Sapporo and Sendai are also growing rapidly. And outside the metropolis, another agglomeration was formed - Chinakyushu-Fukuoka (in the north of Kyushu island).
Industry.
In recent decades, Japan has emerged as one of the leading economic powers and is the second largest national economic force in the world. Japan's population accounts for approximately 2.3% of the world's total, but generates about 16% of the gross world product (GWP) measured at current exchange rates and 7.7% based on the purchasing power of the yen. Its economic potential is equal to 61% of the American one, but in terms of production per capita it exceeds the American level. Japan accounts for 70% of East Asia's total output, and its gross domestic product (GDP), calculated at current exchange rates, is four times that of China. It has achieved high technical excellence, especially in certain areas of advanced technology. Japan's current position in the world economy is the result of its economic development in the second half of the last century. In 1938, it accounted for only 3% of the VMP.
Japan has developed ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemical and food industries. Although Japan is the largest importer of raw materials for most of these industries, the country often ranks 1-2 in the world in terms of output of many industries. Moreover, industry is concentrated mainly within the Pacific industrial belt (almost 80% of industrial products are produced on 13% of the country's territory).
At first, Japanese industry developed mainly along an evolutionary path. Using imported raw materials, such basic industries as energy, metallurgy, automobile and shipbuilding, chemical and petrochemical, and construction industries were created almost anew. After the energy and raw materials crises of the mid-70s, the revolutionary path of development began to prevail in industry. The country began to increasingly limit the growth of energy-intensive and metal-intensive industries that depend on imports of fuel and raw materials and focus on the latest knowledge-intensive industries. It became a leader in the field of electronics, biotechnology, and began to use non-traditional energy sources.
II. Metallurgy has undergone major changes recently. Instead of many outdated factories, powerful plants equipped with the latest technology have been built. Lacking its own raw material base, Japan relies on the import of iron ore and coking coal. Malaysia and Canada have been and remain major suppliers of iron ore. The main coal suppliers are the USA, Australia; to a lesser extent – India and Canada. Japan ranks second in the world in the production of refined copper, after the United States. Polymetallic ore deposits form the basis for the development of zinc and lead production.
III. Energy Japan focuses primarily on imported raw materials (mainly oil and petroleum products). Oil imports amount to more than 200 million tons (own production 0.5 million tons in 1997). The share of coal in consumption is decreasing, the share of natural gas in consumption is growing (imported in a reduced form). The role of hydropower and nuclear energy is growing. Japan has a powerful electric power industry. Over 60% of the capacity comes from thermal power plants (the largest are 4 million kW). A nuclear power plant has been under construction since the mid-60s. Currently, over 20 nuclear power plants operate using imported raw materials (more than 40 power units). They provide about 30% of the electricity. The country has built the most powerful nuclear power plants in the world (including Fukushima - 10 power units).
VI. Mechanical engineering Japan includes many industries (shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, general mechanical engineering, instrument making, radio electronics, aerospace industry). There are a number of large factories for heavy engineering, machine tools, and the production of equipment for the light and food industries. But the main industries were electronics, radio industry and transport engineering.
1) By car production(13 million units per year) in recent years, Japan also ranks first in the world (industry products account for 20% of Japanese exports). The most important centers of the industry are Toyota (Nagasaki region), Yokohama, and Hiroshima.
2) Main enterprises general mechanical engineering located within the Pacific industrial belt: in the Tokyo region - complex machine tool building, industrial robots; in Osaka - metal-intensive equipment (near the centers of ferrous metallurgy); in the Nagoya region - machine tool building, production of equipment for other industries.
3) Enterprises radioelectronic and electrical industry focus on centers with a qualified workforce, a well-developed transport system, and a developed scientific and technical base. In the early 90s, Japan accounted for over 60% of the production of industrial robots, ½ of CNC machines and pure ceramic products, and from 60 to 90% of the production of certain types of microprocessors in the world. Japan maintains a leading position in the production of consumer electronics and electronic equipment. The country's share in the world production of color televisions (taking into account production at foreign enterprises of Japanese companies is more than 60%, video recorders - 90%, etc.). The products of knowledge-intensive industries account for about 15% of Japan's total industrial production. But in general, about 40% for mechanical engineering products.
4) Enterprises oil refining, and chemical industry gravitate towards the main centers of the Pacific industrial belt - in the Tokyo agglomeration of the Alan industrial belt. In the Tokyo agglomeration (Kawasaki, Chiba, Yokohama), in the Osaka and Nagoya areas, enterprises use imported raw materials. Japan ranks one of the first in the world in terms of development of the chemical industry.
5) Japan is also developed pulp and paper industry.
6) Retains significant importance of the industry light and food industry. However, competition from developing countries is growing in many types of labor-intensive light industry production (due to the low cost of labor in other countries).
VI. Another important traditional branch of Japanese industry is fishing. Japan ranks among the first in the world in terms of fish catch. There are more than 3 thousand fishing ports in the country. The rich and diverse fauna of the coastal seas contributed to the development of not only fishing, but also Mari culture. Fish and seafood occupy a very large place in the Japanese diet. Pearl fishing is also developed.
A very important feature of Japanese industry is its extremely strong involvement in international economic relations.
Agriculture.
Japan's agriculture employs about 3% of the economically active population, and its share in the country's GNP is about 2%. Japanese agriculture is characterized by high levels of labor and land productivity, crop yields and animal productivity.
Agricultural production has a pronounced food orientation
Crop production provides the bulk of production (about 70%), but its share is decreasing. The country is forced to import feed and industrial crops from abroad. Pasture lands make up only 1.6% of the total area. But even these areas are falling out of agricultural use as imports of cheap meat and dairy products increase. New intensive livestock farming sectors are developing. Cultivated lands account for 13% of the country's territory. However, in some areas of Japan it is possible to obtain 2-3 harvests per year, so the sown area is larger than the cultivated area. Despite the fact that cultivated lands occupy a small share of the land fund, and their value per capita is very small (24 times less than the USA, 9 times less than France), Japan meets its food needs mainly due to our own production (about 70%). The demand for rice, vegetables, poultry, pork, and fruits is practically satisfied. However, the country is forced to import sugar, corn, cotton, and wool.
Japanese agriculture is characterized by small-scale farming. Most farms are small-scale. The largest farms are engaged in livestock farming. In addition to individual farms, there are firms and productive cooperatives. These are significant agricultural units.
The coastal lowlands of all islands, including those in the Pacific industrial belt, are large agricultural areas where rice, vegetables, tea, tobacco are grown, and livestock farming is also intensively developed. Poultry and pig farms and vegetable gardens are located on all large plains and in natural areas of large agglomerations.
Transport.
In Japan, all types of transport have developed, with the exception of river and pipeline transport. By the nature of its transport network, this country resembles countries Western Europe, but in terms of the size of cargo transportation and especially passengers, it far exceeds any of them. And in terms of the density of passenger rail traffic, it ranks first in the world. Japan also has a very large and most modern merchant marine fleet.
Foreign economic relations.
Japan is one of the world's largest trading powers. The economy is highly dependent on imports of fuel and industrial raw materials. But the structure of imports is changing significantly: the share of raw materials is decreasing and the share of finished products is increasing. The share of finished products from NIS Asia (including color televisions, video cassettes, VCRs, spare parts) is especially growing. The country also imports some types of modern machinery and equipment from economically developed countries.
In the export of finished industrial products (by value), 64% falls on machinery and equipment. Japan's international specialization on the world market is the trade in products of knowledge-intensive high-tech industries, such as the production of ultra-large integrated circuits and microprocessors, CNC machines and industrial robots.
The volume of Japan's foreign trade is constantly growing (760 billion dollars, 1997 - third place after the USA and Germany). Japan's main trading partners are economically the developed countries, primarily the USA (30% of exports, 25% of imports), Germany, Australia, Canada. Major partners are the Republic of Korea and China.
Trade volumes with the countries of Southeast Asia (29% of foreign turnover) and Europe are increasing. The largest oil suppliers to Japan are the Gulf countries
An important area of Japan's foreign economic activity is export of capital. In terms of the volume of foreign investment, the country has become one of the leaders along with the USA and Great Britain. Moreover, the share of capital investment in the development of the country is growing. Japan invests its capital in trade, banking, loans and other services (about 50%), in the manufacturing and mining industries around the world. Acute foreign economic contradictions between Japan and the United States and Western European countries lead to a struggle for sources of raw materials, sales markets and areas for investment of capital. The scope of foreign entrepreneurship of Japanese firms is expanding. Moreover, along with the transfer abroad of environmentally hazardous, energy- and material-intensive industries (through the construction of enterprises in developing countries), there is also a transfer to these countries of some engineering production - those whose development in Japan is becoming less respectable (transferred to where costs are lower for labor force).
Japanese firms are particularly active in NIS Asia - in the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Enterprises created there with the participation of Japanese capital in the textile, food, clothing, metallurgical, chemical industries, electronic and precision engineering industries are becoming serious competitors of Japanese companies themselves (especially small and medium-sized ones) in the world and even in the domestic Japanese market.
All of Japan's largest industrial companies are transnational corporations, one of the largest in the world. In the list of the 500 largest TNCs in the world, very high positions are occupied by: Toyotamotor, Hondamotor - in the automotive industry; Hitachi, Sony, NEC - in electronics; Toshiba, Fujitsu, Canon - in the production of computer equipment, etc.
One of the most important factors in Japan's economic development is its widespread participation in international technology trade. The export of technologies is dominated by licenses in the field of electrical and transport engineering, chemistry, and construction. Geographically speaking, Japanese technology exports in the 1980s were dominated by developing countries. The exchange of licenses for technological processes in the field of electrical engineering, chemical industry, etc. is especially active.
Russian-Japanese relations.
Foreign economic relations with Russia have become a new path of cooperation in recent years, where they are now operating joint ventures with the participation of Japanese capital. The geographical location of the joint venture is mainly limited to the Far Eastern region. Japan has become the main trading partner of the Primorsky Territory, Sakhalin Region, and Khabarovsk Territory. Oil, coal, non-ferrous metals, timber, cellulose, fish and seafood are exported from Russia.
In general, in the international division of labor, Japan is one of world financial centers, as well as a manufacturer of products from high-tech industries - “a research and production laboratory of the world.” It can be expected that by the beginning of the 21st century, Japan will overtake the United States in terms of the degree of involvement in the world economy.
Interesting Facts.
* Since ancient times, the Japanese themselves have called their country Nippon (or Nihon). This name consists of two hieroglyphic characters, one of which means “Sun”, and the second means “base”. This is where the allegorical name of Japan comes from as a country rising sun. The red sun circle on the Japanese flag and the round chrysanthemum (the national flower of the Japanese) on the country's national emblem also symbolize the rising sun.
* Shintoism (from the word “Shinto”, which means “divine path”) serves the main religious and everyday rituals, and above all wedding ceremonies, which always take place in Shinto shrines. Buddhism, on the contrary, takes upon itself all funeral and funeral rites.
* There are about 40 different festivals held in Japan every year. One of them is the famous snow festival on the “white” island of Hokkaido, which occurs in early February. During the festival, more than 300 snow structures rise on the main street of Sapporo. These are characters from fairy tales, literary heroes, copies of famous landowners and architectural structures.
* The total length of Tokyo streets is 22 thousand km, which exceeds half the length of the equator; there are 4 million houses in the city. However, most streets have no names at all. Signs with numbers indicate the number of the district (and there are 23 of them in the city), block, and serial numbers of apartments. It is very difficult for even the police and drivers, who are famous for their high quality of service, to find an address in Tokyo, not to mention guests and visitors. Separate parts of the city are connected to each other by high-speed highway overpasses, but they can hardly support the movement of 5 million cars.
* Fish and all kinds of other seafood - octopus, shellfish, large shrimp - the Japanese prefer to eat raw, less often dried, although in Japanese cuisine there are many ways to prepare boiled, baked, fried in a frying pan or charcoal dishes from these products.
* The total length of the Shinkasen (“New Line”) highway is about 1100 km. Trains travel along it at an average speed of 200 km/h or more. Traffic is especially high on the Tokyo-Osaka section, 515 km long, where up to 120 pairs of trains pass per day, and about 120 million passengers are transported per year, which is equal to the entire population of the country. The distance between these cities is covered by the Hikari (“Light”) Express in 2 hours and 15 minutes. At the same time, he overcomes 66 tunnels and 3 thousand bridges.
* The world's largest nuclear power plant in Fukushima, located 200 km. North of Tokyo, in 1998, with the commissioning of the seventh reactor, the power reached 8.2 million kW. And the world's largest steel plant in Fukuyama, on the shores of the Inland Sea of Japan, has a capacity of 16 million tons of steel per year.
Application.
Comparison table.
Bibliography.
1. “Economic Geography” by I.N. Leonov, N.D. Bakhunina.
2. “Geography of the countries of the world” L.N. Pavlenko, I.L. Petrov.
3. “Geography” Maksakovsky (10-11 grades).
INTRODUCTION
In the 19th century, Japan and Korea became the sphere of interest of foreign states. But the European colonialists do not have the immediate goal of conquering these states. They were viewed by them as strategic important objects, through which you can exercise control over the Southeast and Far East. The discovery of Korea began in the late 1850s and early 1870s by the USA, France, and Japan. The Japanese were the most successful in this. In Japan itself, at the beginning of modern times, the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616), an associate of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga, was established, who took power into his own hands as the most influential person In Japan, in 1603, Emperor Ieyasu was proclaimed shogun. He pursued a policy of strengthening his economic, military-political power. Studying the history of Japan and Korea from the 18th to the 19th centuries is the relevance of the chosen topic of the essay. Historical knowledge allows us to see the origins of modern development trends.
The subject of the essay is the history of Japan and Korea. The subject is the characteristics of Japan and Korea in the period from the 18th to the 19th centuries. The purpose of the work is to characterize Japan, characterize Korea and draw comparative conclusions for these countries. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were set:
To trace the formation and development of the public administration system in Japan (end of the 10th VI I - second half of XVI II century).
Characterize the period of rise and fall of the shogunate in Japan from the second half of the 16th century II - until the second half of the 19th century.
Track the development of Korea
The following methods were used to study this topic:
Comparison of historical events and figures;
Study and theoretical analysis of specialized literature;
Analysis of the activities of political figures in Japan and Korea;
In the process of researching this topic, the works of many authors were used. But the most basic books I use are Kuznetsov Yu.D. “History of Japan” - which examines in great detail the process of formation and development of the shogunate, characterizes the significance of the policy of isolating the country. In the monograph by Vasiliev L.S. "History of the East" provides an overview of the development of Japan and Korea. In the monograph by Gromkovskaya L.L. Domestic and foreign policy in Japan in the 15th-19th centuries reflects the features of Japan's domestic and foreign policy, and provides a complete description of the countries of Japan's allies.
1. CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPAN
During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616), an associate of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga, took control as the most powerful man in Japan. When Hideyoshi was dying, he asked Ieyasu to forever take care of his son-heir Hideyoshi and the Toyotomi family. Of course, Tokugawa broke his promise and did not support Hideyoshi’s heir, since he wanted to rule Japan himself. At the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Ieyasu defeated Hideyoshi's supporters and his other western opponents. Thus, he received unlimited power over the country. In 1603, under the authority of Emperor Ieyasu, he was proclaimed shogun. He founded his government in Edo (now Tokyo). The Tokugawa Shogunate ruled Japan for 250 years. Ieyasu strictly controlled the entire country. He skillfully distributed the land among the daimyo: the most loyal vassals (those who supported him even before the Battle of Sekigahara) received strategically more important areas.
For complete control over society, a system of 5 classes was created during the Edo period: samurai stood at the top of the social pyramid, followed by peasants, artisans and merchants. The “eta” pariahs, who were engaged in work that was “dirty” according to Buddhist canons, formed the most discriminated class, the fifth class. Citizens of the country were prohibited from changing their social status. Shogun Ieyasu continued to develop international trade relations. He established trade relations with England and Germany. At the same time, in 1614, he achieved a complete ban on Christianity in order to prevent dangerous influence from outside. After the destruction of the Toyotomi clan in 1615 and the capture of Osaka, Ieyasu and his heirs had practically no opponents, and the Edo period can be called a time of peace. Warriors (samurai) studied not only martial arts, but also literature, philosophy, and art. Zen Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism spread among them the principles of self-discipline, morality and devotion.
In 1633, Shogun Iemitsu banned long-distance voyages and almost completely isolated Japan in 1639, limiting connections with the outside world to trade with China and Holland through the port of Nagasaki. All foreign books were banned. Thanks to isolation, the quality of local agricultural products improved, the domestic market developed, and culture flourished. Among the urban population, such art forms as kabuki theater and ukiyo-e - pictures on everyday themes - were gaining popularity. The Tokugawa government remained stable for centuries, but over time its position became increasingly precarious. The merchant class developed so quickly that soon many samurai became financially dependent on it. As a result, class differences between merchants and samurai were smoothed out, and the power of the latter gradually declined. In addition, high taxes and famine caused an increase in the number of peasant uprisings. In 1720, the ban on foreign literature was lifted, and new philosophical teachings from China and Europe (Germany) spread to Japan. At the end of the 18th century, pressure from the rest of the world began to increase. At first, Russia tried unsuccessfully to establish trade relations with Japan. Its example was followed in the 19th century by European states and the United States. An American officer, Commodore Perry, succeeded in forcing the Japanese government to open several ports to maritime trade in 1853 and 1854, but foreign trade relations remained insignificant until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Perry's actions gave rise to a wave of anti-Western sentiment and criticism of the Tokugawa shogunate, as well as a growing movement in support of the restoration of imperial power. The anti-Western and pro-imperial movement "Sonno Joi" ("Long live the Emperor! Death to the barbarians!") spread widely among the samurai of the provinces of Choshu and Satsuma. More restrained politicians, however, understood the significance of the achievements of science and military art of the West and preferred to open Japan to the outside world. Soon the Conservatives, having taken part in several battles with European and American fleets, also realized the benefits of new technologies.
Meiji period (1867 - 1912)
In 1867-1868, the Tokugawa government, under military pressure, withdrew from the scene, and the power of Emperor Meiji was restored. After the Restoration, the emperor left Kyoto and moved to the new capital - Tokyo. Political power shifted from the hands of the Tokugawa shogunate to a small group of nobles and former samurai. New Japan decisively began to catch up with the West in economic and military relations. Large-scale reforms took place throughout the country. The new government dreamed of making Japan a democratic country of universal equality. The boundaries between social classes created by the Tokugawa shogunate were blurred. The samurai were the most dissatisfied with this reform, because they lost all their privileges. Guarantees of human rights were also proclaimed, for example, freedom of religion was declared in 1873. In order to stabilize the new government, all former feudal daimyo lords had to return their lands to the emperor, receiving in return solid monetary compensation. This process was completed by 1870. The country was then divided into prefectures. The education system was reformed first according to the French and then according to the German model. Compulsory primary education was introduced. After about 20-30 years of intense “Westernization,” the government listened to conservatives and nationalists: educational programs emphasized the study and veneration of Confucianism and Shintoism (including the cult of the emperor). It was extremely important for Japan to be on par militarily with the imperialist states. After all, like other Asian countries, Japan was forced to sign unfavorable agreements by force. Universal conscription was introduced, the land army was reorganized along the lines of the Prussian forces, and the navy along those of the British Navy. In order to accelerate the transformation of Japan from an agricultural country to an industrial one, some students went to the West to study sciences and languages, and foreign teachers were invited to teach the rest. Huge amounts of money were invested in the development of transport and communications. The government supported the development of business and industry, especially the zaibatsu monopolies, Japanese oligarchies. Huge budget spending led to the financial crisis of the mid-1880s, followed by reform monetary system and the establishment of the Bank of Japan. Before World War II, the fastest growing industry was the textile industry. Working conditions in the factories were poor, and the emerging liberal and socialist movements were ruthlessly suppressed by the ruling Genro group, which consisted of the emperor's closest associates - the new Japanese "oligarchs".
Japan received its first Constitution in 1889. A parliament appeared, but the emperor retained his independence: he stood at the head of the army, navy, executive and legislative powers. However, the main political power remained in the hands of the Genro members - Emperor Meiji agreed with most of their actions. Political parties have not yet had sufficient influence, primarily due to constant internal strife. The conflict between China and Japan over the division of spheres of influence in Korea led to the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895. The Japanese were victorious and captured Taiwan, but Western powers forced them to return the remaining conquered territories to China. This forced the Japanese army and navy to accelerate rearmament.
A new conflict of interests in China and Manchuria, this time with Russia, led to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. Japan won this war as well, increasing its territory and gaining international respect. Japan later increased its influence in Korea and annexed it in 1910. These military successes led to an unprecedented rise in nationalism. In 1912, Emperor Meiji died. The era of Genro's reign is over.
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF KOREA
The crisis of feudal relations and the beginning of the colonial enslavement of Korea by capitalist states. The struggle of the Korean people against foreign enslavers (mid-17th century - 1910). In the 17th-18th centuries. noticeable changes were observed in the socio-economic development of Korea, new crops (tobacco, pepper, sweet potato, tomato, etc.) and agricultural technology were introduced. The cultivation of ginseng began, industrial crops (cotton, etc.) became more widespread, as well as the cultivation of vegetables. The urban population grew (in Hanson, for example, from 1657 to 1807 the number of residents increased by more than 2.5 times). The role of free craft in the city and countryside has increased. Numerous local markets and large shopping centers of all-Korean importance arose - Pyongyang, Hansong, Kaesong, Daegu, etc. Commercial capital began to penetrate into production (private mines for the extraction of gold, silver and copper). The development of commodity-money relations led to increased feudal exploitation (the state introduced new taxes and expanded usurious operations). Peasant uprisings broke out in a number of areas (in the province of Jeolla and others). The danger of a peasant war forced the ruling class to look for ways to weaken civil strife and at the same time make attempts to soften feudal oppression with the help of some reforms (including partial streamlining of the tax system, personal liberation of nobles, etc.). The growing contradictions of feudal society gave rise to an ideological current of social thought among the advanced yangban (class of nobles), which arose in opposition to Confucian scholasticism and was known as the movement for real sciences, or sirhak (see Sirhakpha). This movement reflected growing democratic trends in Korean society. Its most important representatives were Lyu Hyun-won, Lee Ik, Park Chi-won, Park Che-ga, Hong Dae-young, Chung Yak-young and others.
Around the end of the 18th century. In Korea, signs of decomposition of feudal relations appeared. This was manifested in the undermining of the natural economy and in the beginning of the collapse of the class system. There was (according to a number of DPRK researchers) a process of the emergence of capitalist production (primarily in the mining industry). Anti-government uprisings have become more frequent. Individual unrest at the beginning of the 19th century. developed into a major peasant uprising in Pyongan Province in 1811–12. After its suppression, anti-feudal protests did not stop. In 1833, an uprising of townspeople broke out in the capital due to the high cost of grain. In the early 60s. The Tonhak religious sect was founded, expressing the anti-feudal sentiments of the masses. In 1862, over 20 peasant uprisings occurred.
The crisis of the feudal order was aggravated by the attempts of foreign capitalist powers to achieve the opening of Korea as a market for their goods. Since the 30s. 19th century Foreign ships were repeatedly sent to the shores of Korea. The government of Lee Ha-eun, known as Taewongun (prince regent), the father of the young king Lee Jae-hwan (Kojong), which came to power (in 1863), sought to save the feudal order by isolating the country from the outside world, as well as through reforms that strengthened royal power . Korea successfully repelled the attack of warships from France (1866) and the United States (1871), which tried to open Korean ports by force. In 1875, warships were sent to Korea by Japan. Threatening war, Japan demanded a trade agreement. Japan's success was facilitated by the fact that in 1874 Taewongun was removed from power due to Kojong's coming of age. The Mings, his wife's relatives, advocated establishing contacts with Japan. This allowed the Japanese government, before other powers, to impose on Korea the unequal Treaty of Kanhwa of 1876. Then Korea concluded similar treaties with the United States (1882), Great Britain and Germany (1883), and later with Russia, France, Austria-Hungary, etc. Granting foreigners the right to unhindered trade, settlements and other privileges, these agreements created the conditions for the economic and political enslavement of the country. In Korea, anti-feudal protests intensified, which were combined with the struggle of the popular masses against the penetration of foreign powers in Korea. On July 23, 1882, a major anti-Japanese and anti-government uprising of soldiers and townspeople broke out in Seoul. The rebels attacked the houses of officials and also destroyed the Japanese diplomatic mission. The king's family and dignitaries fled Seoul. Then Taewongun, taking advantage of the situation, again seized power. Kojong and his supporters turned to China for help, which sent 3 thousand soldiers to Korea. The uprising was suppressed, Chinese troops were concentrated in Seoul, Taewongun was taken to China, and the Mings again seized power. Japan imposed a new (Incheon) Treaty on Korea (August 1882). Under the guise of compensation for losses caused during the uprising, China, in order to strengthen its position, signed the “Rules on Trade” with Korea in September 1882, which caused discontent among the Koreans, especially the young yangban, who advocated independent development and modernization of the country along the capitalist model. In the difficult conditions of Chinese military intervention in the internal affairs of Korea, a group of yangbans led by Kim Ok-kyun, who opposed archaic feudal institutions and for progressive reforms, prepared a political coup. At the beginning of December 1884, the conspirators seized the palace, executed prominent ministers of the ruling clique and created their own government, which lasted only 2 days. The Chinese troops remaining in Korea after the events of 1882 defeated the reformers. Kim Ok-kyun and others fled outside the country. In April 1885, the Treaty of Tianjin was signed between Japan and China, which, while formally equalizing both sides' claims to Korea, only intensified their rivalry. According to the Tianjin Treaty, Chinese and Japanese troops were withdrawn from Korea, but the possibility of further armed intervention of these countries in the affairs of Korea was allowed. The economic and political development of Korea acquired features characteristic of semi-colonial countries. Foreign (mostly Japanese) merchants flooded the market with their goods, including ch. place was occupied by cotton fabrics; however, during this period they were not yet able to displace locally produced products. Agricultural products were intensively exported from Korea. products (rice, beans), as well as gold and silver. Feudal exploitation and bribery of officials increased. The invasion of foreigners, feudal exploitation and abuses of the authorities caused a powerful peasant uprising (see Peasant uprising of 1893-94). It was used by feudal China to send troops to Korea. The entry of Chinese troops served as the reason for the invasion of Japanese troops into Korea and the start of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95. Having been defeated in the war, China renounced its suzerainty over Korea and recognized (under the Treaty of Shimonoseki 1895) its independence. After this, Japanese influence in Korea increased. At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. Russo-Japanese contradictions in Korea intensified. According to an agreement reached in 1896 between Russia and Japan, the independence of Korea was recognized, but corresponding privileges in Korea were stipulated for Russia and Japan.
In the 2nd half of the 90s. The USA, Japan, Great Britain, France, Germany and Russia forced Korea to enter into a number of agreements granting them concessions (for gold mines, construction of railways, forestry, iron ore and mining, fishing, shipping, etc.). The Japanese imperialists owned banks and the first factory enterprises (rice cleaning plants, etc.). In 1904, in Korea's foreign trade, Japanese capital accounted for 70.9% of imports and 82.2% of exports. The development of capitalism in Korea took place under the dominance of foreign capital. Competition from foreign goods destroyed the local traditional production of textiles and increased the ruin of peasants and artisans. However, with the intensive development of domestic trade (especially after the abolition of the nobi institution in 1894, which opened up the possibility of wider use of hired labor), many small Korean industrial enterprises of the manufacturing type arose (production of individual household items - metal products, dishes, food processing, etc.). But Korean capital was very little represented in the factory industry and in its share was much inferior to Japanese capital. In 1911, out of 164 joint-stock companies, only 29 (17.6%) belonged to Korean national capital.
CONCLUSION
Having studied the literature on a given topic and made characteristics of countries, we can conclude thatJapan - one of the most economically powerful states of the modern world with great achievements in the field of science and technology, with a rich cultural heritage. There is no doubt that, having such potential, this country will continue to play an ever-increasing role not only in the world economy, but also in world politics. Much in Japanese politics is determined by its unique national specifics and, apparently, cannot be fully reproduced in other conditions. However, much of what has been tested and confirmed by the practice of this country can be perceived as useful and instructive experience.
Korea . In the second half of the 19th century, pro-Western reforms in Korea, following the example of Japan, were attempted to be initiated by the influential official Park Kyu-soo, but they were carried out extremely slowly and stopped after his death. Began in 1893-94. The revolutionary movement, led by the Toga-kuto party, forced the king to turn to China for help. The Chinese government sent troops to Korea, to which Japan responded by sending its own. The Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95 began. Korea did not officially take part in it, but it was fought because of Korea and partly on its territory. After the war, Korea actually fell under the protectorate of Japan. The king now ruled under the strictest control of Japan. In 1895, the Japanese assassinated Queen Ming. The scandal was so widespread that a show trial was held over the killers in Japan, but they were all found innocent. On February 11, 1896, van Kojong fled the palace and hid in Russian embassy, where he lived for a whole year; It was only in March 1897 that he returned to his palace, after which he assumed the title of emperor, without actually possessing virtually any power.
In his essay, he traced the formation and development of the public administration system in Japan (end of the 10th V II – second half of the 18th century), showed the period of the rise and fall of the shogunate in Japan from the second half of the 18th century to the second half of the 19th century, and traced the development of Korea.
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We often say: Eastern culture - but at the same time we ourselves get confused whether we mean China or Japan. And they, by the way, are different. I suggest you watch the material that will teach you once and for all to distinguish between these two countries.
Home and Away
In China you don't take off your shoes
Unlike the Japanese and Koreans, the Chinese do not take off their shoes when entering the house. But there are exceptions, so when entering the house, it is better to check.
Shoes are removed in Japan
Shoes must be removed in all homes, many hospitals, restaurants and some offices. Therefore, socks should always be intact and clean. According to the rules of decency, shoes must be turned with their toes towards the exit. If you forget to do this or do not pay attention out of ignorance, the owner or staff of the establishment will do it for you. It is noteworthy that if you are going to visit the restroom, you will find special slippers for this.
Ceremonies
They don't bow in China
Unlike the Japanese, the Chinese do not bow every time they want to greet or say goodbye to someone. A Chinese can bow only in case of very great respect for a person, at a special ceremony or holiday. During the dynasties, if a guest came to the emperor, he had to bow deeply and touch his head to the floor nine times. There were no other bows.
In Japan they bow
Bowing is an integral part of Japanese life. Without even noticing it, they bow even while talking on the phone. Bows are divided by depth and duration: a greeting bow - 15°, a respectful bow - 30°, a bow of the highest respect - 45° and bowing - touching the head to the floor.
Religion
In China - Confucianism / Taoism / Buddhism
Since the beginning of Chinese history, no one religion has been dominant and has not required unconditional adherence. One person could profess several religions at once.
In Japan - Shintoism
The national religion of Japan is Shintoism. The Japanese believe that everything around them is endowed with deity and spirits, even stone. Shinto also believe in magic, totemism (the reverence of individual animals), and fetishism (the belief in the supernatural power of amulets and talismans).
Martial arts
In China - Wushu and Kungfu
Wushu (translated as “martial arts”) is a Chinese gymnastics that combines all types of martial arts. The word “kungfu”, which often also refers to martial arts, in China was used to describe any type of activity in which one can improve, from martial arts to singing and cooking. Actually, kung fu is working on yourself.
In Japan - sumo, judo, aikido, karate, jiu-jitsu
The art of killing, or so-called bu-jutsu, is the historical basis of all martial arts in Japan. All self-respecting samurai and ninjas trained in this. The main goal was to quickly and effectively neutralize the enemy. This is a fight in which there were no rules, because in battle all means are good. And to complete the battle, do not shake hands, but simply kill.
Food
In China - Peking duck, dim sum, fried rice, century egg and turtle soup
We only know five tastes. A feature of Chinese cuisine is the presence of as many as eight: in addition to sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and salty, any Chinese will also tell you aromatic taste (a properly prepared dish has a special aroma), fresh (similar to the taste of rice and bread) and golden (similar to the taste of kumquat) ).
In Japan - sushi, rolls and sashimi
The main specialty of Japanese cuisine is raw fish dishes, the most popular of which are sushi and rolls. During the cooking process, the fish is not subjected to heat treatment to preserve its natural taste. Also in Japan, they like it when a meal consists of many small dishes - so that you can appreciate the skill of the cook without overeating. In the classic version, a Japanese aristocrat had 15–20 small dishes on his table.
Life
In China they sit on chairs
It is generally accepted that “eastern people” prefer low surfaces: mats, pillows, tabletops that barely rise above them. However, the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom prefer to sit on chairs rather than kneeling on the floor, like the Japanese. The tradition came from nobles who wanted to be higher since the end of the 6th century: after all, the higher a person is, the higher his status. Every Chinese dreamed of the day when he would sit on a chair. Gradually, they became a common part of the Chinese interior in families of different social circles.
In Japan they sit on their knees
Seiza (“sitting on your knees”) in Japan is a whole science that can be learned. This position is an integral part of a number of traditional Japanese rituals, such as the tea ceremony, meditation, some martial arts and calligraphy.
Cloth
In China - qipao and hanfu
Traditional Chinese dress is called Hanfu (clothing of the Han Dynasty, 3rd century BC). It is a set of clothes - from underwear to a robe with a belt. Hanfu was worn by both men and women. Pretentious and even luxurious, it demonstrated all the splendor of famous silk fabrics. After the Manchus seized power in the 17th century, traditional Chinese clothing was replaced by the Changshan for men and the Qipao (flag dress) for women. They stayed for three centuries until Mao changed everyone into uniform. However, now wearing national clothes in China is being revived. In general, Chinese costumes look brighter, more elaborate and intricate than Japanese ones. Although the basis for the kimono was Hanfu.
In Japan - kimono
Of course, today a kimono is not an everyday outfit, but every woman in the Land of the Rising Sun hangs a couple of suits in her closet in case of a holiday, wedding, graduation or other celebrations. The kimono highlights only the shoulders and waist, since the Japanese ideal beauty is “the fewer bulges and irregularities, the more beautiful.” The kimono has been considered national clothing since the mid-19th century.
Medicine
In China - acupuncture (acupuncture)
Acupuncture specialists believe that each organ has its own zone on the human body - the so-called meridian. For example, if you have liver pain, then acupuncture is performed in the area of the feet or ears. There are about 700 points on our body, each of which has its own name and is located on its own meridian. By inserting needles into these points, specialists influence the energy, eliminating pain in the corresponding organ.
In Japan - shiatsu (hand pressure)
Shiatsu was born only in the 40s of the 20th century, when physician Tokujiro Namikoshi noticed how his mother, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, pressed on sore spots, massaged, rubbed them and she felt better. He devoted himself to studying this issue and developed a special treatment method based on pinpoint finger pressure - shiatsu, a type of manual therapy.
Symbols
In China - dragon
One of the main representatives of Chinese culture is a collective character. They describe it through similarities: the head of a camel, the horns of a deer, the eyes of a demon, the neck of a snake, the scales of a carp, the claws of an eagle, the paws of a tiger and the ears of a cow. Unlike the European dragon, he is not exactly kind, but at least wise. The Chinese dragon is easy to distinguish from dragons of other cultures: it has five toes. In total, nine types of dragons “live” in China: heavenly, spiritual, underground, treasure dragon, winged, water-living dragon, horned, yellow, which came from the Lo River in order to teach other creatures to write, and royal.
In Japan - sakura
Sakura is the national symbol of Japan. As you travel around the country, you may notice the cherry blossom on the coat of arms of the police and armed forces. The botanical name is small-serrate cherry. Every year, observing the beauty and fragility of cherry blossoms, the Japanese philosophize that beauty does not last forever.
Warriors
China's Terracotta Army
Qin Shi Huang was the most cruel emperor of China. And at the same time very religious. While still alive, he began to carefully prepare for the transition to the afterlife. On his instructions, 6,000 human-sized clay warriors were made and placed in a column in full armor, so that they would guard the emperor’s peace after death. The clay army has been passed down to descendants, and no matter how hard you try, you won’t find even two identical ones here, because the faces were sculpted from real prototypes, so that after death the souls of the warriors would find refuge in the statues. The most amazing thing is that the terracotta army guards the empty tomb to this day, because the sarcophagus of Qin Shi Huang is still being searched throughout China.
In Japan - samurai and ninja
The word "samurai" comes from the verb haberu, literally translated - "to serve, to support." Many people think that samurai are an elite class of warriors, but they were just their master's bodyguards and servants in everyday life. Farmers, and only then warriors (who always walked across the field after a battle and cut off the heads of corpses in order to please the master with the number of enemies killed). A ninja is a reconnaissance saboteur, a spy, an infiltrator and an assassin in medieval Japan. Ninjas, unlike samurai, were not subject to the feudal system, so they had no chance of career growth; they always remained in the shadows. During the heyday of the ninja, which occurred in the Middle Ages, there were about 70 clans in Japan. The profession was inherited: from father to son or daughter. Female ninjas also existed, they were called kunoichi.
Territory - 372 thousand square meters. km.
Population - 127 million people. (2000).
The capital is Tokyo.
Geographical location, general information
Japan is an archipelago country located on four large and almost four thousand small islands, stretching in an arc of 3.5 thousand km. from northeast to southwest along the east coast of Asia. Largest islands Honshu, Hokaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. The shores of the archipelago are heavily indented and form many bays and bays. The seas and oceans surrounding Japan are of exceptional importance for the country as a source of biological, mineral and energy resources.
The economic and geographical position of Japan is determined primarily by the fact that it is located in the center of the Asia-Pacific region, which contributes to the country's active participation in the international geographical division of labor.
In what is now Japan, the oldest human traces found date back to the Paleolithic period. In the 3rd - 4th centuries BC, proto-Japanese tribes came from southeastern China. In the 5th century BC, the Japanese borrowed hieroglyphic writing and adopted Buddhism in the 6th century.
During the feudal period, Japan was isolated from other countries. After the incomplete bourgeois revolution of 1867-1868, it embarked on the path of rapid capitalist development. At the turn of the 19th - 20th centuries, it became one of the imperialist powers. In the 20th century, Japan entered and participated in three major wars (Russian-Japanese and two world wars). After the end of World War II, the armed forces were disbanded and reforms were carried out. In 1947, the emperor lost his powers (according to the constitution); Japan is now a constitutional monarchy. The highest body of state power and the only legislative body is parliament.
Natural conditions and resources
The geological basis of the archipelago is underwater mountain ranges. About 80% of the territory is occupied by mountains and hills with highly dissected relief with an average height of 1600 - 1700 m. There are about 200 volcanoes, 90 active, including the highest peak - the Fudei volcano (3,776 m). Frequent volcanoes also have a significant impact on the Japanese economy. earthquakes and tsunamis.
The country is poor in mineral resources, but coal, lead and zinc ores, oil, sulfur, and limestone are mined. The resources of its own deposits are small, so Japan is the largest importer of raw materials.
Despite the small area, the length of the country in the meridional direction determined the existence of a unique complex on its territory natural conditions: Hokkaido Island and northern Honshu have a temperate maritime climate, the rest of Honshu, Shikoku and Yushu Islands have a humid subtropical climate, and Ryukyu Island has a tropical climate. Japan is located in an active monsoon zone. The average annual precipitation ranges from 2 - 4 thousand mm.
The soils of Japan are mainly slightly podzolic and peaty, as well as brown forest and red soils. Approximately 2/3 of the territory, mainly mountainous areas, is covered with forests (more than half of the forests are artificial plantations). Coniferous forests predominate in northern Hokkaido, mixed forests in central Honshu and southern Hokkaido, and subtropical monsoon forests in the south.
Japan has many rivers, deep, fast and rapids, unsuitable for navigation, but a source for hydropower and irrigation.
Abundance of rivers. lakes and groundwater have a beneficial effect on the development of industry and agriculture.
In the post-war period, environmental problems worsened on the Japanese islands. The adoption and implementation of a number of environmental protection laws reduces the level of environmental pollution.
Population
Japan is one of the top ten countries in the world in terms of population. Japan became the first Asian country to move from the second to the first type of population reproduction. Now the birth rate is 12 ppm, the mortality rate is 8 ppm. Life expectancy in the country is the highest in the world (76 years for men and 82 years for women).
The population is nationally homogeneous, about 99% are Japanese. Of other nationalities, the Koreans and Chinese are significant in number. The most common religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. The population is distributed unevenly across the area. Average density - 330 people. per 1 sq. m. but the coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean are among the most densely populated in the world.
About 80% of the population lives in cities. 11 cities have millionaires. The largest urban agglomerations of Keihin, Hanshin and Chuke merge into the Tokyo metropolis (Takaido) with a population of more than 60 million people.
Farm
The growth rate of the Japanese economy was one of the highest in the second half of the 20th century. The country has largely undergone a qualitative restructuring of the economy. Japan is at a post-industrial stage of development, which is characterized by highly developed industry, but the most growing area is the non-manufacturing sector (services, finance, etc.).
Although Japan is poor natural resources and imports raw materials for most industries; it ranks 1-2 in the world in the output of many industries. Industry is mainly concentrated within the Pacific industrial belt.
Electric power industry. Mainly uses imported raw materials. In the structure of the raw material base, oil leads, the share of natural gas, hydropower and nuclear energy is growing, and the share of coal is decreasing.
In the electric power industry, 60% of the power comes from thermal power plants and 28% from nuclear power plants, including Fukushima - the most powerful in the world.
Hydroelectric power stations are located in cascades on mountain rivers. Japan ranks fifth in the world in terms of hydroelectric power generation. In resource-poor Japan, alternative energy sources are being actively developed.
"Ferrous metallurgy. The country ranks first in the world in terms of steel production. Japan's share of the global ferrous metallurgy market is 23%.
The largest centers, now operating almost entirely on imported raw materials and fuel, are located near Osaka, Tokyo, and Fuji.
Non-ferrous metallurgy. Due to the harmful impact on the environment, the primary smelting of non-ferrous metals is being reduced. Distribution water plants are located in all major industrial centers.
Mechanical engineering provides 40% of industrial output. The main sub-sectors among the many developed in Japan are electronics and electrical engineering, radio industry and transport engineering.
Japan firmly ranks first in the world in shipbuilding, specializing in the construction of large-tonnage tankers and dry cargo ships. The main centers of shipbuilding and ship repair are located in the largest ports (Yokohama, Nagasaki, Kobe).
Japan also ranks first in the world in car production (13 million units per year). The main centers are Toyota, Yokohama, Hiroshima.
The main general engineering enterprises are located within the Pacific industrial belt - complex machine tool building and industrial robots in the Tokyo region, metal-intensive equipment in the Osaka region, machine tool manufacturing in the Nagoya region.
The country's share in the world output of the radio-electronic and electrical engineering industries is exceptionally large.
Japan ranks one of the first in the world in terms of development of the chemical industry.
Japan also has developed pulp and paper, light and food industries.
Japanese agriculture remains an important industry, although it contributes about 2% of GNP; the industry employs 6.5% of EAN. Agricultural production is focused on food production (the country provides 70% of its needs for food itself).
13% of the territory is cultivated, and in the structure of crop production (providing 70% of agricultural products), the leading role is played by the cultivation of rice and vegetables, and horticulture is developed. Livestock farming (cattle breeding, pig farming, poultry farming) is developing intensively.
Due to the exceptional place of fish and seafood in the Japanese diet, the country fishes in all areas of the World Ocean, has more than three thousand fishing ports and has the largest fishing fleet (over 400 thousand vessels).
Transport
All types of transport are developed in Japan with the exception of river and pipeline transport. In terms of cargo transportation volume, the first place belongs to road transport (60%), the second place belongs to sea transport. The role of railway transport is declining, while air transportation is growing. Due to very active foreign economic relations, Japan has the largest merchant fleet in the world.
The territorial structure of the economy is characterized by a combination of two completely different parts: the Pacific belt, which is the socio-economic core of the country (the main industrial areas, ports, transport routes and developed agriculture are located here) and the peripheral zone, which includes areas where timber harvesting is most developed, livestock farming, mining, hydropower, tourism and recreation. Despite the implementation of regional policy, the smoothing out of territorial imbalances is still slow.
Foreign economic relations of Japan
Japan actively participates in the MGRT, foreign trade occupies a leading place, and the export of capital, production, scientific, technical and other ties are also developed.
Japan's share in world imports is about 1/10. Mainly raw materials and fuel are imported.
The country's share in world exports is also more than 1/10. Industrial goods account for 98% of exports.
The data was last verified in 2015 - check the information at the link on Wikipedia
- Capital: Tokyo
- Type government structure: unitary
- Form of government: parliamentary monarchy
- Population: 127 million people
- Official language: Japanese
- Capital: Beijing
- Form of government: parliamentary republic
- Population: 1.37 billion people
- Official language: Chinese
- Capital: New Delhi
- Type of government: federation
- Form of government: parliamentary republic
- Population: 1.28 billion people
- Official language: Hindi and English
- Capital: Astana
- Type of government: unitary
- Form of government: presidential republic
- Population: 17.5 million people
- Official language: Kazakh
- Capital: Tashkent
- Type of government: unitary
- Form of government: presidential republic
- Population: 31 million people
- Official language: Uzbek
- Capital: Dushanbe
- Type of government: unitary
- Form of government: presidential republic
- Population: 8.4 million people
- Official language: Tajik
- Capital: Ashgabat
- Type of government: unitary
- Form of government: presidential republic
- Population: 5 million people
- Official language: Turkmen
- Capital: Bishkek
- Type of government: unitary
- Form of government: presidential republic
- Population: 6 million people
- Official language: Kyrgyz
- Capital: Tbilisi, Kutaisi
- Type of government: unitary
- Form of government: parliamentary republic
- Population: 3.7 million people
- Official language: Georgian
- Capital: Yerevan
- Type of government: unitary
- Form of government: republic
- Population: 3 million people
- Official language: Armenian
- Capital: Baku
- Type of government: unitary
- Form of government: presidential republic
- Population: 9.8 million people
- Official language: Azerbaijani
2. Answer the questions.
What are the features of the modern demographic situation in China and Japan?
China is characterized by rapid population growth, while Japan has a large population and a large proportion of elderly people.
What consequences can the current demographic situation in these countries lead to in the economy and social life of China and Japan? Indicate possible ways to solve demographic problems in these states.
A large population will lead to increased unemployment, a large economic burden on the working-age population, educational problems, and large government expenditures on the social sphere. To solve the problem, demographic policy should be pursued (propaganda, introduction of economic measures - fines, taxes).
3. Using atlas maps (pp. 82-83, 86) and textbook material (§ 17-18), fill out the table.
| Features of development and economic sectors | Japan | China |
| Average life expectancy (above, below ↓) | $$ | $↓$ |
| Natural population growth (above, below ↓) | $↓$ | $$ |
| Urbanization rate (%) | $86$ | $50$ |
| Electricity production and distribution | $+$ | $+$ |
| Metallurgical production | $++$ | $++$ |
| Production of petroleum products and coke, chemical production, production of rubber and plastic products | $++$ | $+$ |
| $++$ | $++$ | |
| Wood processing and production of wood products, pulp and paper | $+$ | $++$ |
| Textile and clothing production; production of leather, footwear | $+$ | $++$ |
| Crop production | $+$ | $++$ |
| Livestock | $+$ | $++$ |
| Fishing | $++$ | $+$ |
| Transport | $+$ | $+$ |
Note. To fill out the table, use the following conventions: “—”—has little or no development; “+”—has been developed, but has predominantly internal development; “+ +” - determines the international specialization of the country.
Indicate the similarities in the specialization of Japan and China.
Ferrous metallurgy and mechanical engineering are of export importance; Both countries have developed fishing and transport.
They are determined by the economic and geographical position of the countries.
Indicate the differences in the specialization of Japan and China.
The chemical industry and mechanical engineering in Japan are more high-tech and highly specialized (electronics and electrical engineering).
What are the reasons for them?
They are due to differences in the level of socio-economic development of countries and different natural resource potential.
4. List the similarities and differences between the nature of the Hindustan and Indochina peninsulas.
The peninsulas are located in tropical and subtropical latitudes and are characterized by trade wind-monsoon circulation. The climate of Indochina is more humid, the topography is more dissected.
5. Assess the military-strategic and political significance of the Strait of Malacca.
Military-strategic significance: attracts pirates and terrorists, and is now patrolled by the military of neighboring countries.
Political significance: an important sea route connecting the Pacific and Indian oceans, connecting the three most populated countries, and has significant capacity.
6. Based on the table data, construct a pie chart “Structure of India’s exports”.
Draw a conclusion.
The structure of exports is dominated by machinery and transport equipment. Mineral fuels and chemicals occupy a significant place. Agricultural products are not exported, because consumed domestically.
7. Using the material from the textbook (§ 19, pp. 143-146) and atlas maps (p. 80), fill out the table.
Leading sectors of the Italian economy
| Industry | Agriculture | ||
| Industry | Products | Industry | Products |
| Energy | Thermal power plants and nuclear power plants | Crop production | rice, cotton, jute, tea, sugar cane, peanuts, rapeseed |
| Ferrous metallurgy | steel | ||
| Non-ferrous metallurgy | aluminum | Livestock | dairy cattle |
| Mechanical engineering | metal-cutting machines, power equipment, wagons, ships, cars, agricultural machinery | ||
| Chemical industry | mineral fertilizers, rubber, plastics | Fishing | fish and shellfish |
| Textile | cotton fabrics | ||
8. Fill out the table.
| Parameters for comparison | Japan | China | India |
| Main tectonic structures | Alpine fold region | Chinese-Korean, South Chinese platforms | Indian platform |
| Largest landforms | volcanoes, low mountains, and coastal lowlands | Great Chinese Plain, Tibetan Plateau | Deccan Plateau, Indo-Gangetic Plain |
| Minerals | small reserves of coal, copper and polymetallic ores | coal, oil, bauxite, iron ore | copper, iron, polymetallic ores, bauxite, nickel, oil, gas, diamonds, uranium |
| Factors that determine the uniqueness of the climate | island status | location in the east of the mainland | location in tropical and subtropical latitudes |
| Demographics | high population, negative growth | high population, growth is stabilizing | rapid population growth |
| Industry specialization | electronics, chemical industry, non-ferrous metals | heavy industry | textiles and engineering |
| Agriculture Specialization | crop production | crop production (rice) and pig farming | crop production |
Indicate the differences between countries.
Countries have different economic specializations and different demographic indicators.
What are the reasons for them?
Different natural conditions and resources, different levels of socio-economic development.
9. Describe the physical and geographical position of the countries of Central Asia.
Countries at a considerable distance from the oceans, located in the center of Eurasia, are located in areas of subtropical and temperate continental climates.
10. Describe the economic and geographical position of the countries of Central Asia.
The state is united by the peculiarities of historical development, similarity of demographic processes, specialization of the economy, a unified transport system, foreign economic relations with the CIS countries and East, South-East, South-West Asia.
11. Fill out the table.
Comparative characteristics of the natural conditions of Central Asia and Transcaucasia
| Parameters for comparison | central Asia | Transcaucasia |
| Geographical position | inland part of Eurasia | part of the Caucasus south of the Great Range |
| Tectonic structure | corresponds to the ancient Ural-Mongolian belt, South-Alps-Himalayas | within the Alpine-Himalayan fold |
| Predominant landforms | mountainous countries, highlands, intermontane depressions | mountainous countries, ridges are located in parallel stripes, alternating with depressions |
| Predominant climate types | temperate and subtropical, continental and sharply continental | subtropical, Mediterranean and continental |
| Predominant soils | sandy, brown desert | chestnut, in chernozem valleys, mountain, forest |
| Typical plants | steppe vegetation in dry areas - wormwood-turf grass steppes | western - steppe, mountains - forest, relict broad-leaved forests |
Draw a conclusion. Identify similarities and differences.
Location in the same climatic zones determines similarity, but different degrees of moisture determine the difference.
12. Mark the correct statement with a “+” sign.
- The relief of Transcaucasia is flatter than that of Central Asia.
- The relief of Transcaucasia and Central Asia is not significantly different.
- The relief of Central Asia decreases towards the Pacific Ocean in the form of several steps.
13. Mark the correct statement with a “+” sign.
- The climate of Central Asia is sharply continental.
- The climate of Transcaucasia is sharply continental.
- Some rivers in Central Asia freeze to the bottom in winter.
14. Mark the correct answer with a “+” sign.
- For Central Asia, monsoon climate type:
- typical in temperate, subtropical and subequatorial climate zones; not typical;
- not typical in the temperate zone.
15. Describe the demographic situation in the countries of Central Asia. Establish the reasons for the current situation. To complete the task, use additional sources of information.
High birth rate and low death rate, therefore high natural increase. The high birth rate is due to traditions and religion.
16. Using the atlas map (pp. 84-85), fill out the table.
Specialization of industrial and agricultural production in Central Asian countries
| Industry | Kazakhstan | Kyrgyzstan | Turkmenistan | Tajikistan | Uzbekistan |
| Extraction of fuel and energy minerals: oil | $+$ | $-$ | $+$ | $-$ | $+$ |
| gas | $++$ | $++$ | |||
| coal | $+$ | $-$ | $-$ | $-$ | $-$ |
| $+$ | $-$ | $-$ | $-$ | $-$ | |
| non-ferrous metals | $-$ | $++$ | $-$ | $++$ | $-$ |
| Mechanical engineering production | $+$ | $-$ | $-$ | $-$ | $+$ |
| Production of petroleum products and coke, chemical production | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ |
| $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | |
| Crop production | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | ||
| Livestock | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | ||
| Food production | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ | $+$ |
Draw conclusions.
