Transcript Japan Overview

Japan Overview
SS7H3 The student will analyze continuity and change in Southern and Eastern Asia
leading to the 21st century.
c. Explain the role of the United States in the rebuilding of Japan after WWII.
SS7E10 The student will describe factors that influence economic growth and examine
their presence or absence in India, China, and Japan.
a. Explain the relationship between investment in human capital (education and
training) and gross domestic product (GDP).
b. Explain the relationship between investment in capital (factories, machinery, and
technology) and gross domestic product (GDP).
c. Describe the role of natural resources in a country’s economy.
d. Describe the role of entrepreneurship.
SS7E8 The student will analyze different economic systems.
c. Compare and contrast the economic systems in China, India, Japan, and North Korea.
SS7CG7 The student will demonstrate an understanding of national governments in
Southern and Eastern Asia.
a. Compare and contrast the federal republic of The Republic of India, the communist
state of The People’s Republic China, and the constitutional monarchy of Japan,
distinguishing the form of leadership and the role of the citizen in terms of voting
rights and personal freedoms.
SS7G12 The student will analyze the diverse cultures of the people who live in
Southern and Eastern Asia.
b. Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southern and Eastern Asia:
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism and the philosophy of Confucianism.
Map
Warm-up
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In Japan, the prefectures (Japan’s word for states
or provinces) do not have any independent
authority. Instead, they carry out the laws and
policies of the national government. This is an
example of what system of government?
A. Unitary
B. Confederation
C. Federal
D. parliamentary
Japanese Government
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The Constitutional Monarchy of Japan
The Emperor of Japan (head of state) is merely a “symbol of the state”; purely
ceremonial. This is similar to the President of India who is only a “figure head”.
True executive power resides with the Prime Minister (head of government), and the
Cabinet of Ministers, who are part of the legislative branch of government.
There are universal voting rights for all adult Japanese citizens.
Explanation of Terms:
Chief of state includes the name and title of the titular leader of the country who
represents the state at official and ceremonial functions, but who may not be
involved with the day-to-day activities of the government.
Head of government includes the name and title of the top administrative leader who
is designated to manage the day-to-day activities of the government.
{In the US, the president is both the chief of state and the head of government.}
Government Contd.
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Democratic: a government in which the supreme power is
vested in the people and exercised by them directly or
indirectly through a system of representation usually
involving periodically held free elections.
Parliamentary: a system of government having the real
executive power vested in a cabinet composed of members
of the legislature who are individually and collectively
responsible to the legislature. May have a Prime Minister
elected by the legislature.
Unitary: characterized by or constituting a form of
government in which power is held by one central
authority; China and Japan are both unitary.
Why did the US help Japan rebuild after
WWII?
After WWII, U.S. as an occupying power in
Japan, and the transition of power back to
the Japanese government.
 In addition to economic reasons, the U.S.
was also concerned about the emergence
of a Communist-controlled China.
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Sample CRCT Test Question:
What role did the U.S. play in rebuilding Japan after
World War II?
 A. Provided free loans.
 B. Helped rebuild Japan’s army.
 C. Required Japan to pay war damages.
 D. Developed a plan to help Japan’s economy
recover.
Sample CRCT questions:
a national government as well as 28 state governments
 the leader of each state legislature's majority is appointed governor by the
president
 citizens of each state elect state legislatures
1. Based on the information above, which term identifies India's
government?
 A. federal republic
 B. communist state
 C. constitutional monarchy
 D. autocratic confederation
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The emperor holds a ceremonial role as head of state
 The prime minister is the head of government
 The government’s true power lies with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet
2. Based on the information above, which term identifies Japan’s
government?
 A. federal republic
 B. communist state
 C. constitutional monarchy
 D. autocratic confederation
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Shintoism
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No known date or founder.
Shinto is the indigenous religion of Japan.
Shinto (together with Buddhism) is intimately tied to
Japanese society and culture.
Shinto's relationship with other religions in Japan are
generally cooperative and harmonious.
Polytheism based on the kami, ancient gods or spirits.
Shintoists insist on maintaining their own characteristics
and inner depth while working toward the peaceful
coexistence of human beings.
Worship and offerings to kami at shrines and at home.
Purification rituals.
The beautiful Mt. Fuji, a sacred Shinto
mountain.
The most common Shinto symbol,
which represents a torii (shrine gate).
Shinto priests in procession.
Economy
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Japan
(1) What to produce?
Japan’s economy is primarily market driven with supply and demand determining
what will be produced.
The few industries that are highly government-controlled, such as agriculture, have
much lower productivity rates than those industries controlled by market forces.
(2) How to produce?
Private businesses determine their own production processes in most of the economy.
(3) For whom to produce?
Japan’s population enjoys a high standard of living and creates a strong domestic
market for goods and services.
The efficiency of Japan’s production and its reputation for quality products/services
has made it a major exporter.
Economy Types Continuum:
Market
Mixed
Japan India
China
Command
North
Korea
Economy Contd.
Japan is a great example of a country with
few natural resources that has developed
systems of production and trade that are
so efficient that they have been able to
develop one of the best economies in the
world.
 Japan does not have to maintain a large
military like other nations.
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Literacy Rate and Growth Rate
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Japan
Years compulsory— Up to Grade 9 (only 4% leave school
after this grade)
Literacy Rate— 99%
Real growth rate (2007): 2.5%
Capital Investment—22.5% of GDP
Highly developed economies like the USA and Japan have
smaller growth rates because the size of their economies
are already so large.
Japan has the second largest economy in the world.