Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 Regional Geography of Japan
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Part III: Regional Geography
Regional Geography of Japan
Questions &Answers
1. Write about the geographical location of Japan.
Ans: Japan is an island country in East Asia. It is located on the western margin of the Pacific Ocean. Japan lies between 24°N to 46°N latitudes and122°E to 146°E longitudes. It is bounded by the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, the Sea of Japan in the west, the Pacific Ocean in the east, and the East China Sea in the south. Japan consists of four main islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu—and more than about 6,800 smaller islands. Being located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently. Due to its location, it has a predominantly maritime climate.
2. Give a geographical introduction of Japan.
Ans: Japan is a mountainous and volcanic island country. About 75 percent of its area is mountainous. There are more than 100 volcanoes, many of which are active. Mount Fuji (3,776 meters) is the highest peak of the country. Plains are limited and are mainly found in coastal areas. Rivers are short and swift-flowing. Although natural resources are limited, Japan has developed into one of the world’s most powerful economies through advanced technology and industry.
3. What are the main natural divisions of Japan? Write briefly aboutthe physical features of each.
Ans: The main natural divisions of Japan are:
i) Hokkaido region: Located in the north. It has volcanic mountains and extensive plains. The climate is cold. Dairy farming and wheat cultivation are common.
ii) Honshu region: The largest and most important island. Mount Fuji is located here. The Kanto and Kinki plains are found here. Most cities and industries are concentrated here.
iii) Shikoku region: It is smaller in area and mostly mountainous. Agricultural land is limited. Coastal fishing is important.
iv) Kyushu region: Located in the south-west. Volcanic features are prominent. The climate is warm. It is famous for tea, rice, and sweet potato production.
4. Give a brief description of the relief features of Japan.
Ans: The relief of Japan is mainly mountainous. About three-fourths of the country is covered by mountains. Plains are very narrow and are located mainly in coastal areas. As Japan lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquakes and tsunamis are frequent. Mount Fuji is a beautiful conical volcanic peak. Rivers are short and suitable for hydroelectric power generation.
5. Write briefly about the population growth and distribution of Japan.
Ans: The population growth rate of Japan is currently very low. The proportion of elderly people is high. The population is mainly concentrated in coastal plains. High population density is found in the Kanto Plain (Tokyo region), Kinki region (Osaka-Kobe), and Chukyo region (Nagoya). Mountainous and interior regions have low population. This uneven distribution is due to industrial development, transport facilities, and urbanization.
6. Mention the factors responsible for the variation in population density in Japan.
Ans: The factors responsible for variation in population density in Japan are:
i) Lack of habitable land due to mountainous relief
ii) Limited agricultural plains
iii) Development of industry and trade
iv) Advanced transport and port facilities
v) Urbanization and modernization
vi) Economic advantages of coastal areas
7. Write about the role of agriculture in the economy of Japan.
Ans: The role of agriculture in Japan’s economy is comparatively small, yet it is very important. Agriculture is practiced using advanced scientific methods. Rice is the main crop. Terrace farming is practiced in hilly areas. There is extensive use of fertilizers, improved seeds, machinery, and irrigation. Tea, fruits, vegetables, and dairy production are also important.
8. Write about the main agricultural regions of Japan and their characteristics.
Ans: The main agricultural regions of Japan and their characteristics are:
i) Kanto Plain: Rice and vegetables; densely populated.
ii) Kinki region: Rice and horticultural crops.
iii) Chubu region: Fruits and tea production.
iv) Kyushu region: Tea, rice, and sweet potatoes.
v) Hokkaido region: Wheat, dairy farming, and livestock rearing.
9. Write the main industrial regions of Japan and describe them briefly.
Ans: The main industrial regions of Japan are:
i) Keihin (Tokyo-Yokohama) region: The largest industrial region; famous for electronics, automobiles, machinery, and chemical industries.
ii) Hanshin (Osaka-Kobe) region: Known for iron and steel, textiles, and shipbuilding industries.
iii) Chukyo (Nagoya) region: Advanced in automobile industry (especially Toyota) and machinery.
iv) Kitakyushu region: Important for iron and steel and heavy industries.
10. Short notes
(a) Islands of Japan:
Ans: Japan is an island country located on the western margin of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of more than 6,800 islands. The four major islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Though separated by sea, these islands are connected by advanced transport systems. The physical features, population, and economy of Japan are closely related to the structure and location of these islands.
(b) Relief of Hokkaido region:
Ans: Hokkaido, the second-largest island of Japan, is located in the north. Its relief is mainly volcanic and mountainous. There are many volcanic peaks and lava fields. Some parts have extensive plains, especially the Ishikari Plain. Population is relatively low. Agriculture and livestock farming, especially dairy, are important economic activities. The natural beauty of this region is remarkable.
(c) Industrialization and economic development of Japan:
Ans: After the Second World War, Japan rapidly developed into a powerful economy through industrialization. Technological efficiency, high-qualityproduction, and an export-oriented economy are the main reasons for its success.
(d) Terrace farming in Japan:
Ans: Terrace farming refers to cultivation done by cutting steps on sloping land. It ensures proper use of land.
(e) Mineral resources of Japan:
Ans: Japan has limited mineral resources such as coal, copper, and sulphur. Due to the scarcity of minerals, the country imports most of its raw materials and exports finished goods.
Additional Questions and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Q: Japan is located on the western edge of which ocean?
(a) Atlantic Ocean
(b) Indian Ocean
(c) Pacific Ocean
(d) Arctic Ocean
Ans: (c)
Q: Which is the highest peak of Japan?
(a) Kilimanjaro
(b) Mount Fuji
(c) Everest
(d) Alps
Ans: (b)
Q: Which is the largest island of Japan?
(a) Kyushu
(b) Shikoku
(c) Hokkaido
(d) Honshu
Ans: (d)
Q: Japan lies in which volcanic belt?
(a) Mid-Atlantic Belt
(b) Pacific Ring of Fire
(c) Mediterranean Belt
(d) Arctic Belt
Ans: (b)
Q: What is the main reason for frequent earthquakes in Japan?
(a) Desert location
(b) Location in the volcanic belt
(c) Dense forests
(d) Cold climate
Ans: (b)
Q: Kanto Plain is located on which island?
(a) Hokkaido
(b) Honshu
(c) Shikoku
(d) Kyushu
Ans: (b)
Q: What is the main food crop of Japan?
(a) Wheat
(b) Maize
(c) Rice
(d) Barley
Ans: (c)
Q: The Keihin industrial region is associated with which two cities?
(a) Nagoya–Kobe
(b) Tokyo–Yokohama
(c) Osaka–Nagoya
(d) Sapporo–Hakodate
Ans: (b)
Q: Which method of farming is used on hill slopes in Japan?
(a) Shifting cultivation
(b) Terrace farming
(c) Dry farming
(d) Plantation farming
Ans: (b)
Q: Kitakyushu region of Japan is famous for which industry?
(a) Fruit production
(b) Dairy farming
(c) Iron and steel industry
(d) Tea cultivation
Ans: (c)
Q: Which island is located in the northern part of Japan?
(a) Kyushu
(b) Shikoku
(c) Hokkaido
(d) Honshu
Ans: (c)
Q: Most of Japan’s population is concentrated in which area?
(a) Mountainous region
(b) Coastal plains
(c) Desert region
(d) Forest region
Ans: (b)
Q: Nagoya is part of which industrial region?
(a) Hanshin
(b) Chukyo
(c) Keihin
(d) Kitakyushu
Ans: (b)
Q: What type of rivers are found in Japan?
(a) Long and slow-flowing
(b) Short and swift-flowing
(c) Wide and braided
(d) Desert-bound
Ans: (b)
Q: Japan’s economy mainly depends on which sector?
(a) Agriculture
(b) Forest resources
(c) Industry and exports
(d) Animal husbandry
Ans: (c)
Short Answer Type Questions (Mark: 1/2)
1. Q: Write the geographical location of Japan.
Ans: Japan is located between 24°–46° North latitudes and 122°–146°East longitudes on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Q: Why is Japan called the “Land of the Rising Sun”?
Ans: Because it is located in East Asia and is known as the country where the sun rises.
3. Q: Name the four main islands of Japan.
Ans: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.
4. Q: What is the height of Mount Fuji?
Ans: 3,776 metres.
5. Q: What percentage of Japan’s land is mountainous?
Ans: About 75 percent.
6. Q: Where is the Kanto Plain located?
Ans: It is located on Honshu Island.
7. Q: What is the main food crop of Japan?
Ans: Rice.
8. Q: Why is cultivable land limited in Japan?
Ans: Because most of the land is mountainous.
9. Q: State one feature of the Keihin industrial region.
Ans: It is located in the Tokyo–Yokohama area and is developed in electronics and machinery industries.
10. Q: Where is the Hanshin industrial region located?
Ans: In the Osaka–Kobe region.
11. Q: Why are rivers in Japan suitable for hydroelectric power generation?
Ans: Because they are short and fast-flowing.
12. Q: Where is Japan’s population mainly concentrated?
Ans: In coastal plains and industrial urban areas.
13. Q: What is terrace farming?
Ans: Farming done by cutting steps on hill slopes.
Q: What is the condition of mineral resources in Japan?
Ans: Mineral resources are limited and most raw materials are imported.
Q: What is Kyushu region famous for?
Ans: Volcanic formation, warm climate and tea cultivation.
