Case Study: High population density – Japan
Different population densities
Northern Japanese Alps
A village in Gifu prefecture, Japan
Tokyo cityscape
Low-density rural areas Over two-thirds of Japan is mountainous, with high land and steep slopes. These areas include the central part of Honshu Island and the southern part of Shikoku Island. Few people live here because: ■ there is not enough flat land to grow food on ■ soils are thin, acidic and infertile ■ many areas are isolated and remote as the winding roads are poor and there are few, if any, other communications ■ there is little work except forestry as there are few natural resources ■ the climate is often extreme, with long, cold winters and heavy rain or snow. High-density rural areas Outside the urban areas, on the flat valley floors and gently sloping lower slopes of Honshu and Kyushu Islands, many people live in villages or small towns, between which there are many farms. Some people are farmers but others commute daily to the large cities where they work. These areas are densely populated because: ■ crops can easily be grown on the fertile soils of the flat or gently sloping land ■ it is easy to use farm machinery on flat land ■ the warm temperate climate means a variety of crops can be grown ■ good roads and railways make it possible to live in the countryside and work in the cities. High-density urban areas Towns and cities stretch along the coasts, particularly on Honshu Island. Almost a half of Japan’s population live in the areas around Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. These areas are densely populated because: ■ on the flat land it is easy to build – towns and cities – factories, offices and other commercial buildings – road and rail networks – airports ■ on the coast there are many ports and harbours which have led to – the import of raw materials – the export of manufactured goods – the development of a fishing industry.
TASK 1: Study Source Choose the correct word to complete the following sentences about the distribution of Japan’s population: ■ The population is evenly/unevenly distributed. ■ Most people live on Hokkaido/Honshu/Kyushu/Shikoku Island. ■ Most people live along the borders/coast/rivers/mountains.
TASK 4: Study Source Draw a table like the one below and fill in the details. Low-density rural areas
High-density rural areas
High-density urban areas
Relief Communications Economy
TASK 2: Study Source Work out the population density of each of the four islands which are part of Japan. Rank the four islands from highest to lowest population density. TASK 3: Study Sources , , and a Describe the link between population density and relief in Japan. b Explain how land reclamation has helped reduce the problems caused by the high population density in Kobe.
TASK 5 A large part of Japan’s population lives in the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka areas. Working in groups, carry out research on why so many people live in these areas. You may want to use the Internet or other sources to prepare a presentation. In your presentation you should include information about: ■ relief ■ climate ■ employment.
35