Early Japan.ppt

Early Japan * * I. Geography A. Japan is an archipelago consisting of four main island and thousands of smaller islands The four main islands are: B. Mountainous terrain means only 20% of Japan is suitable for farming. C. The sea has always been important to Japan a. provided a source of food b. provided a natural barrier against invasion c. served as a method of transportation between islands II. Early Japanese Culture A. Religion 1. Ancient beliefs and traditions formed the basis of Shinto a. In the Shinto religion people offer gifts to the spirits or kami at shrin