How Modern Japan Is Described in Textbooks around the World

(Select a Country to review excerpts)

Europe ……………  Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, UK
Asia ………………   China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Vietnam
North America ……  Mexico, USA
South America ……  Brazil

---

EUROPE

Austria
Title: Perspective 4: Geography & Social Studies
Pages: 15, 71, 77
Publisher: Westermann Wien, Vienna, Austria, 2002


Excerpt:

Different Ways of Life – with some Examples
It is late in the evening in Tokyo, and many employees have worked up to this point, which is not uncommon in Japan. To perform uncompensated overtime, and only take a few of one’s allowed vacation days, is the norm for many Japanese. Even though Japan has one of the world’s most modern transportation systems, the commute from workplace to home takes up a lot of time, and many Japanese rent a small sleeping-cubicle for the night. The limited time off co-workers receive is usually spent together. They often meet at local pubs, or go to a gambling hall for entertainment. In general, Japanese people of both genders are rarely by themselves. Not only do adults work all day long, many young people attend regular tutoring classes called “Juko” in the evenings. This prepares them to be able to gain entrance into sought-after private schools. Very little free time, and high expectations can be a big burden for adolescents and young adults.

Japan: An Economic Powerhouse in Asia

Japan – Hard Work and Ambition Brings It to the Top
In a relatively short period of time, Japan’s measured GDP has reached 2nd position, just behind the USA. This upward trajectory has had the following repercussions:

• Economics, Finance and Politics working closely together
• Scarcity of raw materials, locally produced food, and new job creation forcing the development of a competitive export industry
• Good educational system, strong work ethic, and dedication
• Modern production facilities, striving for the highest quality

During the last few years, however, Japan has had to fight some serious macro-economic problems.

Knowing Where: Japan – the Natural Environment

The Unsettling Islands

Japan consists of four main islands. These islands are the visible portion of a mountain range which was created by the collision of two large tectonic plates.

This collision of the earth’s plates also causes up to 1500 earthquakes per year, some of which lead to catastrophes. Earthquakes under the sea can also cause flood waves called “tsunami”, which endanger inhabited coastal areas. Special architectural building codes, and continuous emergency planning drills in schools and offices, are designed to diminish the worst effects of such an event.

Another natural disaster is the typhoon. These strong water-born storms cause huge downpours, and mainly occur in late summer or early autumn.