Geopolitics is the branch of geography that promises to explain the relationships between geographical realities and international affairs.  The discipline of geopolitics identifies the geographical circumstances that most satisfactorily explain the power, interest, character, and behavior of nations. Since World War II, Japan has been a strategic ally for the United States in the Far East and, despite the current down turn in its economy, Japan has become an economic superpower.  Economically and politically Japan is an important member of the world community and plays an important role  in southeast Asia.
 

 This guide is intended for teachers and students at the high school level.  It is meant to be a comprehensive look at Japan and it can be used in a number of disciplines: Geography, Global Studies, International Relations,  Political Geography, and Geopolitics.  It has been posted on the internet so that it may be accessible to students or teachers who can use it for research or as a curriculum guide to Japan.

Content:

Part I:  Geopolitical Theory:  This section provides  a short history of the field of geopolitics.

Part II:  Japan At A Glance:   This section includes a statistical overview of the Japanese economy and government, and the physical and human geography.

Part III.  Physical Geography:  An in-depth look at the physical features that have helped to form the Japanese society, economy and way of life.

Part IV:  Human Geography:  An in-depth look at the culture of Japan.

Part V:  Government and Economy:

Part VI:  Geopolitical Issues:  ties together the various themes and is an in-depth description and analysis of the geopolitical issues in Japan.

Part VII:  Timeline: A brief look at Japanese history

Part VIII:  Glossary - of some commonly used Japanese terms.