Japan

By: Margo ValadaoGuest: Tomoko Lance

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JAPAN~More than 70% of Japan consist of mountains, and more than 200 volcanoes (including Mt. Fuji)~Japans literacy rate is almost 100%~Somo wrestling is Japan’s national sport.~There is around 1,500 earthquakes every year in Japan~Tsukiji market in Tokyo is the world's largest fish market.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS:Climate:Spring: Best time of year, temperatures rangeSummer: Rainy season, steam bath weatherFall: Very pleasant.Winter: Colder weather

Geography:Size is slightly smaller than CaliforniaTerrain: mostly rugged and mountainous

RELIGION

Many religions are practiced in Japan, most Japanese follow Shintoism and Buddhism

ECONOMY:

Japan has the third largest economy in the world Imports: Oil, foodstuff and wood Exports: cars, electronic devices and computers Industries: manufacturing, construction,

distribution, service and communication are Japans major industries.

TRANSPORTATION Trains are the best way of transportation in

Japan The Shinkansen (bullet train) is very common

COOKING METHOD

Food is all cooked on the stove-top Boiling, grilling, deep-frying, steaming, serving

raw. Japanese and American meal arrangements. Rice is a staple component of virtually every

meal Tend to eat many small courses as oppose to

three larger main meal

COMMON FOODS Rice Bowl: plain cooked rice Sushi: dishes vary Domburi: Rice with tempura, egg and chicken Onigiri: rice balls usually wrapped in seaweed Kare Raisu: cooked rice with curry sauce Fried Rice: introduced from China Kayu: rice gruel, watery, soft cooked rice Chazuke: cooked rice with green tea and salmon

or cod.

HOLIDAYS Golden Week: April 27th-May 6th

New Years Celebration** Coming of Age Day: January 15th

Setsubun: February 3rd Respect for Aged Day: September 15th

Autumnal Equinox Day: September 23rd

GUEST SPEAKER Name: Tomoko Lance From: Okinawa Average life expectancy in Okinawa:

Men:80 Women:86 Not only long, but incredibly health

and active lives Okinawa people invented Karate Very low rate of heart disease and

hormone dependent cancers

FIVE ITEMS: Green Tea

Incense Japanese rice candy

Paper fan Chop Sticks

QUESTIONS:

1. What are some of major differences in Okinawa and food here in the United States?

2. How close to true Japanese food are the restaurants in America?

3. Why did you choose to live in Chico, CA?4. What would a typical meal be in Okinawa?5. Any special meals prepared for certain occasions or parties

(weddings, birthdays)?6. Do you cook traditional Okinawan food here in America? If so,

do you come across any challenges in finding specific ingredients.

Any Question from the class…

REFERENCES: http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/map_

of_japan_regions.html

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/japan/index.htm

http://www.facts-about-japan.com/modern-religion.html

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2062.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisine#M

ain_dishes