Kumamoto Entrance Social Studies flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Honshu

The largest and most populous island of Japan, containing major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and the Kanto Plain; it is central to Japan's economy and transport networks.

Ring of Fire

A belt around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to plate subduction; Japan lies on it, causing frequent seismic activity.

Tsuyu

The rainy season in Japan from June to July, caused by the collision of warm and cold air masses; it brings heavy rainfall and is important for rice cultivation.

Kanto Plain

Japan's largest plain, located in the Kanto region and containing Tokyo and Yokohama; it is the most urbanized and industrialized area of the country.

Kaso

Rural depopulation in Japan caused by migration to cities and a declining birth rate; it leads to abandoned farmland, aging communities, and reduced local services.

Population pyramid

A graph showing the age and sex distribution of a population; wide bases indicate high birth rates, while narrow bases and wide tops indicate aging populations.

Mercator projection

A map projection that preserves direction but distorts area, especially near the poles; it is useful for navigation but misleading for comparing country sizes.

Persian Gulf

A region in the Middle East with major oil and natural gas reserves; countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE are key exporters, influencing global energy prices.

SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals, 17 global targets adopted by the UN in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity by 2030.

Taika Reform

A 645 CE reform in Japan that centralized government under the emperor, established the ritsuryo legal system, and redistributed land to strengthen state control.

Heian period

The period from 794 to 1185 when the capital was Heian-kyo (Kyoto); it saw the rise of aristocratic culture, The Tale of Genji, and the Fujiwara regency.

Kamakura shogunate

The military government established by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1185; it marked the beginning of samurai rule and repelled Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281.

Onin War

A civil war from 1467 to 1477 in Japan that began the Sengoku period; it devastated Kyoto and weakened the Ashikaga shogunate, leading to widespread conflict.

Sankin-kotai

The alternate attendance system in the Edo period requiring daimyo to spend alternate years in Edo and leave family members there, strengthening Tokugawa control.

Sakoku

Japan's isolationist policy during the Edo period, restricting foreign trade and travel; only limited trade with the Dutch and Chinese at Nagasaki was permitted.

Sekigahara

The decisive battle in 1600 where Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated rival daimyo, leading to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603.

Genroku culture

A vibrant urban culture in the late 17th century Edo period, featuring Kabuki theater, ukiyo-e prints, and haiku poetry by Matsuo Basho.

Meiji Restoration

The 1868 political revolution that ended the Tokugawa shogunate and restored imperial rule, leading to rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan.

Zaibatsu

Large family-controlled industrial and financial conglomerates in Japan, such as Mitsui and Mitsubishi, that dominated the economy until their dissolution after World War II.

San Francisco Peace Treaty

A 1951 treaty signed by Japan and 48 Allied nations, formally ending World War II and restoring Japan's sovereignty in 1952.

Article 9

A clause in the Japanese Constitution renouncing war and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes; Japan maintains Self-Defense Forces.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that political power resides with the people; in Japan, it is a fundamental principle of the 1947 Constitution, replacing imperial sovereignty.

House of Representatives

The lower house of Japan's Diet, with 465 members elected for terms up to four years; it has precedence over the upper house on budget and treaty matters.

Judicial review

The power of courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional; in Japan, the Supreme Court holds this power under the Constitution.

Consumption tax

A value-added tax levied on goods and services in Japan, currently 10%; it is a major source of government revenue and is regressive in nature.

Bank of Japan

Japan's central bank, responsible for issuing currency, conducting monetary policy, and maintaining financial stability; it is independent of the government.

ODA

Official Development Assistance, government aid to developing countries for economic development and welfare; Japan is one of the world's largest donors.

Public debt

The total amount of money owed by a government; Japan's public debt exceeds 250% of GDP, one of the highest ratios among developed countries.

Contour lines

Lines on a topographic map connecting points of equal elevation; closely spaced lines indicate steep slopes, while widely spaced lines indicate gentle slopes.

Primary source

A historical document or artifact created during the period being studied, such as diaries, official records, or coins; it provides direct evidence.

Population pyramid

A graph showing the age and sex distribution of a population; it helps analyze birth rates, death rates, and dependency ratios in a country.

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables; it does not prove causation, and analysts must consider confounding factors when interpreting graphs.