Geography - Japan and the World
Regions and the land
Japan is mountainous, with plains concentrated on coasts and river mouths. Know the eight regions and their core prefectures, and be able to place major ranges (Hida, Kiso, Akaishi as the "Japan Alps"), plains (Kanto, Nobi, Osaka), and rivers (Shinano, Tone). The classic trap is confusing the largest plain (Kanto) with the most productive rice area, or mixing up which prefecture borders which sea.
Climate
The climate divides into six zones: Hokkaido, Sea of Japan side, Pacific side, Seto Inland Sea, Kyushu, and Nansei Islands. The Sea of Japan side gets heavy winter snow from monsoon winds crossing warm currents; the Pacific side is dry in winter and wet in summer. Seto Inland Sea has little rain because mountains block both seasonal winds. Questions love asking why a region has its climate - always name the wind direction and the mountain barrier.
Industry and population
Japan's industrial belt runs from Kanto through Chukyo (auto) to Hanshin. Know the shift of electronics to Kyushu ("Silicon Island") and the concentration of agriculture on Hokkaido (dairy, wheat, potatoes). Population questions test the declining birthrate, aging society, and the Tokyo overconcentration. Map-reading traps include scale (1/25,000 vs 1/50,000), contour intervals, and compass directions.
Rule of thumb
When asked "why here?", check three things in order: landform, climate/water, and transport (port or rail).
Worked example
"Why does the Hokuriku region receive heavy snow?" Answer: winter monsoon winds pick up moisture over the warm Tsushima Current, then rise against the mountains and drop snow on the Sea of Japan side - wind source, moisture, and barrier, all named.