Making Connections: Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity
Japan is a very diverse place because it is made up of primarily islands. This access to water gives Japan a unique variety of plant and animal life that is endemic to Japan. The biodiversity is so large from mountains in the north to the beautiful ocean and seas that surround it. Many of the religions in Japan such as Shintoism and Buddhism find nature to be sacred. The temples of both religions have gardens or are in gardens that showcase their plant biodiversity. Sadly, there have been significant drops in biodiversity due to Japan's over consumption of oil and logging in the Ryukyu forests. Despite both threats, Japan's biodiversity has remained vast and treasured by Japanese peoples.
Japan holds over 6655 different species with at least 75% of them being endemic to Japan. Plants are one of Japan's highest variety life forms with over 5600 species, many of Japanese plants and flowers are treasured. Followed behind plants come 370 species of birds, 90 species of mammals, 50 species of amphibians, and so much more (Duffy). What is important about the connection between Japanese culture and biodiversity is that every species is valued across all of the country. They have set up laws to protect almost every habitat in Japan except in the Ryukyu forests. The value of nature is entrenched across all of Japanese culture whether it be for aesthetic, religious, or political reasons. Out of the millions that live on the small islands of Japan, half of the population follow religious views. Of the religious concepts, ecology happens to fall into almost every category. Shinto shrines are often set up in groves which are considered to be sacred ground and hold high value in the religion (Shinto). Buddhists teach about how human ignorance is leading cause of the destruction of biodiversity and that the precept to not kill is a practical and compassionate life choice (Shin). There are differences in opinions in both religions, yet both hold a sacred value in nature and what it has to offer. They place their places of worships among trees, flowers, and ponds and deem these places and all that is in them sacred. It is one of the most beautiful things I personally have ever seen. Now, Japan isn't all sugar and spice, there are serious problems in the country with relation to biodiversity. Most of the country is protected except the forests located in Ryukyu. Instead these forests are logged and several habitats are destroyed with every tree they bring down. Oil consumption is also a huge deal in Japan as they are the third largest consumer in the world. This directly impacts all of the ecosystems in Japan because of the pollution the oil is causing. Slowly, certain species are going to become endangered or extinct due to the ignorance of humans. Both the oceans and the forests need to be protected more and that is in the hands of Japan's legislation. Japan is a very diverse country from plants and animals to the humans who care for these species. Japanese culture reminds the population to plant and smell the roses and cherry blossoms; to respect what was there before them, but most importantly to try not to destroy it. |
These are Japanese Serow, a mammal endemic to the mountains of Northern Japan.
Source: http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/150622/ This canopy of flowers is called Wisteria. This flower is ancient in terms of lineage and was supposedly spotted in the Tertiary Period.
Source: http://www.gardendesign.com/ideas/crazy-plant-trend-of-the-day-japanese-wisteria-tunnel This is one example of a Shinto shrine in a grove of trees.
Source: http://journals.worldnomads.com/duncast/photo/23897/685890/Worldwide/This-small-Shinto-shrine-nestled-within-a-forest-grove-of-Japanese-cedar-near |
This map shows the average temperature in degrees Celsius of different regions in Japan. The more leafy green color results in a lower temperature while the red and orange represent a higher temperature.
Retrieved from http://www.ij-healthgeographics.com/content/6/1/34/figure/F2?highres=y. |
This map shows the elevation levels in feet and meters of Japan. The green areas are in sea level and tend to be close to the ocean meanwhile the highest areas are located in Japan's mountain ranges.
Retrieved from http://www.maps.com/ref_map.aspx?pid=12106 |
This map shows the differing religions in Japan. Shinto and Buddhism are the top two religions in Japan and both maps show the percent of each all across the country. As you can see higher percentages tend to be more in the city rather then the country. This can be bias though as more people live in the city areas.
Retrieved from http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/412/422174/05fig09.gif
Retrieved from http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/412/422174/05fig09.gif
These furry friends are in Jigokudani Monkey Park, a hot spring near Nagano. This physical feature of Japan is a fun community playground for these Snow Monkeys and a great touring attraction for all that visit.
Retrieved from: http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-japan/ |
Mount Fugi is also an incredible physical feature of Japan. This volcano is 3-8 hour hike and yet so many people in the world have this activity on their bucket list. The volcano is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters high.
Retrieved from: http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-japan/ |
The Yonaguni Monument is the most perplexing attraction in Japan. Scientists can't determine whether or not this formation is man made or not. As it is solid rock and not made it pieces, many believe it to be an amazing physical feature in Ryuku Islands coastline.
Retrieved from http://themindunleashed.org/2013/06/the-yonaguni-monument.html
Retrieved from http://themindunleashed.org/2013/06/the-yonaguni-monument.html
Cherry Blossoms happen to be one of the most popular trees in Japan. Many in Japan find the Cherry Blossom to have special powers of luck and beauty. This physical feature lights up many rivers and pond areas in Japan.
Retrieved from http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1ephfq/right_now_is_one_of_my_favorite_times_of_the_year/ |
The image to the left is one of many amazing pictures of Kawazu NanaDaru or The Seven Waterfalls. Just a few miles from the city of Tokyo seven aligned waterfalls rain down producing a beautiful view. This lady sure seems to think so.
Retrieved from http://en.japantravel.com/view/kawazu-nanadaru-in-izu |
Hiroshima Peace Memorial is most definitely a man made attraction. This carnage is from the atomic bombing in World War ll and the building is one of a few to have survived. It serves as a reminder to both Japanese and all tourists who visit that human life is precious.
Retrieved from http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-japan/
Retrieved from http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-japan/
The Tokyo Tower is Japan's own Eiffel Tower. This is Japan's second highest man made object and serves as a communication hub for the whole city.
Retrieved from http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-japan/ |
The Great Buddha is a statue located in Kamakura. This statue stands over 40 feet high and weighs nearly 93 tons. It is covered in bronze and is valued as a sacred place because it is an outdoor representation of one of the most popular Buddhist figures, Amida Buddha.
Retrieved from http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.com/2014_10_01_archive.html |
The Todaiji Temple is one of the world's most revered buildings for it's architecture and engineering. Located in Nara this all wooden building is 157 ft tall and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife.
Retrieved from http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g298198-d319876-i54113676-Todaiji_Temple-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Perhaps one of the most culturally popular places in Japan and the most treasured in the Japanese people would have to be the Imperial Palace. This is home to emperors and empresses who rule the kingdom of Japan. It is also a museum home to ancient artifacts and art from the Japanese culture.
Retrieved from http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-japan/
Retrieved from http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-japan/