Japanese Lifestyles Author:JETRO Gentle Nature and the Changing Seasons are at the Heart of Japanese Lifestyles. — The Japanese archipelago lies off the eastern coast of Asia and faces two bodies of water, the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Four large islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, stand out among many others, some large, most small. The narrow island chain,... more » shaped like abow, is oriented generally north and south.
These local climate differences are greatly responsible for the wide diversity seen in each reagion's culture and way of life. Climate and the four relatively distince seaons have greatly influenced Japanese culture.« less