Instructions: Identify the terms and briefly state their historical significance.
Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku

Question

Instructions: Identify the terms and briefly state their historical significance. 
Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku are the four largest islands of Japan, and each has played a significant role in the country's history.

Hokkaido is the second largest island of Japan and the northernmost of the country's main islands. Historically, it was inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people. During the Meiji period, the Japanese government embarked on a policy of rapid colonization and development of Hokkaido, which included the introduction of Western agriculture techniques and the establishment of the port city of Hakodate. The development of Hokkaido was also strategically important for Japan to assert control over its northern territories and to prevent Russian encroachment.

Honshu is the largest and most populous island of Japan, where the majority of the historical and cultural developments have taken place. It is home to the country's capital, Tokyo, as well as other major cities such as Kyoto and Osaka. Honshu has been the center of political power in Japan for centuries, with historical periods such as the Nara and Heian periods, the rise of the samurai class, the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate, and the Meiji Restoration all taking place there.

Kyushu is the third largest island of Japan, located southwest of Honshu. It is known for its active volcanoes, hot springs, and historical sites. Kyushu has played a crucial role in international relations throughout Japanese history, as it is the closest Japanese island to the Asian continent. It was a primary gateway for trade and cultural exchange with China and Korea, and it was also the site of the first Portuguese and later Dutch trading posts in Japan during the 16th century. The city of Nagasaki, located on Kyushu, was one of the only ports open to foreign trade during Japan's period of national isolation (sakoku) under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Shikoku is the smallest and least populous of Japan's four main islands. It is famous for its 88-temple pilgrimage associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). Shikoku has historically been a rural region with a strong agricultural base. Its relative isolation from the political centers of Japan has allowed it to maintain a distinct cultural identity, with unique traditions and dialects.

Together, these four islands make up the majority of Japan's land area and have been central to the development of Japanese civilization, contributing to the country's rich history, culture, and economy.

Instructions: Identify the Terms and Briefly State Their Historical Significance