MTURAL RSSOUHCES OF JAPM 



Section I 



1/ 



INTRODUCTION 



This summary of the natural resoarces of Japan gives an overall 

 view of aJi island country, somewhat smaller than the state of California, 

 which has a homogeneous population of about 76,000,000 concentrated in a 

 relatively few small lowlands. In this report are analysed, in a broad 

 way, the two main categories of geographic factors: The natural environ- 

 ment on the one hand, and cultural occupance on the other. In consider- 

 ing the inter-relationships between these factors, the report depicts 

 the adjustment of a dense population to an environment which is favored 

 by a healthful climate and productive fishery and forest resources, but 

 subject to limitations imposed by its small land area and restricted 

 mineral and agricultural resources. 



This treatment may clarify a question often raised: Japan is on the 

 road back: — but to what? A definitive answer is difficult, yet an outline 

 of the economic course along which Japan must travel in the years immedi- 

 ately aihead can be charted when its natural assets and limitations are 

 understood. 



Many details have been omitted he-^-* because Section II and III are 

 designed to accompany oral presentatio. i The last two sections, which 

 are intended for perusal after such ori ntation conferences, will supr^ly 

 reference data for those who wish to pursue the subject further. 



1/ This report was prepared by the Natural Rpsources Section, General 

 Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, Tokyo, April 

 1947. (Reproduced by permission of the Civil Affairs Division, 

 War Department). 



