Activity 1: The importance of being an island nation

Start by exploring the concept of an island nation with your students. Have them define what makes a country an island (as opposed to a continent) and compile a list of other island nations around the world.

• Ask students to evaluate the strategic and economic advantages and disadvantages of being an island nation.
  • Consider advantages like natural protection from invasions and control over trade routes.
  • Discuss disadvantages such as limited resources and isolation from other countries.

This will help students appreciate how Japan’s geography shaped its historical development.

Activity 2: Governing from afar

Japan’s first centralised government emerged around 500 BCE, but the growing distance between the capital and the outlying regions posed significant challenges for the emperors. In an era without modern communication and transportation systems, how could a ruler maintain control over distant lands?

• Ask your students to imagine themselves as the emperor during a time when communication and travel were slow. How would they prevent unrest and dissatisfaction in far-flung regions of their empire?

Have students create a plan to govern effectively, balancing the use of force and leniency. Remind them that:

• Too much leniency could lead to disobedience.
• Too much force could inspire rebellion.

Encourage creative solutions that draw on historical facts about the development of Japan’s political system.