Japan's Geographic Challenge

RANE examines Japan's primary geographic challenge of sustaining its large population with little arable land and few natural resources.
About RANE:
RANE brings global events into valuable perspective, empowering businesses, governments and individuals to more confidently navigate their way through an increasingly complex international environment. For individual and enterprise subscriptions to RANE Worldview, our online publication, visit us at: worldview.stratfor.com/
And make sure to connect with RANE on social media:
Twitter: / ranenetwork
Facebook: / theranenetwork
LinkedIn: / rane
KZbin: / ranenetwork
Learn more about RANE here: www.ranenetwork.com/
Or review and purchase our longform reports on geopolitics here: store.stratfor.com/collection...
And listen to the RANE podcast for free here:
Apple - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/511PM9A...
To subscribe to RANE Worldview, click here: www.ranenetwork.com/worldview...
Join RANE Worldview to cut through the noise and make sense of an increasingly complicated world.

[@anakin6779]

Who’s watching this during quarantine for class social studies :)

[@KINGONE6XIV]

Tokyo is so fucking huge that you can see it from space

[@svenkorlos5146]

So as other big cities.

[@joygutierrez4777]

I love Japanese people. Most of them are polite and respectful. From Philippines

[@houndoom1234]

Japan is an island in the middle of the sea and it's BEAUTIFUL~

[@2legit2quit70]

Japans main regions are Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, and Hoenn

[@Dougy]

Unova, Kalos, and Alola too!

[@stephendaldry7850]

Dougy kalos and alola are french and hawain

[@serinnarivera1352]

Lols Pokémon

[@imnothere3107]

There's no region called Johto, Sinnoh and Hoenn

[@casper_z1259]

And they're best known for the bombing of the Alola region back in gen 0.

[@R3dp055um]

For a two-minute synopsis, this was very good work. In particular, the final sentence was incredibly profound, and represents an excellent summary of Japan's basic quandary. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; when Stratfor is good, they are incredibly, amazingly good. Whatever else one may care to say about Mr Chapman, he has obviously assembled a stupendously talented team.

[@nolanconway5176]

Not to mention China, Russia, and Both Koreas don't have the best relations with Japan

[@edge0785]

Love these challenge videos!

[@DaniboyBR2]

These videos are great for school kids learning geography.

[@angelawininger8439]

what a great video

[@jacktadema1692]

Japan is an island by the sea filled with volcanoes and its beautiful

[@AlwaysRM_]

In the year -1,000,000,000... Japan might not have been here.

[@dango6266]

I'll continue this for you... In the year -40,000 it was here, and you could walk to it, and some people walked to it.

[@shimondzakovchich]

What is the name of this soundtrack? Can it be downloaded as Mp3 ?

[@Frexican54]

Stratfor should do videos about countries demographic challenges

[@hopewoods8821]

Very interesting

[@gamevalor]

This analysis is flawed because it focuses on Japan's land resources. There are major natural resources in Japan's sea territories. Up until recent history it was impossible to live and mine underwater. This is possible with modern and future technology so it will happen on a grand scale in the future. Japan's ocean territory will be colonized and mined in the near future. You forgot to mention that Japan also has islands in the Pacific Ocean (east side).

[@prashantdhawan6040]

How do you make map animations?

[@user-yv2cz8oj1k]

We've got this today stable land that's in short supply... Builds massive city on it.

[@roxaslynne3227]

What's the name of the background music so I can listen to it

[@manishbhat2466]

I love Japan. Love from INDIA.

[@RRTaiyo]

Global Class really do be giving homework.

[@yugiohmasterduelclips4927]

Yes😭

[@Foztarz]

I imagine whether Japan is more likely to seek resources by military or economic means is a subject of some debate at Stratfor.

[@Suite_annamite]

Laos can also be called the Poland of Asia: both countries being the most devastated by 20th century wars, and traditionally at an unconfortable crossroads between larger agressive countries. Though for Laos, it's between China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Back in the day, Austria-Hungary was also a third bully to the Poles.

[@Zarrov]

Actually they have made very good text about it on their website, you can read it for free. People misunderstand meaning of goepolitical analysis and strategic viewpoint. Nobody is planing military expansion. You can achieve your goals by different means, you change your tools accordingly to situation. Currently Japan has achieved its goals via non coercive means.

[@dyaakov]

looking forward to see Chile Geographic Challenge

[@joelmack1318]

Do one on Singapore please

[@Warsie]

+Burhan the Somali strateigc position to straits of malacca (thats why the british invested in it in the first place), having to deal with Malay and Indonesian and Thai influence, etc...

[@ydlcon2402]

I Love Japan.Arigato.

[@jesusvermillionthemereoleo5660]

ydl con *arigatou

[@hayek218]

OK, so how did this region appeared and is appearing to Japan geopolitically?

[@Lyner_bersett]

Nippon daisuki 🌼

[@AdstarAPAD]

I have not heard much about Laos has it been invaded many times by Vietnam and Thailand?

[@sagejoker666]

finally!!!

[@yodorob]

Another major geographical challenge for Japan: big and devastating earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons.

[@devgowri]

Nice explanation.. but more geographical explanations should have included..

[@hayek218]

Yes I am serious. So how did these region appeared and is appearing from Japanese point of view?

[@williambell7538]

It doesn't matter what Japan thinks, as long as they are unable to adequately feed themselves they will seek resources from outside, this video explains the two ways that they can get them, through expansion and through trade. Korea happens to be the easiest direction to expand.

[@inferno0020]

George Friedman once wrote a sci-fi about Japan.

[@ignisilluminati]

From the map, Japan unarguably needs the Korean peninsula in order to step forward to the continent. In the same manner, the map also depicts why we Koreans are always nervous about Japan, especially its far-right movements and re-militarization. So I believe that it'd be better for both of us if Japan follows the strategy of Germany, which has finally succeeded to extend its zone of influence to the east through a peaceful cooperation after two failures in the war.

[@bennerdeben]

would it not be profitable for japan, korea and china to cooperate more?

[@mrbrainbob5320]

yes but they dont like each other because of history

[@user-rh2pv2kc5g]

yes when the middle state is much powerfull than the rest,it is..just like 7-9century...or 2bc-2ce..

[@donluchitti]

why no manchuco?

[@ummejainabarabi7512]

How has Japan sustained her large population on an island with little arable land and few natural resources?

[@byr_n]

thats where the pkmn regions came from

[@DanielleTinkov]

1) No, it doesn't turn me on. I'm simply pointing out that Stratfor doesn't "want to be a strategist" - they are one. I pointed out the number of their clients in order to illustrate that the market trusts their analysis enough to pay them for it. 2) Nobody believed the world was flat. People know the planet is round since antiquity.

[@ThreeOfShackles]

Japan may conclude an entente with Russia again.

[@SunnyIlha]

Japan is without any doubt a most amazing, fascinating and captivating Nation, Culture and Society in the World.

[@SilverSwagboss]

Here from World History class lol

[@TheWizardGamez]

Anyone else find it surprising how Japan is extremely mountainous, yet somehow got the shiftiest mountains. Even the Balkans have better mountains than Japan

[@udical]

are u crazy, do u see title here?

[@pronounjow]

Japan should rename their country "Moestan, the Land of the Rising Oppai".

[@Zarrov]

I don't think you heard corectly. First of all, its Japan's geographic challenge, therefore it HAS to take point of view of this country. Secondly at no point Korea or China was mentioned as wanting to "fool others for their political interests". Rather Japan was mentioned as potential agressor in their region, but pointing out that currently that is not the case and Japan has to balance itself between US and China.

[@masihdajjal1769]

Japan is the best, most peaceful, most disciplined, and most technologically advanced country in the world.

[@johnhooyer3101]

Wait, are you talking about Japan or Switzerland?

[@andre18762]

Masih Dajjal peaceful? Lol These hentai loving fuckers were on the same level with nazis back in the days.

[@dango6266]

But in 1943....

[@Mitchery]

Sasuke Uchiha go watch hentai...

[@dominion775]

+Andre you’re a moron

[@_shadowshot_521]

There resource problem is so bad that they barely have and coal,rubber of coal

[@Zarrov]

Honestly, GEOpolitical analysis cannot care less and GEOGRAPHICAL level of analysis. You look at surroundings and search for patterns in history. The fact is, that Korean peninsula IS focal point of the region. Strategy is not about inntentions, but possibilities and our rational assesment of them. If you have to control this region in order to be secure from invasion, once you have control you can also lead the invasion. Or just simply increase your influences. No difference.

[@AntiCommunist_]

When will Japan rebuild its military power?

[@just1lifexx11]

Japan have fish like crazy,,, they land is next to a lake,,, what the hell

[@lemonade9152]

Japan is a aggressive soldier like HENTAI , YAOI & YURI

[@enessancak7827]

I'm from Turkey. We love Japanes and South Koreans. :)

[@Zarrov]

I just gave you the answer. There is no difference. There is no such thing as "geopolitics appearing to country X". Geopolitics does not depend on human point of view. What japanese think about their neighbours and their goals is insignificant. What is important is how geography of Japan shapes its goals and policies. Video explained main issue regarding that: Japan is an island without reosources, therefore it has to project power outside, Korea and China is main concern. Finito.

[@hayek218]

Good Japanese pronunciation for the Islands and I agree with most of his views except for his explanation of Korea for Japan. His view is how China and Korea wants to fool others for their political interests. If he wants to be a strategist he needs to see things from both sides. I did not see he did that.

[@xihangyang]

do japan demographic challenge.

[@AdstarAPAD]

Korea is the Poland of Asia. Korea is between Japan and China. Poland is between Germany and Russia. They live in uncomfortable places.

[@Bobxchen333]

Consider Japan was first to industrialize in Asia. Japan was surrounded by weak countries, yet at the end it gained almost NO land. Look how much land white people got through colonial conquest, for the Anglo-Saxon: North America, Australia, new Zealand, for Spaniard: central and south america. for Russian: entire Siberia. White people did not just conquer the land they move their people to live on those land and that is how you truly make it part of yours.

[@Bobxchen333]

but on the other hand with International trade, resources (food, ore, oil) can be bought and imported, getting more land may not be as important as it was before.

[@Warsie]

+Chen 陈, Xiao 晓 Japan and the rest of East Asia had heavy trade and contact, so no smallpox to wipe out 60-80% of the popultion to make theft...err colonization easier.

[@hayek218]

If the name of the person who makes a claim or the number of people who believe the claim turns you on, that is your problem. But remember, the world was flat before. I don't really understand what you are saying....

[@hayek218]

Then you are just playing with words. Change it to "If he is." That doesn't worry me. If you care about that difference for whatever the reason that I don't understand, you should also be exact with your wording when you say nobody. Did you talk to everyone? (I just said it; you do not hae to reply to such a stupid question.) Conversation with you does not add anything to me, and I still don't know what you are saying and why you care, unless you are working for them or something.

[@revinchristianhatol]

Xiao Riben Little Japan

[@revinchristianhatol]

Chii Nihon

[@revinchristianhatol]

сергей уланов Zuun zuun!

[@rampage241]

He said DEMOgraphic not GEOgraphic

[@frederickharriman9779]

You neglected to mention that the Mongols attempted to invade Japan through the Korean peninsula. It is a one-sided, and perhaps unfounded perspective to say that "Japan has been drawn" to resources on the continent. Japan has been invaded by peoples from the continent in prehistorical times, and by the Mongols and subjugated Koreans in historical times. Japanese invasions of Korea and the continent can arguably be attributed to the fear of a continental threat, and not a desire for "resources" on the continent. I urge for a more objective revision of this video.

[@frederickharriman9779]

DNA analysis confirms that modern Japanese are not a genetically homogenous group. Even historical sources confirm this. If ethnicity is merely a mindset, then perhaps it can be said that the Japanese are less diverse than other nations, but it is clear that the islands have been settled by many waves of immigration from the continent. So there has always been an awareness on the part of Japanese leaders that greater powers held sway over East Asia, and when Japanese military leaders consolidated power over their own islands, they sometimes got the idea that they should extend their power, and the fist and most logical target was the Korean peninsula. It was not "resources," but power that Toyotomi was after when he invaded Korea. This is no different from other East Asian leaders who expanded their power when they thought they could, and who attempted to claim to rule "all under Heaven." (天下）

[@KingofKpop]

+Frederick Harriman basically all the rejects and convicts from Korea went over to Japan, that's why Japan started rising only after 7th century when series of fallen Korean kingdoms disappeared from Korea but reappeared in Japan and that's how Nippon started.

[@lihaoqian5430]

so you are saying just because my neighbor is stronger and taller than me, i have the rights and justice to assault him? That's just nonsense and self-central-ed. The Mongols did try to invade Japan, but that's not the reason why Japan tried to invade Korea, Japan, Russia, and multiple south-east Asian countries for countless times. So i can claim that i fear all other nations on the globe, therefore i should just invade all of them by your logic, don't you think that mindset is bit like facism?

[@aqilanigorgi420]

Lihao Qian no, he's saying it's smart to be proactive instead of waiting a bigger foe to grow powerful enough to simply fuck with you as he sees fit

[@Happy-gv2mf]

Frederick Harriman youre stupid

[@Vampire_born_in_2006]

Small country with mountains and 120 mln people. It's ok for them to decrease the populations, just bad for the old who ll have to work

[@greatwolf5372]

Japan is one of the best countries in the world.

[@skyguy8786]

With a laundry list of WW2 war crimes!

[@PoochiePookie12]

No it’s not bruh

[@northkoreakp834]

thank you for your video abou Japan invasion of Korea/DPRK

[@gawd8358]

North korea would be lucky to be ruled by the Japanese once again..

[@skyguy8786]

@@gawd8358 Gross. As a Korean person, I can guarantee that literally no one wants to be colonized again. We were basically the Jews in Japan's Nazi scheme. Pick up a history book, will you.

[@TMoDDD]

Their only challenge is that they need to stop being so pervs.

[@dango6266]

TmoDDD well, their culture and rules for that are different. For example, the leagal age of consent there is 13.

[@We4zier]

its 18 not 13

[@god2763]

Yes neeg

[@cristianhugomunozcampos3450]

Siberia, east of Yenisei River, should be part of Japan. That's it.

[@LlameStarcraft]

And Latinos should be all confined to Argentina, maybe include Chile and then the poor Japanese can get the rest.

[@Zarrov]

Are you serious? You are going to claim that somebody wants to be geopolitical analysts here? on STRATFOR channel? Do you even know what STRATFOR is? Besides its GEOGRAPHIC challenge. Secondly the idea behind those video is that you make very broad, quick summary of main goepolitical factors.And this video was just that. There is no special "point" of view in this school of analysis above what you just watched. Go check how they approached Germany. By the same fashion. And its a correct way.

[@AdstarAPAD]

Japanese could not because Britain conquered it first.

[@chileanhussar2659]

Speaking for Japan, the are the Germans and Brits of Asia

[@AlwaysRM_]

no stop your wrong. Japan is an island by the sea filled with volcanoes and it's *Beautiful!*

[@potcha]

Here is the uncomfortable truth: Japanese people are nice and great and seem great today. But geography is guaranteeing that a time will come when they once again are invading their neighbors, because they have little other choice. They do not have the resources to sustain themselves, nor the natural resources to be able to trade enough to sustain themselves forever. All of this is true even if you completely ignore the climate factor, and the strain that will be heaping on Japan as well... Geography long ago predicted Russia would invade Ukraine again (Check out the great book 'the accidental superpower' to see just how good geographical-based political predictions can be) and sure enough, here we are. Geography is telling you that Japan will once again invade. Countries must prepare accordingly.

[@realdreamerschangetheworld7470]

But it can swing either way depending on the mindset of the day. There’s always opportunity. Instead of a fear-based “Japan will inevitably invade,” it can be “Japan will seek to stimulate its economy and sustain its populace by engaging in resource trade abroad.” With the amount of electronics exports coming out of of Japan, you can argue that is already the case. Great book recommendation by you though.

[@potcha]

@@realdreamerschangetheworld7470 You cannot stimulate an economy with sheer force of will. You have to have raw materials to make things to export, or a labor force that will work so cheap that raw materials are sent to it. Japan has neither enough resources to keep going at its current pace, nor the workforce to offer cheap value-added services. And thats WITHOUT taking into account the horrible problem of an aging population without enough young to support them, which is looming for Japan. I don't say this with any relish, I think Japan is a great country with great people. I was simply dealt a bad hand when it comes to natural resources, and its population has gotten much bigger than its economy and resources will be able to support. It also is in a very unfortunate geological zone and will face increasingly hostile nature, at the same time as its economy is starting to buckle. If I were Japanese right now, I would be saving my money and making sure I had skills marketable to other countries, with an eye towards immigration in the very near future. Those living in Japan without a plan, are in for a very bleak future.

[@yeadam1]

next time go to iran

[@hayek218]

Elaborate on that. I have no idea what you are talking about.

[@hayek218]

First, I heard him correctly, and second, your second view is exactly what I mean by how China and Korea want to fool you. But if he call this "Challenge" and he wants to be a geopolitical analyst, he at least needs to incorporate how things in this region appeared and is appearing from Japan's point of view. But he did not. He only gave a view rom China and Korea, and it is a part their of political game.

[@hayek218]

I've never met any Koreans who read their history in their original. So if I give you a sentence from　三国史記, are you telling me all Koreans can read it including yourself?

[@hayek218]

Korea does not have resources Japan needs. What does it have? Still, Japan fought Sino-Japan and Russo-Japan wars and annex it. To understand this, you need to incorporate Russia into this picture, which he doesn't. This guy simply looked at the direction in which Japan expanded and incorporated explanations of 100% government censored history by communists and dictatorship to explain the regional geopolitical situation, which is exactly the opposite way of how the analysis should be done.

[@Bozewani]

انا ارف لبن ان 我说联和国 ораниобеденный наци naciones unidas междунарлдныц уголов6ле муд corte penal intrrnati9nal

[@CommanderSix]

That was NOT informative.

[@yeadam1]

it is obvious man aging population.

[@koreanpeninsula8504]

All of you should now watch " Why Japan Geography SUCKS!!!!!"

[@kenllacer]

The Mongols also used Korea during their attempts to invade Japan. Good thing they failed at it.

[@PungaDeGunoi]

.......demographic crisis......

[@rendypulungan1509]

lucky their population will decline due to aging population

[@dango6266]

rendy pulungan that's a bad thing.