The Meaning of Japan (1937)

Abstract

2. The physical aspect of Japan as one sails across the China sea from Shanghai is that of slim brown mountains rising suddenly from the water.1 The vegetation is sparse, only 15% of the whole of Japan being cultivable.2 And yet the green of trees, the struggle of the crop, and the blooming of flowers gives a singular aspect of beauty and charm to the busy industry on the three islands that stretch northeast from Korea to Sakhalin.