Asia Current Events: Japan
The earthquake that hit Tokyo, Japan in 2011 doubled the probability of an even bigger earthquake will arrive in the future. Since the 2011 magnitude 9 earthquake in Tokyo, smaller earthquakes have been occurring in the area 3 times as much. This is because the land between Eurasian plate and the Pacific plate have been harboring much more seismic activity as of late. The stress that was added to this area because of the earthquake in Tokyo is what has triggered the seismic activity. Experts are say that this stress will most likely lead to a magnitude 7 or higher earthquake in Tokyo, Japan sometimes in the (near) future.
We also covered this topic in class. Although only briefly mentioned, it did affect a big part in the course about Japan. The 2011 earthquake caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to explode and leak radiation. This affected many people and endangered citizens' health. The radiation leak also drained Japan's natural resources. This lowered Japan's trade, and subsequently, its economy.
Here's the link to the article that was summarized in the first paragraph: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/350325/description/News_in_Brief_Japans_2011_earthquake_upped_Tokyos_risk
We also covered this topic in class. Although only briefly mentioned, it did affect a big part in the course about Japan. The 2011 earthquake caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to explode and leak radiation. This affected many people and endangered citizens' health. The radiation leak also drained Japan's natural resources. This lowered Japan's trade, and subsequently, its economy.
Here's the link to the article that was summarized in the first paragraph: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/350325/description/News_in_Brief_Japans_2011_earthquake_upped_Tokyos_risk
Crossing the Pop Culture Universe: America vs. Japan
Animation is something that both America and Japan can connect with. They're both used to entertain people, and can be created in the form of a television show, a movie, and more. Some differences between American and Japanese cartoons are the styles. Japan is known for its anime, and America is known for their animated cartoons. Anime is known for its specific art style and its epic story lines. American cartoons, on the other hand, are mainly 2 dimensional. They also aren't normally as extensively developed, and are more silly and funny.
Web Archeology: The Little Red Book
The primary source that I chose is the Little Red Book that was created by Mao Zedong. It's basically a compilation of a bunch of quotes from Mao Zedong in which he addresses the different topics of life. Almost every Chinese citizen owns this book. The research that I'd conduct with this book would be about the consequences of not owning this book. I'd also research about the subliminal messages that are claimed to be in the book. This book could help me in learning about the propaganda campaign that Mao Zedong led.
The effect the book had on the citizens of China would be another important topic. I could also compare Mao to other dictators in other countries, and see what measures they took to ensure maximum control of their country. The copies sold worldwide is another thing I'd like to know. Is it the world's most published book? Does it even surpass the Bible in the copies that have been sold? This book could open up the opportunity to talk about many subjects.
The effect the book had on the citizens of China would be another important topic. I could also compare Mao to other dictators in other countries, and see what measures they took to ensure maximum control of their country. The copies sold worldwide is another thing I'd like to know. Is it the world's most published book? Does it even surpass the Bible in the copies that have been sold? This book could open up the opportunity to talk about many subjects.