1. Geography and Topography:
* Mountains: Japan is a mountainous country with over 73% of its land covered by mountains. The rugged terrain makes it difficult and expensive to build infrastructure and settlements in mountainous areas.
* Limited Arable Land: The plains and lowlands offer fertile land suitable for agriculture, which has historically been crucial for sustaining populations.
* Waterways: Major rivers like the Tone River and the Kiso River flow through the plains, providing water for agriculture and transportation.
2. Accessibility and Transportation:
* Coastal Access: The lowlands are generally closer to the coast, allowing for easier trade and transportation of goods by sea.
* Transportation Infrastructure: Roads, railways, and other infrastructure are easier to build and maintain on flat terrain, making transportation more efficient.
3. Historical Development:
* Rice Cultivation: Rice cultivation thrived in the plains and lowlands due to the abundance of water and fertile soil.
* Early Settlements: Early civilizations in Japan were centered around these areas, as they provided the resources for survival.
* Urbanization: As Japan modernized and industrialized, cities developed on the plains and lowlands, attracted by the availability of land, resources, and infrastructure.
4. Economic Opportunities:
* Industry and Commerce: The concentration of population in lowlands provided a workforce and a consumer market for industries and businesses.
* Services and Employment: The proximity to transportation hubs and urban centers in the lowlands offered a wider range of employment opportunities.
5. Natural Disasters:
* Tsunamis and Earthquakes: While lowlands are vulnerable to tsunamis and earthquakes, the plains offer relatively safer ground compared to mountainous areas.
* Landslides: Mountainous areas are susceptible to landslides, making them a less desirable place for settlement.
In summary, the combination of geographic factors, historical development, economic opportunities, and relative safety has led to a concentration of population in the plains and lowlands of Japan.