| A | B |
|---|
| tsunami | huge waves caused by underwater earthquakes |
| archipelago | island chain |
| loess | fine, yellowish-brown topsoil |
| monsoon | seasonal winds |
| Japan Current | warm-water ocean current flowing along Japan |
| typhoon | violent storms in Pacific |
| aborigine | area's original inhabitants |
| culture hearth | center from which ideas and roctices sread to surrounding areas |
| dynasty | ruling family |
| ideogram | pictures or ideas that stand for ideas |
| atheist | nonreligious |
| homogeneous | population belonging to same ethnic group |
| clan | family groups |
| shogun | military ruler |
| samurai | professional warriors |
