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Title H story, Religion, and Tradition D ynamic” is a good word to describe Japan. As an archipelago of over 3,000 islands—some of which are volcanic—situated along the ridge of the Pacific tectonic plate , the nation is particularly susceptible to geological events such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The metropolitan area surrounding its capital, Tokyo, is the largest on the planet, with upwards of 36 million people. Japan has the third largest economy in the world, often leading the field when it comes to technological developments. The vibrant, fast pace of its urban life is balanced by regions of great serenity and natural beauty, such as Mount Fuji southwest of Tokyo or the Kenroku- en Garden in Kanazawa. “

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CHAPTER ONE: HISTORY, RELIGION, AND TRADITION