Terroir - Japan Academic Library

Author: Kazuo Watanabe
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Through an examination of three climatic types—monsoon, desert, and pastoral—the book analyzes the religious, philosophical, scientific, and artistic characteristics of each region, elucidating the relationship between human existence and climate. It proposes the view that "World history must give different peoples of various climates their respective places." The book discusses "humanistic climate," focusing on the interplay of history, culture, and ethnicity. Climate—formed by human habits and the imprint of national spirit in resisting external nature. Author Kazuo Watanabe categorizes climate into three types: monsoon, desert, and pastoral, aiming to explore different forms of human existence.
The first monsoon climate includes China and Japan, but Southeast Asia best reflects its characteristics. People there have developed rich and delicate sensibilities along with a dual personality of endurance and resilience. The second desert climate refers to Arabia, Africa, Mongolia, and other arid regions—strictly speaking, vast, barren lands lacking rainfall. The climate is dry, lifeless, and desolate. People in these regions have cultivated a personality of submission, aggression, practicality, and determination. The third pastoral climate refers to Europe. Southern Europe is bright, while northern Europe is gloomy, but both experience dry summers and wet winters. In this naturally balanced environment, people are liberated, fostering rationalism, freedom, philosophical, and scientific thought.