The industrial belt of Japan produces

Analyze the question: It asks what the main industrial belt of Japan (the Pacific Coastal Belt, or Taiheiyō Belt) is known for producing.

Concept: Japan has very few natural resources, so it imports raw materials such as iron ore, coal and oil. It processes them in large coastal industrial zones, which include Tokyo-Yokohama (Keihin), Nagoya (Chukyo), Osaka-Kobe (Hanshin) and Kitakyushu. These zones are located on the coast because of:

• Deep natural harbours for importing raw materials and exporting finished goods
• A large, skilled labour force and a big domestic market
• Advanced technology and heavy capital investment
• Good transport networks and a steady power supply

Going through the options:

• A. Ships, electronics and motor vehicles: Correct. Japan is world-famous for shipbuilding (Nagasaki, Kobe, Yokohama), electronics (Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba) and motor vehicles (Toyota in Nagoya, Honda, Nissan).
• B. Warships, ammunitions and building materials: Incorrect. After World War II, Japan's constitution limited military production, so weapons are not its industrial identity.
• C. Fertilizers, pesticides and combined harvesters: Incorrect. These are not the main outputs that define Japan's industrial belt.
• D. Leather goods, plastics and pharmaceuticals: Incorrect. Japan does produce some of these, but they are not the hallmark products of the belt.

Answer: A. ships, electronics and motor vehicles

Exam tip: Whenever you see "Japan industry," think "S.E.M.": Ships, Electronics, Motor vehicles. Also remember that Japan's industries depend on imported raw materials and coastal locations.