Natural Heritage of Japan: Geological, Geomorphological, and Ecological Aspects

Introduction.- Geology of the Japanese Islands: An Outline.- Volcanic Archipelago: Volcanism as a Geoheritage Characteristic of Japan.- Shiretoko Peninsula: Dynamic Interaction between Geology, Geomorphology and Ecology at The Interface of Terrestrial and Marine Systems.- Shirakami Mountains: Old-growth Forests of Siebold's Beech Supporting Biodiversity in a Dynamic Landscape.- Ogasawara Islands World Heritage Area: An Outstanding Ecological Heritage.- Yakushima Island: Landscape History, World Heritage Designation and Conservation Status for Local Society.- The Origin and Development of Geoparks in Japan: Reflections from a Personal Perspective.- San'in-Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark: Geology and Conservation of the Oriental Stork.- Muroto Geopark: Understanding the Moving Earth.- The Interface of Geology, Ecology and Society: The Case of Aso Volcanic Landscape.- The Mt. Unzen Disaster: A Terrible Learning Experience.- Challenges for Geoconservation in Contemporary Japan.- The Lake Akan Area: A Future Geopark.- Oze Wetland: The Birth Place of the Nature Conservation Movement in Japan.- Mount Fuji: The Volcano, the Heritage and the Mountain.- Synthesis.