Final answer:
Japan's Industrial Revolution led to increased mining and deforestation for raw materials, contamination of water sources, air pollution from fossil fuels, and urbanization that caused habitat loss and biodiversity reduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Industrial Revolution in Japan during the 18th and 19th centuries had significant effects on the environment. This period was marked by the transition from traditional to modern processes in manufacturing and other sectors. The demand for raw materials such as iron ore and coal led to increased mining and deforestation, which adversely affected Japan's natural landscape.
As Japan industrialized, it expanded territorially to acquire resources, taking over places like Formosa (Taiwan) and the Korean Peninsula. The environmental impacts included the contamination of water sources through factory waste and air pollution from burning fossil fuels. Additionally, the increase in agricultural productivity involved the importation of fertilizers, which also contributed to environmental changes.
Urbanization expanded in cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kawasaki to accommodate industrial growth, leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. The movement from rural areas to densely populated industrial cities also impacted the environment, resulting in urban pollution and the degradation of living conditions.