The Sea of Japan

The Sea of Japan is a body of salt water in East Asia. It is bordered by Japan on the east and Russia, North Korea, and South Korea on the west. The sea connects to the Pacific Ocean through several narrow straits between the Japanese islands.

About the Sea

The Sea of Japan covers about 377,600 square miles. It is quite deep, with some spots over 12,000 feet deep. The sea has cold water in the north and warmer water in the south. Strong ocean currents flow through the sea and affect the weather in the region.

Life and Uses

The Sea of Japan is home to many kinds of fish, squid, and crabs. Fishing is very important to the people who live along its shores. The sea also has shipping routes that connect Japan to Russia and Korea. In winter, cold winds blow across the sea and bring heavy snow to western Japan.

Fun Facts

• The Sea of Japan is also called the East Sea by people in Korea.
• The sea gets its water from the Pacific Ocean through narrow straits.
• Some of the best seafood in the world comes from the Sea of Japan.

Did You Know?

Cold winds that blow across the Sea of Japan in winter pick up moisture and dump huge amounts of snow on Japan, making it one of the snowiest places on Earth!