Japan Geography  Japan is a large group of islands located off the mainland of Asia to the East.  Made up of 80% of mountains, just 20% of the land is flat.  Seafood was a large part of their diet.  Separate from Asia so they developed a different culture.

Early Japan and its Warring Clans  Early Japan was divided in 100’s of different states over the 4 main islands.  In the beginning Japanese people lived in clans or extended families ruled by a chief.  All the clans were not equal and some were more powerful.  Some clans built huge armies to conquer its neighbors.  Eventually the strongest clan began to call themselves emperors of Japan.

Japanese Culture  Contact with China blended both cultures  Adopted the Chinese philosophy of Confucianism. Fathers should rule the family Wives obey husbands Children obey parents Younger siblings obeyed older siblings

Japanese Culture  In the early 1000’s, Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote what is considered the worlds first novel, The Tale of Genji.  A story a princes long quest for love.

Japanese government  During this time noble families began to occupy an important place in the government, giving advice to the emperor.  Overtime, the nobles worked to weaken the emperors power because they lost touch with the common people.

Japanese Society In Trouble  They did not pay attention to the problems facing the poor.  People began fighting for land.  Because of this in 1192 nobles started to rely on the warrior class for protection

The Samurai  These warriors, called samurai, defended their land & kept order in society.  They wore light armor & fought with swords and bows.  Samurai literally means “servant.”  They were meant to serve his lord, then the emperor.  Received payment in land or food.

The Samurai

The Samurai Code  All Samurai had to follow a strict code of rules that taught them how to behave called Bushido.  “The way of the warrior” Be brave and honorable Learn to fight Work on concentration ○ Poetry and Bonsai Trees Do not fear death Loyalty to the lord

The Samurai and Honor Honor was the most important thing in a Samurai’s life. If he loses his honor he is expected to commit suicide. Losing a fight Not protecting their lord Disobeying orders Today the Samurai in Japan are like our cowboys in the U.S.