Early Japan Islands, mountains, and shortage of farmable land Isolation helped shape a unique history Shōtoku Taishi, unification, and a supreme ruler

Early Japan Early Japanese society was made up of clans. Although there were a small aristocratic class of rulers, most people were farmers or other workers. In the early 7th century, Shotoku Taishi, a prince of the Yamato clan, united the clans under a centralized govt based on the Chinese model. The central govt was led by a supreme ruler, who was portrayed as a divine figure and a symbol of the Japanese nation. A new tax system was created, in which all taxes were paid to the central govt rather than the local aristocrats, limiting the aristocrats’ power.

This image shows Japanese samurai, or warriors, fighting in the Heiji Insurrection of 1159. This conflict was among the earliest battles to involve samurai.

Minamoto Yoritomo and the Kamakura Shogunate Failed Mongol attacks Overthrow of Kamakura shogunate and civil war Daimyo or the head of noble families are now in control of large estates holding power with samurai and coalitions of other noble families. The Onin War, a civil war lasting 10 years destroys the capitol and leads to constant warfare

Life in Early Japan Farming society, with trade slow to develop Bartering was used until 12 century Growth of manufacturing and trade Paper and porcelain emerged as industries Active role of women, despite subordination to men

Early Japanese Religion Kami and the development of Shinto Buddhism from China and the popularity of Zen  Zen’s belief about self discipline became part of the samurai’s warrior code. Zen’s belief is that nirvana comes by instantaneous enlightenment or meditation

Early Japanese Culture Prolific women writers and The Tale of Genji Importance of landscape in art and architecture

The Kingdoms of Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla A mountainous peninsula Three kingdoms emerge Introduction of Buddhism Kaya is taken over by the Silla

Silla Rule, Invasion, and a New Korean Dynasty Silla became dominant with Chinese aid. Silla used the Chinese ideals to run their country Civil war and Koryo dynasty The King of Silla is killed and Koryo dynasty emerges from the civil war. Korea is invaded by Mongols and Koryo accept Mongol authority The Koryo people are forced to build the ships to invade Japan When the Mongol Empire collapses so does the Koryo