Sinification of Japan, Korea and Vietnam Himeji Castle, Japan

Overview Two ways Chinese influence entered Japan, Korea and Vietnam: 1) Peacefully thru Buddhist missionaries. 2) By force. 2 kinds of force: 1) J,K & V gov’t orders and 2) Chinese attack (on Vietnam)

Peaceful Sinification tended to “stick”. Forced Sinification tended not to. Huge exception: Chinese written language was “forced” on J, K and V by their leaders. (In the 18th c., French Catholic missionaries introduced a new Latin-based alphabet to Vietnam, which is used today). Japanese Korean

Life in the Heian Palace

Part of the Heian Palace Complex, Kyoto

The Tale of Genji World’s first novel, written by Lady Murasaki, an aristocratic woman in the Heian court, around 1000 The Tale of Genji is a story about the interactions between Genji and the people (mostly women) that he encounters. The tale explores the different themes of love, affection, friendship, loyalty, and family. Genji wanders through the landscape of life, death, and love while maintaining dignity.

Samurai Warrior

Samurai Warrior??

Sinification of Korea and Vietnam The Han and Tang empires conquered Korea and Vietnam but both retreated over time. Buddhism, architecture, decorative art and written language based on Chinese remained. Detail of Korean Palace, Chinese Architectural influence

Hue Palace, Vietnam