Heian Period Grade 7 Standard

Heian Period Background The Heian period took place during 794-1185 AC. Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-Kyo in 794 AC beginning the new period. This period is named after the capital city of Heian-Kyo, or modern Kyoto. It was founded on the climax of Buddhist and Taoist religion. The Heian period was preceded by the Nara period. The Byodoin Phoenix Hall, was built in the 11th century during the Heian period.

Heian Japan Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-Kyo in 794 AC beginning the new period. This period is named after the capital city of Heian-Kyo, or modern Kyoto.

Heian Period Hierarchy The Fujiwara held many positions in the warrior class. The Shogunate power increased when political duty was added to their military responsibility.

Heian Period Culture A kimono is a Japanese traditional garment worn by men, women and children. The kimono is usually red. The word "kimono", literally means "thing to wear". Chinese remained official language in the Japanese imperial court. The Japanese national anthem was created during the Heian period http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiwhI1OuoWo Part one only

Fujiwara Clan Fujiwara began during the Asoka period in Japan. It descended from the Nakatomi Clan. A man named Nakatomi Kamatari lead a coup against Soga in 645 AC that trigged governmental reforms, called the “Taika Reform”. The clan was created by Nakatomi Kamatari; he was awarded the Fujiwara for the governmental reforms he started. Nakatomi changed his title to Fujiwara, which eventually became the name of his clan. During the Heian period, a branch of the Fujiwara called the “Hokke” established positions as regents, while other members of the clan held positions like court nobles, provincial governors, and samurai.

Fujiwara Clan The Fujiwara Clan was one of the great families in Japan at the time, along with the Tachibana, the Taira, and the Minamoto. The Fujiwara were the greatest and most powerful of the families and held the most government ruling offices. At the peak of their power, the Fujiwara held multiple positions in the kingdom, including the position of emperor. The Fujiwara married into positions of power in the imperial dynasty.

Fujiwara Clan The Clan reached the peak of their power under Fujiwara Michinaga, in the years 966-1027. The Fujiwara ruled during the Heian Period through total control of “regent” positions. A regent is a person or a group of persons that holds a ruling position because the original ruler is not present. Illustration of Fujiwara Michinaga

Fujiwara Clan Even though their popularity decreased , the Fujiwara still managed to be advisors to later emperors The Fujiwara Clan ended in 1192 AC when the first Shogunate was placed into power The Fuji-Mon is an emblem that represents the Fujiwara clan.

Shogunate The term Shogun appeared in various titles given to the military commanders during the 8th and 9th century. The highest warrior rank of the Shogunate was Seii Taishogun. The Seii Taishogun in English means “great general who subdues barbarians”. Only three shogun where successful enough to obtain the title of Seii Taishogun. The Shogun office was called the Shogunate. Bakufu where living areas designated to the shogun population.

Bushido Bushido means “way of the warrior knight”. Bushido is a Japanese word used to describe Japanese code of conduct and the way of samurai life. Equivalent to the concept of knight’s chivalry. Japanese samurai in armor

Bushido Bushido stressed discipline and honor among samurai. It somewhat dulled the extreme violence associated with samurai. Bushido is a verbal moral code, It wasn’t really written in stone like laws are. Bushido was still taken very seriously among samurai. If one failed to bring honor to his country, the only path to redemption was sacrificial suicide.

Sources http://www.opendemocracy.net/arts-hair/article_766.jsp http://weheartit.com/entry/677473 http://www.bukisa.com/articles/73982_the-history-of-the-samurai-the- heian-period-794-1185 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiwhI1OuoWo http://www.oldshanghaionline.com/womens/silk-kimono- robe/brocadepjk071-l.html http://wn.com/Geopolitics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samurai http://hinamatsuri.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/japan.gif