Warm-up: discuss the following questions with a neighbor. Describe culture in the Heian era. Describe Feudalism in Japan, compare the terms used to European terms (ex. Samurai = Knights)

Japan During the Middle Ages 500-1500 C.E.

Japan: Japan is an archipelago. It is mostly mountainous, and people settled in the narrow river valleys and along the coastal plains. The surrounding seas have both protected and isolated Japan.

Japanese Religion: The native religion is called Shinto meaning “The way of the gods.” There is no complex rituals or philosophy to the Shinto religion. Believers strive to find beauty in “kami” (the forces of nature)

The Yamato Clan: Recorded Japanese history begins around 500 C.E., when the Yamato Clan take over. Many aspects of the imperial court were adopted from the Chinese. The Taika Reforms enforced the following adoptions from China: Emperor = Son of Heaven. Chinese characters. Confucian ideas and ethics. Chinese Buddhism

Overtime, a new cultural identity develops which supported the idea that the Japanese culture is superior to the Chinese.

The Heian Period: From 794 – 1185 C.E., the imperial court was dominated by the Fujiwara family. Since it was located at Heian (present-day Kyoto) it is called the Heian court. Elaborate rules of etiquette governed court ceremony. As the court’s focus turned not to civil administration, but to poetry, literature, and the arts.

Heian Literature: Sei Shonagon; created “The Pillow Book”, a series of anecdotes and observations about court life. Lady Murasaki; created “The Tale of Genji” which was the world’s first full-length novel.

Japanese Feudalism: By the 11th century C.E., large landowners (daimyo) had created private armies and were declaring their own authority independent of the Emperor.

Peasants gained security by pledging their lands to a daimyo in exchange for protection. Thus, Japanese farmers were reduced to the status of serfs.

During this period, the government deteriorated, which led to a series of civil wars known as the Gempei Wars (1180-1185 C.E..) The wars hurt the peasants a lot and ended up creating a military government (bafuku)

Kamakura Period (1192 – 1333 C.E.) The Gempei wars ended in 1185 C.E. when the leader of the Minamoto daimyo Minamoto Yoritomo became the first shogun in Japanese history. His capital was located in Kamakura, thus his dynasty begins the Kamakura period. Text image from: http://www.classical-japanese.net/Prose/heike.html Chanting of Heike Monogatari image from: http://www.glopac.org/Jparc/HEIKYOKU/1heikyoku.html

Japan’s Social Structure: In theory, the emperor was the head of Japanese feudal society. But in fact, he was powerless. Real power lay in the hands of the shogun (supreme military commander.) The shogun distributed land to vassal lords (the daimyo) who agreed to protect their lands and remain loyal to the shogun. They, in turn, granted land to lesser warriors called samurai.

The samurai class was an hereditary membership The samurai class was an hereditary membership. They were highly trained and received special privileges in Japanese society. They were allowed to carry swords. They were allowed to wear special headdress They were exempt from imperial taxes.

The Way of the Warrior: Samurai followed an unquestionable code of obedience called “Bushido” (The way of the Warrior.) Absolute loyalty to one’s lord. Honor is more important than wealth. Death before dishonor (no surrender in battle.) The practice of “seppuku” a ritual suicide.

Zen Buddhism: Zen is form of Buddhism introduced into Japan by a monk named Eisai. He taught that meditation and prayer are important for spiritual growth. It emphasis on physical and mental health, was widely popular among the Samurai class; and was spread because of their support.

shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. However, the new government Due to regional factionalism, the Kamakura shogunate fell in 1333 C.E.. It was replaced by a new shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. However, the new government was not strong enough to control the distant regions of Japan. Ashikaga Period (1333 – 1573 C.E.) Nishijin silk textile image from: http://www.jgc.co.jp/waza/b2_nishijin/

To defend their lands during this period, daimyo lords built massive stone castles. St Francis image from: http://web.wt.net/~kelley/page1.htm

St Ignatius Sending Xavier to the Orient Europeans also brought Christianity. In 1549 C.E., Jesuit monks like Francis Xavier introduced Christianity throughout Japan.

Popular during the Tokugawa shogunate was “Noh theater Popular during the Tokugawa shogunate was “Noh theater.” It is a form of musical dance drama. And is the oldest theater art form in Japan.

Created during the Tokugawa period, Kabuki is still the most popular form of traditional Japanese theater. It is characterized with bright colors, exaggerated acting, music and dancing. Similar to traditional Shakespearian theater, both male and female characters are played by men.

Economic Changes Trade and Industry grew Cities grew Edo +1 Million pop. Banking grew, paper money became the standard Merchant class grew Taxes increased Peasants suffered, some revolted http://w00.middlebury.edu/ID085A/Edo/index2.html Coins from the Edo period

Social Changes Strict class distinctions Eta skinning deer Emperor and imperial court Warriors Peasants/farmers Artisans Merchants Eta (outcasts) Laws separating them No intermarriage Eta skinning deer http://www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/2862111344/

Role of women Restricted, especially in warrior class Rules: Influenced by Confucianism Rules: Parents determined marriage Men could divorce women who don’t fulfill their duties. Men controlled property. Were valued as mothers http://www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/3492944934/in/set-72157617576425408/

Cultural Changes Winds bring petals of cherry Into the grebe lake. http://www.big.or.jp/~loupe/links/ehisto/ebasho.shtml Literature Popular in cities Lighthearted, for fun Ihara Saikaku “Five Women who Loved Love” Poetry More serious Haiku (5,7,5; about nature) Ex. Matsuo Basho From all directions Winds bring petals of cherry Into the grebe lake.

THE END!