Feudal Japan

Questions to think about: In what way was Japan less vulnerable to China’s potential domination than other countries on the map? Looking at Japan's Geography, what activities were likely important to its economy?

Japan is located 120 miles off the coast of Asia Japan is located 120 miles off the coast of Asia. Only 15% of the land is flat enough for farming, but its rainy mild climate allows rice to grow well. The island allows for abundant fishing and protection from invasion. The Chinese civilization had the strongest impact on Japan and they referred to the island as “the land of the rising sun” which is Nippon in Japanese. Nippon is what the Japanese call their country.

What is FEUDALISM?

What is FEUDALISM? Under feudalism, power was controlled by only a few people, almost always men, and the majority of people had few rights and little freedom Those who owned the land had the power. Local rulers, either powerful families or military warlords, dominated the land, while the emperor was merely a figurehead and not a significant political presence.

Japan’s Emperors Japan ruled by clans, or groups of families related through a common ancestor. The emperor claimed to rule, but they were only figureheads- someone who appears to have power but does not. Wealthy noble families usually held the real power. Regent: a person who rules if the the ruler is absent, ill, or too young to govern.

Prince Shotoku Prince Shotoku, a regent, ruled from 593 to 622. Shotoku was impressed by Chinese culture and sent Japanese scholars to study in China. He drew up guidelines for Japanese leaders that were based on Confucian principles, such as loyalty and respect.

Japan’s Culture Nature inspired Japanese Culture. Japan's mountains and frequent rainfall have resulted in lush green lands. Japanese culture often expresses a love of this natural beauty ↓↓ Shinto: meaning “way of the Gods.” Based on respect for nature and ancestors. According to Shinto, rocks, trees, rivers, and other natural objects are often home to divine spirits. With Shotoku's encouragement, Buddhism also spread quickly in Japan. Buddhism was shaped according to traditional Japanese customs, which included Shinto. Zen, which held that something precious and divine exists in each person, became very popular

The Rise of Feudalism in Japan Great landowners, known as Daimyo (DY-mee-OH), ignored the central government. They acted more and more as independent local rulers. They hired trained warriors called samurai for protection and to attack other daimyo. As the power of the daimyo increased, the lawlessness increased. Small landowners wanted protection. To win the aid of a more powerful lord, they pledged to serve that lord.

The Rise of Feudalism in Japan A person who received land and protection from a lord in return for service was called a vassal. This lord-vassal system increased the power of the daimyo. It marked the start of feudalism in Japan.

RIGHT pg. 115 Shogun: Bakufu: Bushido: Ronin: Japanese Feudalism in the Middle Ages Shogun: Bakufu: Bushido: Ronin: DEFINE: Japanese vs. The Ancient World Women Social Order slaves/peasants

Yellow River Samurai Huang He River Figurehead Dynastic Cycle Peasant Oracle Bones Bushido Shang Dynasty Seppuku Mandate of Heaven Han Legalism Qin Daoism Zhou Confucianism Inner China Silk Road Outer China Bactrian Camels Yangtze River Buddhism Daimyo Rugs Feudalism Furs Ronin Emperor Shogun

FREE