Feudal Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun Japan is called The Land of the Rising Sun The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Japan is a chain of islands located off the northeastern coast of Asia.

The chain is called an archipelago, and the islands extend about 2000 miles. The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Most of the people of Japan live on four main islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China. Shikoku Kyushu

Most of Japan is mountains Kitani Mts. Most of Japan is mountains Only about 20% is flat enough to farm or live on. Kitakami Mts. Mikuni Mts. Chugoku Mts. The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China. Mt. Fuji Kyushu Mts.

Japan has few natural resources, and is in the path of hurricanes and typhoons. The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China. Mt. Fuji

Japan has 40 active volcanoes The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Yamato Period: 300-710 “Great Kings” era Began promoting the adoption of Chinese culture: Confucianism. Language (kanji characters). Buddhist sects. Chinese art & architecture. Government structure. “Great Kings” era

Heian Period: 794-1156 Characteristics: Growth of large landed estates. Arts & literature of China flourished. Elaborate court life [highly refined] ETIQUETTE.  Personal diaries The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon [10c] Great novel The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki Shikibu [1000 pgs.+]  Moving away from Chinese models in religion, the arts, and government. 

Shinto is a native religion of Japan and is a part of basic Japanese principles of life.

According to the Kojiki, the mythological chronology of Japan, the gods of the Shinto religion are believed to have created Japan as their image of paradise on earth.

In 1268 Kublai Khan sent an ambassador to the king of Japan or shogun, because he wanted a tribute – a gift that would show respect – from him. The shogun refused and so Kublai Khan invaded Japan.

The war lasted 53 days, when suddenly, a typhoon began to blow The war lasted 53 days, when suddenly, a typhoon began to blow. The typhoon, which the Japanese called a kamikaze or divine wind, destroyed all the Mongolian ships, and Japan was saved.

4,400 ships and 140,000 men, but kamikaze winds stopped them. Mongol Invasions of Japan 4,400 ships and 140,000 men, but kamikaze winds stopped them.

Heian Period: Cultural Borrowing Chinese writing. Chinese artistic styles. Buddhism [in the form of ZEN]. BUT, not the Chinese civil service system! 

Heian Court Dress

The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon (diary)

Tale of Genji (first novel)

Tokugawa Shogunate Period Japan closed off to all trade [except to the Dutch and Chinese].  The Dutch were restricted to a small island in Nagasaki harbor. Japanese Christians persecuted and Christianity is forbidden. The government is centralized with all power in the hands of the shogun. Domestic trade flourishes. Towns, esp. castle towns, increase. Merchant class becomes rich!  New art forms  haiku poetry, kabuki theater.

The emperor reigned, but did not always rule! Feudal Society

Feudalism A political, economic, and social system based on loyalty, the holding of land, and military service. Japan: Shogun Land - Shoen Loyalty Land - Shoen Daimyo Daimyo Loyalty Samurai Samurai Samurai Food Protection Peasant Peasant Peasant Peasant

Feudalism A political, economic, and social system based on loyalty, the holding of land, and military service. Europe: King Land - Fief Loyalty Land - Fief Lord Lord Loyalty Knight Knight Knight Food Protection Peasant Peasant Peasant Peasant

Code of Bushido Fidelity Politeness Virility Simplicity

Seppuku: Ritual Suicide It is honorable to die in this way. Kaishaku – his “seconds”

Full Samurai Attire

Samurai Sword

Code of Chivalry Justice Loyalty Defense Courage Faith Humility Nobility

Medieval Warriors vs. European knight Samurai Warrior

Medieval Warriors vs. Knight’s Armor Samurai Armor

Zen Buddhism A Japanese variation of the Mahayana form of Buddhism, which came from India through China. It reinforced the Bushido values of mental and self-discipline.

Osaka Castle

Main Gate of Hiroshima Castle

Caernorfon Castle, Wales

Warwick Castle, England

The Age of the Warring States: (1467 - 1568) Castles built on hills in different provinces. Power shifts from above to below. Europeans arrive in Japan  bringing firearms & Christianity. Christianity & foreign trade flourish.

Catholic Jesuits in Japan St. Francis Xavier [First Catholic Missionaries in Asia]

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598) Becomes suspicious of European territorial ambitions. Orders all European missionaries expelled from Japan.  Tries to invade Korea, but fails.

First Christian Martyrs (1597): Shrine in Nagasaki Today