History of Japan

Japan’s Early History Youngest of the major civilizations, but little is known about early history. According to Japanese mythology, the god Izanagi and goddess Izanami dipped a jeweled spear into the ocean while standing on the rainbow bridge of heaven. Drips falling from the jeweled spear formed the islands of Japan. The god and goddess descended from heaven to live on the islands. Their offspring were the Japanese people.

Early Japanese Society Land divided by warring clans Clans were groups of families that descended from a common ancestor. Each clan had its own land, its own god, and its own chieftain. By 5th century A.D., one clan dominated all its rival clans – Yamato Clan The Yamato Clan extended its authority and forged a unified Japanese State.

Yamato Clan The First emperor of Japan, Jimmu Tenno, claimed to be a direct descendent of the sun goddess. The Yamato Clan claimed its rulers were descendents of Jimmu Tenno, thus believed to be divine in nature. Unlike China, who has multiple ruling dynasties, Japan has had one imperial family in its entire history.

Shintoism Japan’s native religion was Shintoism. Means “The way of the gods” A form of nature worship that attributed deity to anything in nature that was awe-inspiring or extraordinary. (Ex: Fire, waterfall, high mountain) Stressed the supremacy of the sun goddess and the divine descent of the emperor. A religion of inspiring love for one’s homeland, loyalty to one’s clan, and reverence for one’s emperor. The fabric of Japanese society was Shintoism.

Influence of China Japan remained in relative isolation during her early history. 5th – 8th centuries A.D., a cultural invasion of ideas, learning, and art entered Japan as China was experiencing her golden age in the T’ang dynasty. Two important vehicles that transported Chinese culture to Japan: Chinese writing system (Characters) Could now keep written records and produce their own literature for the first time. Buddhism Buddhist monks came to Japan and brought much of their culture with them. 7th Century – Prince Shotoku made Buddhism the favored national religion of Japan. Built many Buddhist temples, hospitals, and schools. Sent many men to China to study their culture, and borrowed many of their achievements.

Taika Reform – “Great Change” In the 7th century, the leaders of Japan wanted to weaken the influence of the local chieftains, and extend the power of the Emperor to all of Japan. They wanted to model their government after the strong centralized bureaucracy of the Chinese T’ang dynasty. The Taika Reform established civil service examinations, and established a new judicial code and tax system.

Fujiwara Rule The Fujiwara had married their daughters to sons of the imperial family. When a male child was born, they forced the current emperor to abdicate, and the Fujiwara elders ruled Japan as regents of the infant emperor. The Luxurious life of the royal court brought corruption and bankruptcy to the government. The government was no longer able to provide protection for its outlying provinces. They began to rely on strong military clans for protection, and major power struggles broke out against rival military families.

The Rise of Samurai In the 12th century, Yoritomo, the leader of the Minamoto clan, defeated the only remaining powerful clan, and became the supreme military leader of Japan. The powerless emperor granted the title “Shogun” to Yoritomo. He created a powerful military state, ruled by military rather than officials. Powerful Shoguns would hold the real power in Japan from 1192-1868. The warrior class became the leading class in Japan. The Japanese warrior was called a Samurai.

Samurai Besides mastering military skills, they also studied history, literature, and writing. He used these skills to protect his master and lord. Bushido – “The Way of the Warrior” governed the conduct of the Samurai. It demanded that he live by loyalty, honor, duty, justice, courage, sincerity, and politeness. Haka-Kiri – A ceremonial practice whereby a samurai can commit suicide to avoid the disgrace of capture, or to atone for deeds of misconduct.

Samurai Swords - Katanas