E. Napp Let’s Review Japanese Feudalism! In this lesson, students will be able to define critical terms associated with Japan’s Feudal Period. Students will be able to define the following terms: Shogun Daimyo Samurai Code of Bushido

E. Napp The samurai or Japanese warrior is remembered by many. During Japan’s feudal Period, a fixed social class system existed.

E. Napp A Fixed Social Class System In a fixed social class system, a person’s class is determined by birth. Like the caste system in India, Japan’s feudal hierarchy was a fixed social class system. A man was born a daimyo or a peasant.

E. Napp What similarities existed in the caste system and the feudal hierarchy of Japan?

E. Napp Feudalism Feudalism is a political and military system. In a feudal society, land is exchanged for military service. Lords give land to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty.

E. Napp In a feudal society, land is the basis of power.

E. Napp The Shogun was the supreme leader of feudal Japan.

E. Napp The Shogun The Shogun was the most powerful lord of Japan. He was a military dictator. Though the emperor still retained his title, the Shogun was the actual ruler of Japan during the feudal period.

E. Napp The Daimyo were lords in feudal Japan. They owned land and had to obey the Shogun.

E. Napp Daimyo Daimyo were landowners in feudal Japan. Daimyo had to provide military service to the Shogun. A Daimyo had to obey, serve, and be loyal to the Shogun.

E. Napp Samurai were Japanese warriors. They had to serve the Daimyo and Shogun and follow the Code of Bushido.

E. Napp Code of Bushido The Samurai had to obey the Code of Bushido. The Code of Bushido was a set of rules. It was similar to the European code of chivalry. A samurai had to be loyal, brave, and show no emotion.

E. Napp A samurai had to commit suicide or seppuku if he lost his honor.

E. Napp Questions for Reflection: Define feudalism. Compare and contrast Japanese feudalism and European feudalism. Make a diagram of Japan’s feudal hierarchy and define each class. Why was feudal Japan a fixed social class system? Compare and contrast European chivalry and the Japanese Code of Bushido.