Chapter 8: Empire of Japan Unit Review

8.1 – Geography and Early Japan Japan is an archipelago (cluster of islands). Majority of Japan is steep mountain slopes – 1/5 of land is flat enough for living and farming. Most Japanese live near coast – rely upon ocean for food (seafood). Japan’s geography isolated Japan from other cultures early in it’s history (due to the fact that it is an island)

8.1 – Geography of Early Japan Early Japanese Ainu people (north Japan) Japanese (south Japan) live in clans – or extended family units. Clans view themselves as rivals with one another. Early Japanese follow belief of Shinto. Shinto = everything in nature has a spirit (kami). Goal of people is to be in harmony with the spirit of nature. Chiefs of each Japanese clan is said to be a direct descendant of kami. First powerful clan was the Yamato clan – began taking control of much of Japan and began calling themselves the Emperors of Japan.

8.1 – Geography and Early Japan By 500’s Japan begins to desire progress and sends representatives to China and Korea to bring back new ideas. Japan brings over written language of China. Japan brings over ideas of Confucianism and Buddhism – later develop unique forms of Buddhism (Zen Buddhism & Pure Land Buddhism) Prince Shotoku = influential figure (regent) that brought many cultural items from China – especially a desire to spread Buddhism. Regent = someone who rules a country for someone who is unable to (Prince Shotoku ruled Japan for his aunt).

8.2 – Art and Culture in Heian Emperor moves capital of Japan to Heian – many nobles follow. Nobles create an imperial court - nobles live near/serve as advisors to the Emperor. Life in imperial court = nobles are disinterested with life outside of the palace. Nobles known as “dwellers among the clouds” because they were not concerned with life throughout Japan or the poverty of the commoners – life was easy and removed from the rest of Japan. Nobles invest time and energy into creating a life of luxury, filled with the arts (fashion, literature, theatre, etc.)

8.2 – Art and Culture in Heian Literature: Possible because of the Chinese system of writing brought to Japan. Writing was particularly popular with women in the Heian court – noble women develop early literature of Japan Most men write in Chinese – Women use the newly developed Japanese writing system. Lady Murasaki Shikibu = greatest writer in early Japanese history. Wrote the first novel “The Tale of Genji” – which described the noble lifestyle as it follows the life of a prince.

8.2 – Art and Culture in Heian Buddhism of Japan: Buddhism is brought from China (Prince Shotoku) and then adapted in Japan. Commoners = Pure Land Buddhism becomes popular because it doesn’t require elaborate ritual – chant Buddha’s name over and over to reach enlightened state. Zen Buddhism = popular with many Japanese, especially warriors. Seek wisdom and practice self discipline through meditation (often around dry landscape garden). Samurai practice Zen Buddhism to help practice the discipline required in Bushido.

8.3 – Growth of a Military Society Japanese landowners (Daimyo) take over control of lands in Japan – because Emperor was distracted by court life. Daimyo need to protect their own lands so they hire Samurai (trained warriors) – protecting Daimyo’s land is a Samurai’s main responsibility. Powerful nobles were dissatisfied with how the country was being run – decide to try to take control of the country. Minamoto clan eventually takes control Head of Minamoto clan becomes first Shogun (military leader who rules in the emperor’s name) Emperor becomes a “figurehead” while the Shogun has real power. Minamoto Shogun rules Japan for almost 700 years.

8.3 – Growth of a Military Society Order of importance in Feudal Japan: 1) Emperor 2) Shogun – though he often had more power than emperor 3) Daimyo 4) Samurai 5) Peasants

8.3 – Growth of a Military Society Samurai: Use influence of Confucianism and Buddhism to lead disciplined lives. Bushido = code of conduct/rules for Samurai – required samurai to be brave and honorable. Losing a battle, disobeying an order, etc. = ways a samurai could lose honor. Use ideas of Confucianism (duty to Daimyo) Use ideas of Zen Buddhism (self control and discipline) – many samurai meditate each day. Samurai role in society is primarily to serve and protect their daimyo and his land. Samurai also police society, fight in battle Bushido, though designed for Samurai, portrays ideals and values of all Japanese.

8.3 – Growth of a Military Society Mongols attempt to invade Japan – Japanese nobles must set aside differences in order to ban together to fight off Mongols. Japanese are aided by bad weather that hinders the Mongol’s. Many nobles become dissatisfied with the shogun’s role during these two wars – begin to turn against shogun’s rule. Daimyo landowners attempt to break free from shogun’s rule. By the 1400’s . . . Shogun loses power Emperor is still seen as a “figurehead” (no real power) Daimyo’s control individual lands.

8.3 – Growth of a Military Society In 1500’s – Oda Nobunaga becomes first leader to reunify Japan. Nobunaga gives guns to his soldiers – makes them more effective in battle – allowed Oda Nobunaga to easily take control. After death of Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu takes over control of much of Japan. (1600’s) Emperor declares Tokugawa Ieyasu as “shogun” of Japan – begins Tokugawa shogunate.

8.3 – Growth of a Military Society Isolation of Japan: Japan’s shoguns became concerned that influence of outsiders would threaten their control over Japan – begin to isolate Japan from the west. Rest of the world makes progress while Japan stays the same – Japan falls behind. Samurai period lasts until 1800’s because: Japan was isolated from other cultures (did not make progress) Japan limited technology. Japan banned the use of guns.