Japan The land of the rising sun Open your notebook on page 66 and start taking Cornell notes
Geography of Japan More than 3,000 islands Four major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu Very little farming land Frequent earthquakes
Japan, the land of the rising sun pg.66 Geography of Japan The 4 major islands of Japan are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku & Kyushu Little farmland Earthquakes
Japan’s culture is based on Influence of Geography Isolated islands Mountain landscape Sea as a resource Influence of Geography Isolated islands Mountain landscape Sea as a resource Influence of China Buddhism Writing style Arts and crafts Government Influence of China Buddhism Writing style Arts and crafts Government
Japanese mythology (Creation of Japan) Izanagi & Izanami : two gods (male and female who created the islands of Japan Amaterasu: The sun goddess, who gave life to everything Storm god: The brother of Amaterasu; fought for power with his sister and destroyed everything Niningi: The grandson of Amaterasu; conquered the storm god and restored the power of sun The Jewel, the mirror, and the sword: 3 divine objects from the legend that represent the emperor’s power from heaven
Religions of Japan Shinto – based on respect for nature “ way of the gods” Various forms of Buddhism: 1.Zen Buddhism ( favorite religion of Samurai ) 2. Tendai Buddhism ( focused on intensive study of texts) 3. Amida Buddhism ( belief that people will find salvation in a pure land after death) Shinto – based on respect for nature “ way of the gods” Various forms of Buddhism: 1.Zen Buddhism ( favorite religion of Samurai ) 2. Tendai Buddhism ( focused on intensive study of texts) 3. Amida Buddhism ( belief that people will find salvation in a pure land after death)
Social classes of Japan
Golden Age of Medieval Japan World’s first novel written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu “ The Tale of Genji” Kabuki theater and Noh Drama- Use of elaborate costumes based on folktales Haiku poems syllables short poems capturing a moment in nature Calligraphy & painting Ikebana- flower arrangement Origami- art of folding paper