Section IV: Japan: An Island Empire (Pages 260-265) This section is about: How Japanese culture was affected by Korean and Chinese influences. How Japanese traditions developed during the Heian period. The development of a feudal society in Japan. G

Let’s start by seeing who some of the people are in Japan (picture on page 263). The picture in this section you know a little about is on page 260 (from a few years ago). And, we should look at the Main Ideas on 260. G

Geography and Early History of Japan Japan has been strongly influenced by China (but it has kept it’s own culture). Made up of 4 main islands (not good for farming). Japan has many volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunami’s (tidal waves). The Sea dominates the life of the Japanese (food and climate). It’s isolation has also kept it from being attacked or influenced by others. The Ainu were the first Japanese ((several thousand years ago). 1 G

Early Traditions Early Japan had 2 groups (Uji and Be) – each with several clans. Uji clans were the aristocracy (higher up). Uji’s had a chieftain and worshipped their own clan god (considered and ancestor). Be clans were organized more by occupation (farming, weaving, fishing, etc…). G

The Yamato was the most powerful Uji clan (claimed to have been descended from the sun god). In 645, the ruler of the Yamato clan became emperor. He chose the rising sun as the symbol of his empire. Early Japanese worshipped kami (nature spirits) – who lived in natural winders such as waterfalls, mountains, trees, unusual rocks, … They built shrines to these gods The worship of Kami became known as Shinto (“the way of the gods”) and is still practiced today. G

Influences on Early Japan 2 Korean and Chinese immigrants brought culture (crafts, writing, literature, the arts, Confucianism, Buddhism, …). In the 600’s, a powerful Yamato prince (Shotoku) became fascinated with China and wanted his people to adopt their ways. He even sent students to acquire the knowledge and skills of the Chinese (in art, technology, religion, Tang government). Japanese government ended up very Chinese - the rulers even called themselves emperors. More…… 3 4 G

G The emperor even had a new city built (Chinese style buildings). They used Chinese ceremonies. Studied Chinese literature. Wore Chinese style clothing. Scholars and officials wrote in Chinese. Pagodas were built. Confucianism and Buddhism spread. By the 800’s though, they had started to lose interest, and became less and less Chinese (only did “selective borrowing”). G

The Heian Period 5 G Lasted from 794-1185. They kept some Chinese customs. Heian was patterned after Changan. Heian later beacme Kyoto (capital of Japan until 1868 and the “Protocol” place). Eventually, this is where some new Japanese traditions emerged. 5 G

Heian Culture Chinese culture adapted to Japanese culture (art, literature, painting). A new writing system called kana – with symbols representing sounds. Only men were allowed to write Chinese, so women began to write in kana. “The Tale of Genji” comes from this time – written by a woman about the adventures of a fictional prince. 6 G

The Heian Court The Japanese government was almost completely controlled by a wealthy family (Fujiwara - in the 800’s). They never tried to rule, but they controlled a lot (very wealthy and tried to get their daughters married to the heirs to the throne). This family of court nobles lived in great luxury. It was a time known for decorated courts, elegant gardens, good manners, and love of beauty. G

Feudal Japan After the Heian period, there were struggles for power – between rival clans. Landowners began to keep armed guards. This system was called feudalism (where lesser people owe higher people). G

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The Japanese Feudal System The emperor was still the leader of Japan – but he had very little power. The Shogun (supreme military commander) had much of the power. He relied on the daimyo (landowners) top control the rest. The Samurai (warriors) “worked” under the daimyo. Samurai lived under a code which stressed courage, honor, and loyalty to their lord. Peasants artisans, and craftspeople were all below the Samurai. 7 G

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Developments of the Feudal Age. Minamoto Yoritomo became Shogun in 1192 – and set up a military government that kept 150 years of peace in Japan. In the 1200’s the Mongols conquered China and Korea, but couldn’t invade Japan (storms drove them back). Years later, they tried again. The Japanese army held them at the beach for 2 months – until a typhoon hit them (destroying half the fleet). The Japanese celebrated the kamikaze (“divine wind”) of the typhoon. More… G

The Japanese kept their army prepared for years (just in case there was another attack). No attacks, the army cost money and was weakened. There was struggle for power (and civil war) which lasted for 50 years. The Ashikaga shoguns controlled Japan (a little) for about 200 years, but Japan began to have constant struggles for power. In the late 1500’s, warlords began to re-unite Japan. They even attacked Korea in 1590 (unsuccessfully). In 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate – and the wars ended. Do the rest on your own 8 G

Culture in the Feudal Age This was a time of great economic growth. Zen Buddhism began to grow (stressed devotion to duty, and meditation, and achieving a state of “no-mind”). Samurai liked the idea Zen Buddhism. G

G Zen dominated the arts of the time. Zen stresses simplicity and tranquility. Simple designs became popular. Peaceful black and white landscape paintings. Building which promoted Zen. Zen gardens. Even Samurai practiced the art of flower arranging – to achieve peace. G

G The Japanese Tea Ceremony developed. Tea helped priests stay awake to mediate. This became a big part of Japanese culture (and still is today). Painting, architecture, garden art, and drama all flourished. More… G

Japanese Theater (both still performed today) Noh Drama For the upper class. Had very little action. Usually two actors on an empty stage. Only scenery: a simple screen and a painting of a pine tree – to remind the audiences the first Noh Dramas were at Shinto shrines. Used flutes and drums, and a chanting chorus. Stories were about honor, unselfishness, and ideals of Japanese culture. Kabuki Mostly for the common people. Usually done by traveling actors. Colorful costumes and heavy make-up. Sang, danced, and acted out stories of love, war, and heroism. Some performances lasted up to 18 hours (there were snacks). G

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This is the last slide for today Make sure page "G" is completed G