Japan

Geography: Archipelago: – group of islands under control of one government

Japanese Religions Shintoism -"way of the gods" -worshipped kami (spirit found in all living and nonliving things) -deep respect for nature

Confucianism Japan adopted ideas of strong central government, honoring parents and elders, and respect for learning

Buddhism introduced from Korea - idea of gaining peace through meditation appealed to Japanese

Zen Buddhism introduced by Chinese monks used meditation to achieve enlightenment but also included activities, painting, training to use weapons important to Samurai

Japanese Feudalism: (1100s-1870s AD) Feudalism: system of government where local people (nobles) were given land in exchange for military service and loyalty to higher classes – Emperor still ruled in name, but did not have any real power – Small ruling class was superior to their subjects – All members of Japanese society had a defined place

Feudal structure emperor shogun daimyo samurai peasants merchants

Emperor- stood at the top of society, but considered a figurehead Shogun- military and political ruler of society Daimyo- wealthy, elite samurai who served the shogun in protecting and ruling Japan Samurai- small nobility class of warriors Peasants- produced food for all of Japan Merchants- although wealthier than peasants, viewed as lowest for lack of contribution to society as a whole

Reading Questions 1.Feudalism lasted in Japan for 700 years 2.In the last 300 years of feudalism the rest of the world was going through the Renaissance, French and American Revolutions and start of the Industrial Revolution 3.Daimyo or Lord 4.The emperor gave the Minamoto clan the title of Shogun

Reading Questions 5. Example of a country today that has a figurehead is Britain 6. Explain the saying: Death happens all the time but duty is the most important 7. Loyalty and indifference to suffering 8 The Samurai ended the Mongol invasion