Classical Japan The Nara Period ( ) The Heian era ( ) Adapted from Melinda Landeck, Ben Reichert, and Carl Frei

The Nara Period When: Where: The Yamato Clan (ruling family) created a new capital in Nara What: Japanese culture developed modeled after China: -food-tea -writing-religion -music-dance - architecture

Cultural Borrowing and Chinese influence

The Heian Period When: Where: In 794, Emperor Kammu moved the capital from Nara to Heian-kyo (in Japanese “Kyo” means city) What: Aristocrats led a great flourishing of Japanese culture: -literature--painting -sculpture-music -dance-drama -art

Heian-kyo Heian-kyo became the first truly Japanese city. Today it is called Kyoto. Heian-kyo’s crisscrossing streets were modeled after those of Chang’an, but the city’s architecture was Japanese. In the center of the city were palaces and government offices.

Japanese Language: The Writing System Initial adoption of Chinese writing system and adaptation to needs of Japanese language: kambun (writing all in Chinese characters). Male language; Chinese as official language of the court bureaucracy.

Japanese written language : adopted & adapted from China 日ひ Sutra fan kanji (Chinese characters) Tale of Genji kana (Japanese syllabary)

China as a model for urban planning Heian-kyo “Capital of Peace and Tranquility” Heian-kyo and Chang-an (Chinese capital) were both laid out on an identical grid pattern

The Rise of the Fujiwara Family By the mid-9th century, real power in the imperial court shifted from the emperor to the aristocratic families. The most important of these noble families were the Fujiwara, who controlled Japan for nearly 300 years. Although never actually rulers, the Fujiwara had other ways of exercising their power.

Power of the Fujiwara (3 examples) Example 1: In 858, the Fujiwara married many of their young daughters into the royal families Example 2: The Fujiwara acted as advisors to the emperor Example 3: Often coaxed older emperors to retire, so that child or youth could take the throne, they would rule as regents in the young emperor’s name.

Fujiwara Michinaga The most successful Fujiwara leaders- who led Japan from Never had an official role in the government, but is one of the best known people in Japanese history.  During his time in power, the Fujiwara family became even richer  They also built palaces, mansions, and temples.

Legacy of the Fujiwara  The Fujiwara family used their power to better their own lives. However, they also kept peace in Japan for nearly three centuries. This peace helped Japanese culture blossom during the Heian period.  Phoenix Hall – Michinaga’s son built after his fathers death.

Social Position of the Heian Court A person’s rank was determined almost completely by what family he or she came from. Being born into a high-ranking family mattered more than personal qualities or skills. There were nine main ranks in the Heian court hierarchy.

Heian Rank System The nine ranks were further divided into classes such as senior and junior, upper and lower. In all, there were some 30 sub ranks Each rank brought with it specific privileges and detailed rules about conduct. Members of each rank had different types of houses and carriages. Rank also determined the number of servants people had and even the number of folds in the fans they carried.

The Fans of Japan Men of the first, second, and third ranks used fans with 25 folds Men of the fourth, and fifth ranks used fans with 23 folds The fans of the lower ranks had 12 folds.

A court-centered culture Population of roughly five million, only 1% live in the capital. Of this 1%, only one-tenth of one percent belong to the aristocracy – a group of less than 1500 persons. Records drawn overwhelmingly from the aristocratic or clerical classes. Cloistered world of centered on imperial family, the aristocratic families into which they married.

End of the Heian Period Heian Period = peace. Aristocrats lived well, but most people were poor and lived in rural areas. This caused problems –People who owned estates did not have to pay taxes. –This caused a money shortage When the emperor lost control, bandit attacks increased. By the 12 th century, local lords power equaled that of the weakened imperial government. By 1180, civil war broke out in Japan In 1185, Minamoto Yoritomo seized power. –Head of military family It began an era in which military leaders controlled Japan

Effects of the Heian Period Tale of Genji and Pillow Book are as basic to Japan as Shakespeare to the English speakers. Tanka poetry is still popular today. Heian theater is still important today.

Heian-kyo cont. Simplicity was considered beautiful, so there were few objects on the wooden floors of people’s houses. Only straw mats and cushions. The Japanese did not use chairs. Daily life was very formal, and correct manners were extremely important. Ex. A Heian lady sat behind a portable screen that hid her from view while she talked and took part in life around the house.