Early History of Japan

Early History China had a great impact on early Japan Government Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism Tools and farming methods Music, dance, and architecture Early Japanese society was organized into “clans” Groups of families descended from a common ancestor Some families were warriors, farmers, artisans, etc These clans formed a community called Yomato The Tenno clan became the first and only dynasty The only line of emperors in Japan- 29 A.D. to present

Early History During the 1100s problems began all over Limited food and water A revolution occurred over farmland Rice thrived & created great wealth for farmers Farmers needed to protect their land and crops They hired “Samurai” to do the protection Warrior Knights A new government called “Feudalism” emerged Local lords (Samurai) became powerful landowners Stayed loyal to the emperor and became his personal army

Samurai “Miyamoto Musashi” Most famous samurai Known for military strategy and swordsmanship Became the first “Shogun” Most powerful samurai and general of the emperor’s army Fought and won 60 duels by the age of 29 Was also a great artist Known for painting and writing poems

Samurai Samurai believed in the idea of “Bushido” Code of the Warrior They should be powerful, disciplined, and fierce They should be brave and have honor They should be loyal and devoted to their family Spare time should be spent not only practicing military skills Reading, writing and art are important Japanese people follow the code today Devoted to work, family, education and honor Committing crimes is seen as dishonorable

Sumo Wrestlers Today the samurai are gone, but sumo wrestlers have taken their place Sumo are seen as Japan’s warriors today They are treated as gods by the people “Yokozuna” Sumo grand champion They are expected to act like the samurai Powerful, disciplined, and fierce