Aim: Was Feudalism in Japan similar to European Feudalism? Do Now: What do you know about Japan?

I Geography of Japan Japan is an archipelago east of Korea. It consists of 1000s of islands, but 4 main ones. Japan lies on a fault line, and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire (a circle of volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean). Japan is very mountainous. Its tallest mountain is Mount Fuji. Only 20% of Japanese land is arable (suitable for farming). Japan’s main natural resources are seafood and rice. Mt. Fuji Rice Paddy

Pacific Ring of Fire On March 11 2011, Japan experienced a devastating earthquake, causing mass destruction. However, Japan is a leader in geothermal energy (from magma under the Earth’s crust).

II Early Japan (300 – 710 CE) A) Early Japanese were hunters and gatherers. They were controlled by clans (small political group based on family ties, often led by an elder). B) The traditional Japanese religion was Shinto (worship of kami; forces in nature; a form of animism). C) Through cultural diffusion, early Japanese culture absorbed many Chinese traditions and ideas including Confucianism, Buddhism, art, architecture, and a system of writing. D) By 400 CE Japan was united under an emperor, with the capital at Nara. The first sumo wrestling matches were performed in honor of the gods, in hopes of a good harvest. A Shinto Shrine

III The Heian Period A) 794 CE Kyoto became the new capital of Japan. B) 9th century poets began to write in Japanese instead of in Chinese. C) Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote The Tale of Genji 1000 CE. *The world’s 1st known fictional novel! It is about Genji, the son of the Emperor during the Heian period. It describes in detail the differences between the nobles and the commoners. Heian Court Dress

IV Feudal Japan A) By the 9th century CE, the power of the Emperor declined. Feudalism became the dominant form of government in Japan. Emperor Shogun Land - Shoen Loyalty Land - Shoen Daimyo Daimyo Loyalty Samurai Samurai Samurai Food Protection Peasant Peasant Peasant Peasant

Feudal Japan Continued… Emperor: The divine head of society, who held no real power. Lived at Kyoto. Shogun: The emperor’s military deputy, who held real power over Japan. Lived at Edo. Daimyo Lords: who held power over their own land, under the control of the shogun. Samurai: Warriors, most of whom enjoyed high social status but had very little power. Loyal to their daimyo. Farmers, Artisans Merchants: People who traded goods. They occupied the lowest rung of society, as Confucianism viewed them as not contributing to society.

Feudal Japan Continued… B) The Samurai followed the Code of Bushido “Way of the Warrior” 1. Honor 2. Bravery 3. Loyalty 4. Simplicity 5. If a Samurai displeased his master or lost a battle, he may practice seppuku (ritual suicide) so he will not lose honor.

Osaka Castle

Samurai Armor

Zen literally means “meditation”. V Zen Buddhism A) Zen Buddhism began in China in the 6th century. It was greatly influenced by Taoism; Zen Buddhists have a great respect for nature. It became popular in Japan by the 12th century. B) Zen Buddhism greatly influenced Japanese culture. 1. Zen Buddhism requires a strict mental focus and discipline, which reinforced the Code of Bushido 2. Zen Buddhist Gardens were built as places for meditation and beauty 3. Japanese Tea Ceremony: This ceremony transforms the simple act of pouring tea into a beautiful art form. 4. Haiku Poetry: Short, simple, beautiful poems. 5, 7, then 5 syllables. Zen literally means “meditation”.

Zen Garden This Zen garden was designed deliberately for the purpose of meditation. What materials were used? How were they placed?

Zen Winter Garden The disk moon the disk frozen lake reflecting each other – Hashimoto Takako 20th century

Lighting one candle With another candle; An evening of spring. Zen Spring Garden Lighting one candle With another candle; An evening of spring. - Yosi Buson, 18th century

How hot the cobwebs look Hanging on summer trees! Zen Summer Garden How hot the cobwebs look Hanging on summer trees! - Yosa Buson, 18th century

Zen Autumn Garden In the mountainside sky cherry petals play as they fall ... - Kusama Tokihiko, 20th century

Summary Describe at least 2 ways that Japan’s geography has impacted its history and/or culture. Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast Japanese feudalism with feudalism in Western Europe. Write your own haiku about Japan! my friend pork shoulder I return to you. this time i've brought mayonnaise Can of metal, slick soft center, so cool, moistening I yearn for your salt

Key Vocabulary Archipelago Arable Clans Code of Bushido Daiymo Feudalism Heian Period Kami Lady Shikibu Mt. Fuji Pacific Ring of Fire Samurai Sepukku Shinto Shogun The Tale of Genji Zen Buddhism