So what? What is important to understand about this? Main ideas Poems & Plays Japanese Religion & Culture What is Zen Buddhism? Pure Land Buddhism Art & Architecture

Japanese Religion and Culture Practiced both Shinto and Buddhism. Buddhism was divided into different sects, or smaller religious groups. Pure Land Buddhism – its message is about a happy life after death. Zen – teaches that people can find inner peace through self-control and a simpler way of life.

Japanese Religion and Culture Art reveals the people’s love of beauty and simplicity. Includes wooden items coated in lacquer, landscape paintings, folded paper called origami, and tea ceremonies. Buildings were influenced by Chinese and Japanese styles. Shinto – Japanese. Buddhist – Chinese.

Japanese Religion and Culture Calligraphy – the art of writing beautifully, was important in Japan. Tanka – Japan's oldest form of Poetry. Murasaki Shikibu – wrote The Tale of Genji, the story of a Japanese prince. Noh plays taught Buddhist ideas and were preformed on a bare stage by actors in robes and masks.

Economy and Society Most people were poor. Farmers worked hard to grow rice, wheat, millet, and barley. Irrigation in the 1100s allowed for improved farming. Artisans: weapons, armor, pottery, paper, textiles, and lacquered. Kyoto – capital of Japan. Center of production and trade.

Economy and Society Extended families included grandparents, parents, and children. Men head the family. Women obey their father, their husband, and their sons. Before the Samurai and Daimyo took control women could own property, and some wealthy women could be rulers. Marriages were arranged by parents. Farming families had more control over who they married.