Japanese cultural development-influenced by China and Korea Shinto and Buddhism coexisted INTRODUCTION
Mountainous Japanese archipelago (island group extending in an arc) Four main islands Sea of Japan or East Sea between Japan and Asian mainland GEOGRAPHY
Ethnic religion unique to Japan Stressed worship of nature spirits and ancestors Became state religion worshipping emperor SHINTO
Writing Architecture Buddhism CHINESE CULTURAL INFLUENCES
Farmers and small landowners traded parts of land to strong warlords in exchange for protection Localized rule like in ancient China and medieval Europe (manorialism) FEUDALISM
bodyguard of loyal warriors SAMURAI