1. The Emergence of Japan and the Feudal Age
Chapter 12
Section 4
The Emergence of Japan and the Feudal Age

2. Geography Sets Japan Apart
Japan is located on an archipelago
Has 4 main islands

3. Seas Protect Japan 4/5 of land is mountainous
People settle in river valleys & coastal plains
Seas > protect & isolate Japan
Japan at times sealed off from foreign influence preserved identity
Thriving fishing industry

4. Forces of Nature Japan lies on “Ring of Fire” Earthquakes & tsunamis
chain of volcanoes
Earthquakes & tsunamis
come without warning

7. Early Traditions Yamato Clan Claims Power
society divided into uji (clans)
clans had a chief & special god
Yamato set up Japan’s 1st & only dynasty
current emperors trace roots to this clan

8. Early Traditions Cont. Religion Korean Connection
worshiped forces of nature > Shinto
traditions still seen today
Korean Connection
Japanese lang. > diff. from Chinese but related to Korean
arrival of Buddhism sparked an interest in China

9. Japan Looks to China
People from Yamato Clan visited China under the Tang dynasty
spread Chinese art and technology
adopted Chinese govt., pagoda architecture, Confucian ideas, etc.
Tang declined > formed their own unique civilization
Selective borrowing?
Example > added kana > phonetic symbols representing syllables to Chinese writing

10. Warriors Est. Feudalism
Warrior aristocracy dominates Japan
Emperor > figurehead
Shoguns
Supreme military commanders
Warrior Lords (Daimyo)
Lesser Warriors > Samurai > “those who serve”
Disciplined and highly trained warriors
Code of values > bushido
Peasants, Artisans, and Merchants (75% pop.)

11. Fight Off Mongols
Kublai Khan sent two large forces to Japan when they did not accept Mongol rule
Both invasions unsuccessful due to typhoons

12. Tokugawas Unite Japan Introduce centralized feudalism
Created a unified orderly society
Peace countryside > surplus in food > economy booms
huge population increase
trade flourished
Zen Buddhism is est.
Self-reliance
Mediation
Devotion to duty