1. Feudal Powers in Japan

2. Background of Japan
GEOGRAPHY-archipelago made up of over 4,000 islands
RULE-Clans controlled their own territory
RELIGION- Shinto belief based on respect for the forces of nature and worship of ancestors

3. Japanese adopt Chinese Ideas
500 AD contact with China increases
People migrate from Korea and bring Chinese ideas:
Buddhism (Zen Buddhism-incorporates Shinto ideas into Buddhism)
System of writing
Government structure
Japanese adapted Chinese ways to suit their own needs.
Love-Japanese
Love-Chinese

4. Royal Authority Heian period-royalty and a highly defined court system
Royalty and ppl of the court followed artistic pursuits like writing, painting, poetry
Tale of Genji world’s first novel (written by a woman)
Followed strict rules, etiquette and refinement (p. 305)

5. Feudalism Wears Down Royal Authority
Strong central government during the Heian Period
Power begins to slip
Too caught up with in luxury than in governing
Large landowners set up private armies
Beginning of a feudal system in Japan

6. Samurai Warriors
Loyal warriors to a lord (Samurai means “one who serves”)
Lived according to Bushido (a demanding code of behavior):
Show reckless courage
Respect of the Gods
Fairness
Generosity for ppl who are weaker

7. The Shogunate
Ruling Lord took control and gave himself the title Shogun
Shogun-powers of a military dictator: officials, judges, taxes, armies, roads were under his authority
Held real power from the Emperor
Fought off 2 attacks from Kublai Khan