2. JAPAN

3. Geography Archipelago- chain of islands, 4 main islands
Mountains (Japanese Alps)
Located on Rim of Fire (Volcanic activity common)
Sea of Japan (East Sea) between Japan and Asian mainland
Proximity (close to) China and Korea

4. How did Geography Influence Early Japan?
Lack of resources
Disasters -> typhoons, volcanoes
Dense population
Isolation from foreign world
Mongols tried to invade but never could---> “Magical Winds”

5. China’s Influence on Japan
Japanese cultural development was influenced by its close location to China.
Influence of Chinese culture:
--Writing
--Buddhism
--Architecture

6. Shintoism Ethnic religion unique to Japan
Natural features, forces of nature, and ancestors are important
Coexistence with Buddhism

7. Early History Small clans
Early Rulers: Yamato  never very strong but never overthrown
During the Middle Ages, landowners became very powerful and Japan settled into its own feudal system similar to Europe.

8. Feudal Society in Japan:
Social Hierarchy
How does Japan’s feudal society compare to Europe’s?
Why did they both have the same type of society even though they were thousands of miles apart?

9. Feudalism in Japan
A political, economic, and social system based on loyalty, the holding of land, and military service.
Shogun
Land - Shoen
Loyalty
Land - Shoen
Daimyo
Daimyo
Loyalty
Samurai
Samurai
Samurai
Food
Protection
Peasant
Peasant
Peasant
Peasant

10. How does Japan’s feudal society compare to Europe’s?

11. Medieval Warriors
vs.
European Knight
Samurai Warrior

12. Fidelity Politeness Virility Simplicity vs.
Knights followed the Code of Chivalry
Samurai’s followed the Code of Bushido
Justice
Loyalty
Defense
Courage
Faith
Humility
Nobility
Fidelity
Politeness
Virility
Simplicity
vs.

13. ARMOR
vs.
Knight’s Armor
Samurai Armor

14. Caernorfon Castle, Wales
Osaka Castle, Japan
Caernorfon Castle, Wales