1. Early Japan p

2. I. Early Japanese Society
A. Ainu
1. distinct from other Japanese
2. fought others for land
3. driven onto Hokkaido

3. B. First Japanese
1. Lived in small fishing villages
2. Ruled by clan chiefs
a. Had political & religious
duties
b. Descended from nature
spirits/gods (kami)
c. Honored ancestors

4. 3. Shinto
a. Traditional religion of
Japan
b. All nature has spirits/gods (kami)
c. Kami can help people
d. Built shrines to kami

5. C. First emperors
1. leaders of most powerful clans
2. from Yamato region
3. descended from sun goddess

6. II. Japan learns from China and Korea
A. Mid 500’s sent reps. to China & Korea
B. Language
1. Used Chinese characters
2. Later developed own writing
3. Rich & educated still favored
Chinese characters

7. C. Changes in Religion & Philosophy
1. Encouraged by Prince Shotoku (sent emissaries to other countries)
2. Confucianism taught everyone
their place in society
3. Buddhism
a. Became popular
b. Temples built

8. Temple in Nara

9. D. Changes in gov.
1. Wanted emperor to have more
power like China
2. Clan leaders opposed
3. Leader did not gain more
power