1. Nara and Heian Period Japan Centralization of Japan, Cultural Diffusion from China, and the breakdown to the Feudal Period

2. Nara Period Japan ruled by the Yamato Clan/capital at Nara Longest ruling family in the world Native religion = Shinto Shinto = animistic/nature spirits Emperor = divine/descendent of the Sun Taika Reforms show influence of China, although NO Confucian bureaucracy Buddhism and Shinto were not opposed. Syncretism.

3. Heian Period Government = decentralized Culturally, a Golden Age/many women had prominent cultural roles Woman wrote the world’s first novel, about court life among the nobility Spiffy culture: Origami, tea ceremony, haiku, sumo Zen Buddhism

4. Feudal Period Noble families fought = increasing decentralization Emperor = figurehead. Shogun = powerful ruler/warlord Daimyo = equivalent to European Lords Samurai = warriors in vassal position to daimyo Bushido = Samurai code of ethics Samurai failure = Seppuku (belly-splitting)