3. Section 1 Vocabulary Japan Japan – a chain of islands that stretches north to south in the N. Pacific Ocean – has 3,000+ islands 4 largest Japanese islands 4 largest Japanese islands – Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu clan clan – group of related (extended) families living together Jimmu Jimmu– “emperor of heaven” who founded line of Japanese rulers Shotoku Shotoku – took charge of Japan for his aunt – looked to China as example – created 1 st Japanese constitution animism animism – belief that all natural things (including wind, rivers, mountains…) have a spirit kami kami – nature spirits shrines shrines – holy places

4. Japan is made up of over 3,000 islands. Most live on the 4 largest islands of: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku & Kyushu Japan’s mountains and islands isolated Japan and shaped its society only 20% of Japan’s land can be farmed so many Japanese used the sea for a living Japan has it’s own independent society with own religion, art, literature and govt. due to the ocean that isolated Japan Japan’s earliest known settlers came from NW Asia Yayoi are the first known Japanese settlers. They were farmers, made pottery and grew rice. They were also skilled metal workers –knives, axes, hoes, spears etc… They lived in clans headed by warrior chiefs Section 1 Notes

5. Yamato clan ruled Japan in AD 500s – other clans held their land but were loyal to Yamato chief Jimmu was leader of Yamato clan who was called “emperor of heaven.” He started the line of Japanese rulers that still exists today – they claim to be descended from the sun goddess Shotoku in AD 600s this Yamato prince took charge on behalf of his aunt Suiko Wanted strong govt and looked to China as example (govt chosen for ability) – created 1 st constitution in Japan which gave all power to emperor who appointed all govt officials. The constitution also listed rules for working in govt. These rules were taken from Confucius Shotoku also had Buddhist temples and monasteries built Section 1 Notes

6. in AD 646 Yamato started the Great Change 1.dividing Japan into provinces (regional districts) run by officials. 2.All land was controlled by emperor – not clans so emperor got the tax money not the warrior clan leaders 1.Constitution based on Confucious 2.Sent officials and students to study in China 3.Built Buddhist monasteries and temples Section 1 Notes Taika Reforms Yamato created the first strong central govt in Japan

7. Shinto is the Japanese religion based on nature. Early Japanese people believed all natural things had a spirit… mountains, rivers, trees, etc… they would ask the nature spirits- called kami- for help Section 1 Notes