1. Japan Learns from China and Korea Melanie Tayer Jessica Riley Mariel Buffet Japan Mini-Lesson

2. Introduction Japan=very isolated from mainland Asia - not a lot of influence from other cultures Sometimes, travelers from China and Korea brought new ideas-closest to Japan In mid-1500s, Japanese leaders thought that Japan would benefit from other cultures. Especially China and Korea Sent reps. to Korea and China: invited mainlanders to Japan

3. Changes in Language Learned written language from China-Japan didn’t have a written language Wrote Chinese:spoke Japanese(very different languages) 200 years later-wrote Japanese, still use Chinese to record sounds in Japanese Contact with China increased Rich and educated wrote in Chinese Writers and poets used Chinese Chinese=official language of government for a while

4. Changes in Religion and Philosophy Prince Shotoku - one of the most influential people in bringing Chinese ideas to Japan Served as a regent - a person who rules a country for someone who is unable to rule alone. Ruled from 593-621 Admired Chinese culture Sent scholars to China Brought Confucianism from China-Japanese families began to follow Confucian customs Shotoku = Buddhist - wanted to spread to Japan from Korea Built Buddhist temples, wrote commentaries - Buddhism became popular

5. Changes in Government Shotoku wanted emperors to have more power like China Clan leaders were afraid they would lose power Opposed his plans-little power for emperor