Japanese History, Philosophy, and Mythology
By Arthur H Tafero
JAPANESE HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY,
AND MYTHOLOGY
SUMMARY: An examination of the greatest influence on Japanese culture today.
Shintoism's beginnings and proliferation in Japan and other parts of Asia
will also
be studied. How animism and nature fit in the tenets of this religion and how
it was
influenced by Taoism will also be reviewed..
TEXTS:
PRIMARY
ï‚· Japan: A Concise History - Milton Meyer
SECONDARY
ï‚· Shinto: The Kami Way - Sokyo
ï‚· Simple Guide to Shinto, The Religion of Japan - Ian Reader
Lesson 1 - The Geographic Setting of
Japan
\
A. Four Home Islands
1. Hokkaido - The Northernmost Island
2. Honshu - The Largest and Most Populated Island
3. Shikoku - Containing Four Provinces
4. Kyushu - Containing Nine Provinces
note: Japan contains 45 provinces (prefectures)
B. Topography
1. 4/5 of Japan is mountainous
2. 1/5 of Japan is level and it is this area that produces the food for the
island
-nation
3. In addition to limited arable land Japan is deficient in natural resources.
This has tremendous economic repercussions.
4. A natural effect of this setting is insular effect. (isolation)
5. Typical agricultural development led to prosperity and dominance of
6. farmers
7. as economic forces
8. The natural result of this type of cultural tradition led to animism and
the
9. development of Shintoism which revered nature. Influence for this nature
10. -type philosophy was also introduced from China in the form of Taoism.
C. Historical Periods (jidai)
1. From pre-historic times to 400 AD Japanese culture (Nippon)- Indigenous
2. From 400 AD to 1200 AD a continuous introduction of Chinese influence on
previously indigenous culture including name of country from Chinese
characters
(ri-ben) meaning "The Land of the Rising Sun"
3. From 1200 AD to 1600 Japan experienced a period of military feudalism
which
included warlords, political intrigue and civil wars
4. From 1600 AD to 1868 AD the Shogun was the dominant force in Japanese
culture with intrusions of other cultures other than Chinese (Western)
5. From 1868 AD to !912 AD the Meiji period and modernization took place and
then ended (not coincidentally) with the end of dynastic China
6. From 1912 AD to 1945 AD Japan experienced the Imperialistic Period
(expansion
partially out of necessity)
7. From 1945 AD to Present is considered Postwar Japan
Handouts - maps
Critical Questions
1. How did the Northern Main islands of Japan develop differently from the
Southern main islands?
2. How did Japan's mountainous topography affect its development?
3. Why did great farmland, but poor natural resources set certain parameters
for
Japan?
4. How did the natural constraints of Japan's farm economy affects it's
international
behavior?
5. Why do you think Animism and Shintoism developed in early Japan?
6. Why did Japan develop Confucianism and Buddhism?
7. Why does Christianity play such a small role in Japan?
8. DISCUSS MODERN JAPAN.
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
Japanese Film
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Japanese Geography
http://www.encyclopedia.com/
Japanese Animism
http://www.udel.edu/anthro/roe/japaneses.pdf
Lesson 2 - Ancient Japan (Prehistoric
Era-400 AD)
A. Archeological Periods
1. Ainu Culture (10000 BC to 400 BC) - Stone Age Culture; oldest in Japan.
Primarily located in Hokkaido in the northernmost part of Japan. Mongolia,
Korea and Manchuria have similar ancient cultures and probably are the
origins for this ancient Japanese culture.
2. Jomon Culture (9000 BC to 300 BC) - This slightly more advanced Stone Age
Culture probably drove the Ainu out of various regions within Japan.
Indigenous to Japan and nomadic hunters and gatherers. Developed Animism as
early religion.
3. Yayoi Culture (300 BC to 300 AD) - Originating in Kyushu near Tokyo,
influenced by the Jomon culture, the Yayoi (Yayoi bunka) were Neolithic
peoples who developed more sophisticated methods of farming, economics,
settlements and development of bronze and iron. They lived in pits (rooms
built into the ground) and were responsible for the first forms of "business"
in Japan (usually barter).
4. Kofun Culture (300 AD - 600 AD) - Also known as the tomb culture with
Korean origins. Noted for their burial artifacts and human statues buried
within tomb similar to that of China's Terra Cotta soldiers in Xian region.
*note - The Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun cultures all interacted indigenously from
400 - 1200 AD.
Handout - Chronology of Ancient Japan
Critical Questions
1. How did the Jomon differ from the Ainu Culture?
2. How did the Yayoi differ from the Jomon Culture?
3. How did the Kofun differ form the Yayoi Culture?
4. How did all of these cultures contribute to Japan?
5. Why was indigenous development of these cultures important to Japan?
6. How did religious and philosophical belief systems change with each new
era?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
1. HOW MUCH INFLUENCE DID CHINA HAVE ON JAPAN DURING THESE
ERAS?
2. HOW WERE THE JAPANESE ABLE TO RESIST THE MONGOLS AND
MONGOLIAN CULTURE?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
Japanese Film
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Jomon Culture
http://www.metmuseuom.org/toah/hd/jomo/hd_jomo.htm
Yayoi Culture
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/yayo/hd_yayo.htm
Kofun Culture
http://www.t-net.ne.jp/~keally/kofun.html
Lesson 3 - Yamato Japan (400 – 700AD)
1. Yamato is considered the cradle of Japanese civilization. The small, but
centrally located area was dominated by five basic clans (uji).
2. The royally affiliated uji were called Omi. These were high priests and
sacred symbols of the group. They interlocked religious and secular duties.
They developed the practice of ritual ceremonies. Later this would
coincidentally fit in with the Confucian ethic in later eras.
3. Muraji were aristocratic clans descended from lesser gods of the earth.
4. The working class was known as tomo. Most were farmers.
1. Yatsuko were commoners and slaves and were of minor economic importance.
2. Early religion in Yamato was Shinto. Nameless at first (like the Way in
Taoism), Shinto became the national religion of Japan. Polytheistic in nature
it had elements of animism, fertility rites, ancestor worship and , most
importantly, nature reverence. All elements of this splinter group of Taoism
recognized the divinity of the emperor. (Heaven's Mandate?). Elements that
are in common with Classical Chinese Taoism are: no founder, no sacred
writings, no teachers, no religious leaders or temples and no hierarchy.
Instead of temples Shinto practitioners used jinja (small wooden shrines).
Simplicity was the hallmark of early Shinto (as it was in Taoism).
3. The Japanese went through a period of sinification during the Asuka Period
(552-645AD). Sui and Tang dynasties had great influence in Japan at this time.
4. During the Asuka Period Buddhism (Bukkyo) made its first inroads into
Japan from China.
5. The early Japanese version of Buddhism was called Mahayana (Greater
Vehicle) (Daijo Bukkyo).
Critical Questions
1. Why is the Yamato Period so critical to Japan's history?
2. Why was the yatsuko considered the lowest social group in Yamato Japan?
3. How were the uji arranged in Yamato Japan?
4. Why were the tomo important?
5. Discuss the concept of Kami.
6. Discuss the development of Buddhism in Japan.
7. How did Mahayana or Daijo Bukkyo evolve?
8. Why was the Chinese calendar important to the Japanese?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. DISCUSS THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRATA OF THE YAMATO PERIOD.
B. DISCUSS THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHINTOISM AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO LATER
BUDDHISM IN JAPAN DURING THE YAMATO PERIOD.
C. HOW DID CHINA INFLUENCE JAPAN DURING THE YAMATO PERIOD?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Yamato Period
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCJAPAN/YAMATO.HTM
Japanese Buddhism
http://www.manjushri.com/MAIN/TJapanese.html
Lesson 4 - The Sinification of late Yamato Japan: Hakuho (645-710AD)
A. With the ascension of the Hakuho, the Fujiwara retained Buddhism which was
a change from the Nakatomi who had retained Shinto. This change reflected the
changes that were taking place on mainland China.
B. The Taika(great change) reforms transformed Japan both economically and
politically. The Jingikan implemented this religious change.
C. Nepotism continued to be a problem for Japan during this era and remained
a major impediment to economic progress up to modern times.
D. Private ownership of land was abolished. All land was placed in the name
of the emperor.
E. The Sui and Tang dynasties in China helped to effect these changes in
Japan.
F. The fall of Buddhism in mainland China under the Tang eventually led to
the fall of Buddhism in Japan and led to the re-establishment of Shintoism as
its replacement.
G. Buddhism in Japan included the following deities: Amida, Buddha of the
Western Paradise, Dainichi, the Universal Buddha, Shaka, the Historical
Buddha and Yakushi, the Buddha of Medicine.
Critical Questions
1. Discuss how the Taika introduced Buddhism to Japan.
2. How did the rise of Buddhism affect Shintoism?
3. Why was Korea important to the Japanese form of Buddhism?
4. Why was the Sui dynasty important to Japanese implementation of Buddhism?
5. How did the Tang dynasty affect Japanese Buddhism?
6. How did the fall of Buddhism in China affect Buddhism in Japan?
7. Discuss some Japanese Mahayana Buddhist Buddhas (Daijo Bukkyo) and how
they differed from traditional Indian Buddhism.
8. How did Buddhism spread in Asia?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
A. How did Buddhism begin in Japan?
B. Why did Shintoism and Taoism have a lot in common during the Sui and Tang
dynasties and during the Hakuho dynasty.
C. What were the fates of Buddhism in China and Japan at the end of the Tang
dynasty?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Taika
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCJAPAN/TAIKA.HTM
Japanese Mahayana Buddhism
http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Buddhism/Lineages/
Lesson 5 - Nara Japan (710-794)
A. Nara was the first long-term capital of Japan.
B. The Fujiwara and the Taichibana were the primary clans vying for power
during
this period.
C. Penal laws (ritsu) and administrative practices (ryo) were developed
during this
Period.
D. Commoners were diveded between ryomin (free men) and semmin (serfs and
slave laborers.
E. Copper coins (wado kaiho) made their first appearence during this period.
F. Mahayana Buddhism grew rapidly during the Nara period.
G. Sub-cults of Mahayana Buddhism in Japan included the Sanron from Korea,
from China, Jojitsu, which included martial arts, from Korea and the Kusha
from India who were interested in the metaphysical.
H. Many Buddhist images and temples were erected during this period including
(Gre The Great Eastern Temple in Nara.
I. Although Buddhism made great inroads on Japanese culture, it did not
completely supplant the native religion of Shinto practiced by the majority
of commoners.
J. The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki were written during this period. The Kojiki
gave a histocommercial perspective to Japan and the Nihon Shoki incorporated
mythological and metaphysical concepts as well.
K. One primary difference between China and Japan during this period was the
maintenance of the bureaucracy; China used the Confucian method of
meritocracy based on education and examination while Japan used the system of
Nepotism based on hereditary aristocracy. This also meant the Japanese never
bought into the idea of the "Mandate of Heaven" which considered the
possibility of revolt; something unacceptable in Nara Japan.
Critical Questions
1. How was Nara designed?
2. How were Nara politics and society formulated?
3. How did the Ryomin and Semmin have an effect on Japanese culture?
4. How did Mahayana Buddhism expand in Nara Japan?
5. How did Mahayana Buddhist cults differ?
6. How did Shinto survive the Buddhist onslaught upon Japan?
7. How did China and Japan differ on the issues of "The Mandate of Heaven"
and the maintenance of their bureaucracies?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. How did Taoism and Shintoism maintain their share of power within Japan?
B. How did literature affect the history and culture of Japan.?
C. How did cultural differences between China and Japan affect their
political and economic futures?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Shintoism
http://www.bridgewater.edu/~dhuffman/soc306/I98grp3/
Nara Culture
http://www.kana.co.jp/okamoto/culture.htm
Lesson 6 - Heian Japan (794-1185)
A. During the Heian period Japan reached its classical peak through the
Fujiwara
clan.
B. The first century of this period is known as the Konin period.
C. The tax-land structure of Japan continued to weaken under the Heian period.
D. The continued weakening of the clans led to feudalism growth during this
period.
E. With the growth of feudalism came the growth of militarism and the growth
of
armies.
F. Adding to the militarism of the period, the Buddhist sub-cults began
fighting each other for control of the Buddhist influence within Japan.
G. Eventually, this symbiotic relationship between militarism and Buddhism
had a
profound effect on both institutions; feudal warlords had to align themselves
with one sect or another and each sect had to make alliances with various
feudal warlords to maintain their existence.
H. Shintoism and Taoism, however, remained fairly constant among the common
classes and were not active in their pursuit of political, economic, military
or social influence.
By maintaining a low profile both of these belief systems were primarily left
untouched by the militaristic and Buddhist power struggles.
I. Classical literature of this period included the widely heralded "The Tale
of
Genji" (Genji Monogatari), a historical soap opera. (much like "Gone With The
Wind")
J. With the increase in militarism, feudalism and fragmentation of Buddhism
within Japan, the process of decentralization from the emperor and the
government began to emerge. This would have profound effects on Japan later
in its military adventures.
Critical Questions
1. Why did the tax-land structure begin to weaken during the Heian period?
2. How did feudalism develop in Heian Japan?
3. How did the Military develop in Heian Japan?
4. How did Militarism and Buddhism develop a symbiotic relationship in Japan?
5. How were Buddhist "holy wars" during this period similar to Catholic and
Islamic "holy wars" in other cultures?
6. How did Shintoism and Taoism survive these developments of unrest in Japan?
7. How did these developments in Heian Japan cause decentralization within
the
country?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
A. How did Buddhism affect Japan in both positive and negative ways?
B. How does classical feudalism develop?
C. How does classical militarism develop?
D. What influence does religion have on the development of both feudalism and
militarism?
E. Why is decentralization an inevitable result of militarism and feudalism?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Japanese Feudalism
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/edtec596/project2/feudalism/feudalism.html
Japanese Militarism
http://www.skycitygallery.com/japan/diaohist.html
Lesson 7 - Feudal Japan (1185-1868) Kamakura Japan (1185-1333)
A. In Feudal Japan the emergence of militarism in both the central and local
governments came at the cost of power to civilian families such as the
Fujiwara.
B. The Tokugawa clan forbade contact with foreigners within Japan or abroad
for over 250 years.
C. The Kamakura clan initiated the Feudal period of Japan. The warrior class
of lords (bushi) and military retainers (samurai) became prominent under this
clan.
D. The Yoritomo clan instituted the shogunate system (bakufu) - tent
government.
E. Seppuku (disembowelment) and Harikiri (belly slitting) were established
during
this period.
F. During the Kamakura era Buddhism expanded rapidly throughout Japan among
the masses in the cities.
G. The Jodo sect gained prominence during this era; it proposed no temples,
no
priests and no ritual and infuriated the other sects of rising Buddhist
bureaucracies. It had the ancient tenets of animism, Shinto and Taoism as its
base of belief and was very popular among farmers.
H. Zen Buddhism (how do you clap with one hand?) made headway after being
imported from China during this period.
I. Buddhist religious fervor sparked a rise in Buddhist art during this
period.
J. There were no great literary contributions during this period of Buddhist
domination.
K. Japan was one of the few countries able to successfully defend itself
against the
invasion of the Mongol hordes. This occurred primarily for one reason; the
Mongols were not very good seamen and sustained horrific losses in an
attempted invasion of Japan. The Japanese, on the other hand, were adroit
seamen and were able to easily outmaneuver the Mongols at sea and defend
their coastline. Japan would not be successfully penetrated inland until 1945.
Critical Questions
1. Why did Bushi and Samurai become dominant in Japan during the Kamakura
period?
2. How did the Shogunate obtain ultimate power in Japan during the Kamakura
period?
3. How did the lower classes react to the emergence of the Shogunate during
this
period?
4. How did Buddhism spread during the Kamakura period?
5. Why did the institutional arm of Buddhism fear Qingdu and Jodo during this
period?
6. How did Zen Buddhism develop in Kamakura Japan?
7. How did the Mongol invasions affect Kamakura Japan?
Supplemental Material
A. WHY DID JAPAN TAKE A TURN TO MILITARISM AFTER HAVING A
NATIVE LOVE FOR NATURE IN SHINTOISM?
B. HOW DID THE SUCCESSFUL REPULSION OF MONGOL INVASIONS
HAVE A DIFFERENT RESULT FOR JAPAN IN REALTIONSHIP TO CHINA?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Kamakura Period
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2133.html
Japanese Shogunate
http://www.wsu.edu:8000/~dee/TOKJAPAN/WARRING.HTM
Lesson 8 - Ashikaga Japan (1333-1603)
A. Domestic trade flourished during this time period in Japan.
B. Korea initiated this trade, but it was soon taken over by the Japanese.
The
Japanese expanded the commercial shipping lines established by the Chinese
and perfected them; eventually taking all of them over.
C. The Shogunate were patrons of the arts and of Buddhism during this period.
D. Zen monks fostered pure Chinese in literary matters, although the noh
(Japanese
drama) was derived from sargaku (monkey music) which originated in India and
became a major art form.
E. The indigenous belief system of Shinto began to slowly recover from the
Buddhism invasion.
F. Japan copied the Song art technique of bold brush strokes to convey the
essence
of nature called sumi-e.
G. The beginnings of Japanese imperialism began during the Ashikaga period.
It
began with an invasion of Korea and a desire to make inroads into China.
H. The Philippines, Indochina and Siam were also included in Japanese
imperialist
plans.
I. Despite western intrusion, foreign trade, contracts. ideas and religions
were
outlawed.
J. Nambian art in Japan represented westerners as "barbarians" This racist
practice
would lead to dire consequences many years later in WW2.
Critical Questions
1. How did the daimyo develop?
2. How did commerce develop in Ashikaga Japan?
3. How did Tokyo develop?
4. Why did Zen Buddhism grow in popularity during the Ashikaga period?
5. How did Shinto survive during the Ashikaga period?
6. Why was nature an important motif during the Ashikaga period?
7. How did the origins of Japanese imperialism develop during this period?
8. How did Western intrusion affect Ashikaga Japan?
9. How did western intrusion affect religion in Japan?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. HOW DID JAPAN RESIST THE CULTURE OF THE WEST?
B. WHY DID JAPAN DEVELOP AN IMPERIALISTIC STANCE AFTER
HUNDREDS OF YEARS OF ISOLATIONISM?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Ashikaga Japan
http://reference.allrefer.com/encyclopedia/A/Ashikaga.html
Zen Buddhism
http://www.ciolek.com/WWWVLPages/ZenPages/Hakuin.html
Lesson 9 - Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868)
A. The shogunate began its disintegration during the Tokuawa period.
B. In the wake of the loss of shogun Japan came the centralization of power.
C. The warlords (daimyo) were reduced in power one by one by the
implementation
of a severe tax reform.
D. Christianity made inroads to Japan during this time period.
E. The primary policy of the country during this period was still
isolationism.
F. The policy of isolationism strengthened the central government even more
because all economic policy including taxes and trade were implemented by the
central government, not the shogunate.
Critical Questions
1. How did centralization develop under the Tokugawa?
2. How were the feudal lords (shogunate) subdued during this period?
3. How did Christianity affect foreign policy within Japan during the
Tokugawa
Period.
4. How was Japan able to maintain its policy of isolationism?
5. What were the effects of isolationism upon Japan?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
A. HOW WOULD JAPAN HAVE DEVELOPED IF IT HAD BEEN AN OPEN
SOCIETY INSTEAD OF AN ISOLATIONIST COUNTRY?
B. HOW WOULD HAVE JAPAN DEVELOPED IF THE SHOGUNATE WERE
IN CONTROL OF THE GOVERNMENT AND NOT THE CENTRAL BUREAUCRACY?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Japanese Isolationism
http://www.culturevulture.net/ArtandArch/JapanWoodblocks.htm
Japanese Shogunate
http://www.japan-101.com/history/history_tokugawa_shogunate.htm
Lesson 10 - Change in Tokugawa Japan
A. By the mid- eighteenth century, towns and cities continued to grow and
urban
growth continued while farmland diminished.
B. The increase in urban growth also increased the number and influence of
merchants who traded there.
C. Militarism decreased and daimyo in addition to samurai were forced out of
work.
D. All major elements of society within Japan were unhappy with their
situations
with the exceptions of the merchants.
E. Geisha emerged within the Japanese culture during this period.
F. Classical puppet theatre (bunraku or joruri) became popular in Japan
during the later Tokugawa period. Kabuki (drama) and Haiku (haiku) also
became popular during this
period. Most literature, however, was still confined to soap-opera storylines.
G. Confucianism (Japanese version called Shushi) made a comeback at the
expense
of Buddhism during this period.
H. The Japanese, while adopting many social aspects of Confucianism, still
refused
to recognize the "Mandate of Heaven" (which was actually Taoist and not
Confucian in origin) principle associated with Confucianism; particularly the
right to revolt if the leader was not "virtuous". The shougunate, samurai,
and ronin were able to hold on to what little power they had by convincing
the emperor that their presence and not the "mandate of heaven" was
responsible for them holding on to power.
Critical Questions
1. How did the growth of cities affect Japan during the later Tokugawa period?
2. How did mercantilism develop in Japan during the later Tokugawa period?
3. Why did the military de-accelerate initially in the later Tokugawa period?
4. How did art, theatre and poetry develop during the Tokugawa period?
5. How did intellectual trends develop in the later Tokugawa period?
6. Why did Buddhism decline during the later Tokugawa?
7. Why did Confucianism and Shintoism rise during the later Tokugawa?
8. Why did the emperor ignore the Confucian principle of "The Mandate of
Heaven" during this period?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
A. HOW DID CONFUCIANISM AFFECT THE TOKUGAWA PERIOD IN
JAPAN?
B. WHAT WERE THE EFFECTS OF MODERNIZATION ON TOKUGAWA
JAPAN?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Japanese Mercantilism
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m2082/3_62/62828790/p1/article.jhtml
Japanese Arts of the Tokugawa Period
http://www.questia.com/popularSearches/japan_tokugawa_period.jsp
Lesson 11 - Mid-Term Exams and Papers
Areas of Concern
1. Chinese influence on Japan
2. Taoist and Buddhist influence on Japan
3. Rise and fall of Feudalism in Japan
4. Development of Militarism in Japan
5. Effects of Isolationism on Japan
6. Development of the Japanese economy.
7. Cultural developments of Japan.
8. Earliest cultures and developments of Japan.
Lesson 12 - Western Intrusion (MidNineteenth Century)
A. Isolationism ended in the later Tokugawa period in the mid-nineteenth
century.
B. The United States established relations with Japan during the late
Tokugawa.
C. The United States, under Commodore Perry, was prepared to use force (as
was
the policy in China) in their negotiations with Japan. This would have
profound,
long-lasting effects on the Japanese stance on international dealings with
the United States.
D. Kokutai, the combining Shintoism, Confucianism and bushido (code of the
warrior) developed during the later Tokugawa period.
E. The Industrial Revolution took effect in Japan during the later Tokugawa
period.
F. The Shogunate maintained what little power they had left in Japan during
the late
Tokugawa period by opposing and copying the technology of the West.
Critical Questions
1. How did the Shogunate maintain its power base in late Tokukawa Japan?
2. How did late Tokugawa modernize its technical infrastructure?
3. How did Kokutai have a profound effect on the whole of Japanese history?
4. How did initial United States contact with Japan affect future relations
with the
United States?
5. How did the period of isolationism come to an end in late Tokugawa Japan?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. HOW COULD THE UNITED STATES HAVE APPROACHED THEIR
FOREIGN POLICY DIFFERENTLY WITH JAPAN IN THE LATE TOKUGAWA
PERIOD?
B. WHAT ARE THE RAMIFICATIONS OF HAVING OR NOT HAVING A
POLICY OF ISOLATIONISM?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Kokutai
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/k/kokutai-shinto.html
US-Japanese History
http://wgordon.web.wesleyan.edu/dolls/histjapus/
Lesson 13 - Meiji Japan (1868-1912)
A. Zaibatso (cartels) became the dominant economic structure within Japan
during
the Meiji period.
B. During this period Japan acquired a strong national government, a
constitution,
an organized educational policy for the whole country, a high literacy rate
and a highly
organized agricultural and business network.
C. As a result of this formulation of a modern state, certain elements within
the
population diminished significantly. Daimyo and Samurai disappeared (much
like
gunslingers in the Old West). Feudalism was practically eliminated and
commercialism
took center stage.
D. The feudal system was replaced with more sophisticated political and
economic
alliances (kazoku). Universal military training (draft) came into existence
in 1872 and
replaced the need for Shogunate and Samurai.
E. Saigo, the last of the samurai, revolted against this new order and led
thousands of
former samurai against the central government. Although he lost and was
killed, he
remained a hero for millions of Japanese who honor him up to this day.
F. The Japanese Constitution was initiated by the emperor Mutsuhito by
empowering
Ito Hirobumi, a Prime Minister during the Meiji period.
G. The parliament (Diet) was formulated by copying most of the British system.
H. The genro-in (Confucian leaders in the bureaucracy)were actually later-day
bakufu and gradually moved toward a more militaristic stance in external
politics.
Critical Questions
1. Why was the genro important to Meiji Japan?
2. How was the Japanese Parliament formulated in the Meiji period?
3. How did the constitution come to be created in Meiji Japan?
4. Why is Saigo important to Japan's tradition?
5. How was the feudal system replaced in Meiji Japan?
6. How was Japanese society affected by modernization?
7. What were the indications that Japan was becoming a modern state in the
Meiji
period?
8. Why were the Zaibatsu important during the Meiji period?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. HOW DID THE PROMINENCE OF CONFUCIANISM IN JAPAN AFFECT
ITS HISTORY?
B. WHY IS THE MEIJI PERIOD ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT IN
JAPANESE HISTORY?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Meiji Period
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2130.html
Zaibatsu
http://www2.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/zaibatsu.htm
Lesson 14 - Economics and Society within the Meiji Period
A. The industrial revolution was fueled almost entirely by Japanese
investment
during the Meiji period. Foreign investment was forbidden in almost all cases.
This
made Japan oblivious to the requirements of outside cultures.
B. The railroad in Japan was entirely financed and controlled by the central
government. In addition, all utilities were financed and controlled by the
central
government. (The government was a lot like the American game of monopoly;
they
controlled all the railroads and utilities and nothing could be built on
those properties,
but all other real estate was open to development.)
C. Agriculture was still Japan's chief source of wealth.
D. The modernization and industrialization of Japan were reflected in its
social and
intellectual life (bummei kaika) (enlightenment). Education was prominent as
was the
norm in Confucian cultures.
E. Men obtained the best jobs in the government. They controlled over 95% of
all
private enterprise. They controlled all aspects of family life. Educational
opportunities
at higher levels were only open to male students in most situations. It was a
paternalistic
society if you were a man and a sexist one if you were a woman.
F. Shintoism returned to the forefront of Japanese religion and had an uneasy
truce
with the Confucians who ran the government. Buddhism and Christianity were
considered
minor annoyances to both Shintoism and Confucians.
Critical Questions
1. How did the shift of religious power from the Buddhists to Shintoism
affect Meiji Japan?
2. Why would Meiji Japan be considered a sexist society?
3. Why was the concept of bummei kaika important?
4. Why was agriculture still Japan's most important asset?
5. How was the railroad system developed in Meiji Japan?
6. How was the industrial revolution fueled in Meiji Japan?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. WHY WAS CENTRALIZATION SO IMPORTANT TO JAPAN DURING THE MEIJI
PERIOD?
B. HOW DOES A SEXIST SOCIETY AFFECT ITS NATIONAL AND
INTERNATIONAL POLICIES?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Bummei Kaika
http://www.osakacity.or.jp/en/seibi/pdf/3637.pdf
Japanese Industrial Revolution
http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~kaplan/eas201/201-18.pdf
Lesson 15 - Foreign Relations in Meiji
Japan
A. Japan studied the West carefully and learned that most powerful Western
countries.
Japan used force to settle most issues in international affairs. Unlike China,
which used force as a last resort and preferred isolationism, Japan sought
international contact and learned to
used force as a normal international method of settling disputes.
B. As Japan built up its army and navy it eliminated earlier unequal
treaties with the West.
C. Japan and China had conflicts over the utilization of Korean assets.
Eventually,
China's failing Qing dynasty was unable to coordinate the proper military
response to an
aggressive Japanese army and skilled Japanese navy.
D. After Japan defeated China in 1895 and left only after a threat from the
triple
alliance from the West, its main local rival was now Russia.
E. Again, the Japanese were fortunate recipients of a major power in decline.
Russia
was on the verge of collapse by 1895 and would soon disintegrate altogether
in 1917.
F. In the interim, Japan seized key islands and critical areas in Manchuria
as the
Russians stumbled around Asia with no solid military plan or support.
G. Japan easily defeated Russia in naval conflicts because it had done so
both to the
Chinese who were bigger (in population) and the Mongols who were fiercer
fighters because of each of those cultures had inadequacies in naval tactics.
The same fate befell the Russians.
H. The defeat of China and Russia left an open door for Japan to walk in and
take over Korea. The West was too preoccupied with WW1 to offer anything but
token opposition.
I. At the turn of the twentieth century, the United States developed a racist
policy of immigration toward Japan and Korea adversely affecting US-Japanese
relations later in that
century.
J. American foreign policy toward Japan during this time period was one of
ambivalence and would prove costly later in the century.
Critical Questions
1. Why is ambivalence toward a major power a mistake in judgment?
2. Why did the United States institute a racist policy toward Japan and Korea
during the Meiji period?
3. How did the defeats of China and Russia affect Korea?
4. How did Japan defeat Russia?
5. How did the triple alliance affect Japan during the Meiji period?
6. Why was the Japanese navy so prominent in the Meiji period?
7. Why did Japan have a conflict with China and how did they defeat them?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. How did Japan become a world power during the Meiji period?
B. How did Confucianism and Shintoism coexist in Meiji Japan?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Triple Alliance
http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1914m/tripally.html
Japanese-Chinese Wars
http://src-h.slav.hokudai.ac.jp/eng/news/no10/enews10-essay2.html
Lesson 16 - Imperial Japan (1912-1922)
A. During the Taisho period the Japanese became dominant on the Korean
peninsula.
B. Japan prospered during WW1 while Europe went through a period of strife
and
economic uncertainty. This allowed them more easily to keep Russia and the
European
powers in check.
C. With no one to oppose them on an organized basis, Japan took an
imperialistic
stance toward China after WW1.
D. With military superiority and a superior navy recently victorious in two
straight
major conflicts, Japan made bold economic inroads into Chinese commerce that
went
virtually unopposed.
E. Japan joined the League of Nations more to keep an eye on western intrigue
rather
than from a genuine concern to maintain peace in Asia.
F. The Russian revolution gave Japan a free hand in Manchuria and along the
Russian
border with China. The revolution made the Russian navy practically useless
and the
Japanese took full advantage in all the islands influenced by Russia also.
G. Various treaties by the United States and Europe after WW1 tried
unsuccessfully
to contain Japanese imperialistic growth in both the Navy and the Army. The
horse was
already out of the barn.
Critical Questions
1. How did the various treaties (5-power, 4-power, 9-power) after WW1 affect
US-Japanese relations?
2. How did the Washington Conference affect Japan attitude toward Asian
expansion?
3. How did the Russian Revolution affect Japan?
4. What was Japan's purpose as a member of the League of Nations?
5. Why was Japan able to make economic inroads within China during this
period?
6. How did WW1 affect Japan's economy?
7. Why was the Taisho period important to Japan?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
A. WHY WAS WW1 A GODSEND FOR THE JAPANESE?
B. WHY DIDN'T THE CHINESE SHARE IN THE JAPANESE GOOD FORTUNE
EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NOT INVOLVED IN WW1?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Washington Conference
http://search.eb.com/elections/micro/631/85.html
Taisho Period
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taisho_period
Lesson 17 - Peace and Conflict (1922-1937)
A. The Japanese maintained a "double structure" during the 20's and 30's
which
allowed the giant cartels and small family businesses to coexist as long as
everyone was
involved in the imperialist effort.
B. Hirohito became emperor in 1926 and maintained a policy of anti-communist
action which pleased the United States.
C. The communist party became active after WW1 in Japan, but was quickly
squelched by Hirohito when he became emperor. It would resurface again after
WW2.
D. American racism toward Japanese and Asians in general during this period
only
worsened a volatile situation. Immigration policies, particularly on the west
coast,
irritated the Japanese because of its random exclusionary policies.
E. Internal Japanese policy toward China was split; some advocated peaceful
business
relationship development and the imperialists advocated brute force.
F. Japan's Navy by this time had developed to at least the third most
powerful Navy
in the world and was comparable to the United States and British forces.
Victories over
Russia and China had given them recent military experience and inept treaties
by the
League of Nations were unable to slow down the Navy's growth.
G. China was virtually helpless to defend Manchuria when the Japanese took
over
control of that area from the Russians. China was fearful (and rightfully so)
that a
Japanese presence in Manchuria would tempt Japan to make further military
excursions
into China.
H. Due to the success of the Army in Manchuria, militarism had a free hand to
develop
in Japan and resulted in further military adventures.
I. Japanese fascism developed in a similar fashion to that of Nazism and
fascism in
Italy and Spain. Similarities included rejection of individualism,
idealization of war,
limitations of the class struggle concept and insistence on the unity and
indivisibility
of the nation.
J. Soshi were young members of Japanese military who espoused Japanese
fascism
willing to turn to acts of heroism to promote their cause.
K. The army emerged as the top policy-maker in foreign relations because it
controlled economic development within the country.
Critical Questions
1. Why was the Army the top policymaker in foreign relations?
2. Discuss Soshi and its roots.
3. How would you describe Japanese fascism in the 20's and 30's?
4. Why was Manchuria a cause for the development of militarism in Japan?
5. How did Manchurian developments affect Chinese-Japanese relations?
6. How did Japan's Navy develop during the militaristic period?
7. Why was Japan's policy toward China "split"?
8. How did American racism toward Japan contribute to WW 2?
9. How did communism develop in Japan?
10. How did Hirohito influence Japanese foreign policy?
11. How did the Japanese maintain a "double structure" within Japanese
economics
during the 20's and 30's?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
A. HOW DID DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN JAPAN DURING THE 20'S
AND 30'S AFFECT IT FOREIGN RELATIONS?
B. WHY WAS MANCHURIA SUCH AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN FOREIGN
RELATIONS FOR BOTH JAPAN AND CHINA?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Japan in Manchuria
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taisho_period
Japanese Naval History
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=Japan+Naval+History&ei=UTF-8&fr=fp-tab-webt&n=20&fl=0&x=wrt
Lesson - 18 - Imperial Japan during WW
2 (1937-1945)
A. In the years immediately preceding World War II, through a combination of
political and economic factors at home and abroad favoring expansion, Japan
moved
toward mobilization for war.
B. Japan, Italy and Germany signed the Axis powers pact which was primarily
directed against the United States.
C. The Japanese bought the Chinese Eastern railroad from Russia in order to
make
inroads toward expansion of militarism within China.
D. Japanese aggression within China went virtually unchecked. They first
captured
Nanjing from Chiang Kai-shek (who put up little resistance and this incident
was highly
instrumental in China becoming a communist country under Mao's CCP). The rape
of
Nanjing was, by any standard, barbaric and China has resented the sacking of
the city up
to the present day.
E. The United States gave Chiang Kai-Shek token loans and air support (Flying
Tigers),
but for the most part were the classical description of "The Paper Tiger"
(one who
is portrayed as ferocious, but in reality is harmless). The indecisiveness of
the
United States during this conflict led to more headaches for the United
States in
future dealings with Asian nations during major conflicts (Korea, Vietnam).
F. Although US-Japanese positions had become irreconcilable, but US opinion
supported isolationism. The US used words without force which the Japanese
rightfully
scoffed at.
G. Pearl Harbor united a previously divided American people. The concept of
isolationism was now not an option. The US stopped being a "paper tiger" and
used the
greatest of force. The Japanese had made a fatal mistake in attacking Pearl
Harbor.
H. The Battle of Midway severely damaged the naval effort of Japan.
I. The Allies maintained a stance of unconditional surrender as a military
goal in the
East. This affected the Japanese mentality to fight to the bitter end.
J. The results of the Potsdam treaty were the eradication of militarism from
Japan,
and the specter of an occupied Japan by the United States.
Critical Questions
1. How did Japan mobilize for WW 2?
2. How did Japan become involved with the Axis?
3. Why did Japan buy the Chinese Eastern Railroad from Russia?
4. How were the Japanese aggressive in China during this period?
5. Why was US Policy toward Japan considered indecisive?
6. How did US policy of isolationism aid Japan's efforts?
7. How did Pearl Harbor change American foreign policy?
8. How did Midway affect Japan and its Navy?
9. How did the United States policy of unconditional surrender affect the
Japanese
effort in WW 2?
10. How did the Potsdam Treaty affect Japan?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. How does isolationism hurt the country that practices it?
B. Why is militarism harmful as a sole policy for any country?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Chinese Eastern Railroad
http://www.worldstatesmen.org/China_Foreign_colonies.html
Midway
http://www.nauticos.com/midway/history.htm
Lesson - 19 - Postwar Japan (1945-Present)
A. Defeated and shattered at the end of WW2, the Japanese were occupied by a
foreign power; the United States.
B. The occupation was not a complete break with the past for Japan. They were
allowed to keep their emperor.
C. In contrast to Germany, the Japanese were allowed to keep their language.
This
was due to a dearth of Japanese translators within the country.
D. The first period of occupation between 1945 and 1948 produced the
following
reforms:
1. All members of the Japanese military involved in the war were purged;
this included all officials within Japan involved with the war,
2. A constitution was established modeled after the American constitution.
3. The judiciary was given equal status to the other branches of government
similar to the United States.
4. Educational opportunities were made equal to all; this particularly
impacted
on Japanese women.
5. Zaibatsus (cartels) were broken up and free enterprise established,
6. Land reform in the form of distributing much of the land to poor and
disenfranchised farmers allowed for better allocation of land to Japan's poor.
E. The second period of occupation was from 1948-1952 and produced the
following
reforms:
1. Communism was outlawed and striking was prohibited.
2. The national budget was reconstructed and most importantly the savings
of not having a military was plowed back into the economy; this would have an
enormous
impact on world economics in the near future,
3. Japan was allowed back into the United Nations, but was held up by the
Russians until 1956,
4. A Peace treaty settlement was signed in late 1951 giving Japan back its
national and international autonomy.
F. Japan made reparations to China and other Asian countries in the area of
their
influence. Most were satisfied, but China wanted occupation for Japan for 50
years in
additional to billions of dollars for damages; neither of these demands were
met.
G. Japan allowed the US to maintain military bases and be the primary
military
power in the Asian theatre in the areas surrounding Japan. This also saved
billions of
dollars for the Japanese to plow back into their economy.
Critical Questions
1. How did Japan's re-emergence as Asian power affect the Asian theatre?
2. How did various countries react to the final Japanese Peace Treaty signed
in 1951?
3. Why did the occupation of Japan conflict with late 1940's foreign policy?
4. Why was land reform in Japan important during the occupation?
5. Why was democracy difficult to implement in Japan during the occupation?
6. How did the first period of occupation (1945-1948) differ from the second
period
of occupation (1948-1952)?
7. Why was the Japanese language an important factor in the occupation?
8. How did Japan retain some of its past during the occupation?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
A. WHY WAS NOT ALLOWING JAPAN TO HAVE A MILITARY A
FINANCIAL BOON TO THEIR ECONOMY?
B. WHY WAS THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION A FINANCIAL ALBATROSS
FOR THE UNITED STATES?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Japanese Peace Treaty of 1951
http://www.taiwandocuments.org/sanfrancisco01.htm
American Occupation of Japan
http://www.cyberessays.com/History/98.htm
Lesson 20 - Contemporary Japan Since
1952 (Domestic Affairs and Politics)
A. After the uncertainty that followed surrender, conservative parties came
into power
in Japan and remained in office for many years.
B. Conservatives were able to hold sway over Japan because almost all of the
leftist
elements of the government had been eliminated by the United States;
particularly the
Communist Party.
C. Japan-China relations were icy at best in the years following the
occupation.
China had become a leftist Communist country and Japan had evolved to the
right
following the conservative lead of the United States. Trade and other
international
relations between the two countries were minimal.
D. The emergence of Soka Gakkai (Value Creating Association) was a modern
sect
of Buddhism extolling virtues of authoritarianism and discipline including a
utilitarian
view of the world.
E. The parties of the left, particularly the Socialist Party included about
1/3 of the
Japanese electorate. After the departure of the United States, these parties
continued to
make inroads to power within Japan as they represented a more independent
stance from
US politics.
F. Communism eventually failed in Japan because the economy was continually
improving and everyone wanted to be part of the new economic Japan. The lack
of a
military budget was the primary reason for the resurge in the economy.
G. Political variation was a double-edged sword for Japan; one one hand
people had
more freedom to express themselves, but on the other they no longer had that
great national
unity that had been present for many years under militarism.
Critical Questions
1. Why was political variation a double-edged sword for Japan?
2. Why did communism fail in Japan?
3. How did socialism and communism affect Japan?
4. How did religion play a part in Japanese politics?
5. How did Japan-China relations evolve in the 50's?
6. Why did the Conservatives maintain power in the 50's?
7. How did political activity in Japan change in the 50's and 60's?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
A. HOW DID POLITICS CHANGE WITHIN JAPAN AFTER THE
OCCUPATION?
B. WHY DID CHINA STILL HOLD A GRUDGE AGAINST JAPAN IN THE
50'S?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Japanese-Chinese Relations 1950’s
http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/japan/japan255.html
Japanese Political Party History
http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/japan/japan229.html
Lesson 21 - Contemporary Japan –
Domestic Affairs in Economics and
Society
A. Although Japan prospered in the 1960's it was one of the first victims of
the energy
crisis. Its refusal to use nuclear energy combined with increasing gas prices
(which were not indigenous to Japan) caused some severe energy shortages and
economic retrenching.
B. The government fostered economic growth during this period and was usually
on the side of business in any political issue.
C. As prosperous as Japan was, however, many millions did not share in the
economic boom. Intellectuals and white-collar workers were often left behind
during the
economic good times. Housing, transportation and social services were also
secondary
considerations for the government.
D. Japan has historically had an export economy and still has one to this day.
It was
necessary for Japan to have many exports in order to pay for its import of
energy and
other high-cost items.
E. Japan still practiced discrimination to Koreans as late as 1990
F. It also discriminated against Burakumin in Kyoto and Osaka. A Japanese
prime minister once commented that blacks and Hispanics had diluted the
American
culture.
G. Postwar Japan gave some rights to women, but Japan still was a sexist
society.
H. Marriages were still primarily arranged. It was the family first or the
highway for
the vast majority of Japanese women who looked longingly toward China to see
women have an almost equal status with men under Mao Zedong.
I. In the 60's, Japanese youth rejected the right-wing business government of
Japan
and took a decided turn to the left and socialist principles. They combined
with the
underpaid intellectuals and educators to impact some change within Japanese
government.
J. The Japanese enjoyed many traditions such as tea ceremonies, bugel
(martial
arts), and religious ceremonies. Religion was a separate issue from tradition,
however,
because the majority of Japanese were not religious and attended the
ceremonies strictly
for the social aspects of the event.
K. Some negative effects of modern affluence on Japan have been inflation for
urban workers, 40% of the population crowded into 2% of the space in Japan,
massive
pollution problems and alienated Japanese youth as a result of the breakdown
of the
traditional Japanese family unit.
Critical Questions
1. How has affluence affected modern Japan?
2. Why are tradition and religion separate issues in Japan?
3. How did post-war Japan affect its youth? (See McArthur's Children)
4. How did women fare is in post-war Japan?
5. How was discrimination displayed in post-war Japan?
6. How did imports and exports affect Japan?
7. Why did some elements remain outside of the economic boom in Japan?
8. How did Japan foster the Free Enterprise System?
9. Why was Japan a victim of the energy crisis?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
a. HOW DID MODERN LIFE CHANGE IN POSTOCCUPATION JAPAN?
b. HOW DID JAPAN CHANGE POLITICALLY AFTER THE OCCUPATION?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Post World War 2 Japanese Economics
http://www.lclark.edu/~marty/japan.htm
Japanese Free Enterprise System
http://www.hbs.edu/bhr/archives/abstracts/vol69index.html
Lesson 22 - Contemporary Japan
(Foreign Affairs)
A. In the present time frame, Japan has opted to use economic diplomacy in
international affairs.
B. The United States continues to be the technological model for current-day
Japan.
C. Recent security treaties are slowly giving Japan a minor military presence
in Asia and reducing the dependency of Japan on the United States. This is
also having
a minor economic impact on Japan's budget.
D. The reversion of Okinawa back to Japan has allowed Japan greater
freedom in the expansion of its island influence.
E. Japan and the Soviet Union resumed normal relations after the Soviets
stopped the Japanese from becoming members of the UN. The gradual growth of
the
Japanese economy and growing deficit of the Russian economy also led to
Russian
concessions in the past decade.
F. China still remains Japan's number one trading partner although some
animosity on China's part still remains from WW
G. Modern China has made inroads to Japan's dominance of the Asian theatre
in exports.
H. Relations with Korea remain essential because Korea is Japan's main entry
to the Asian continent for trade purposes.
I. The Koreans (as do most Asians) distrust the Japanese because of past
transgressions of Japan in Korea and because of discrimination of Koreans by
Japanese
in Japan and Asia.
J. Japan continues to us economic diplomacy in the Pacific Rim and
throughout the rest of the world.
Critical Questions
1. What are Japan's relations with the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world?
2. Why do the Koreans distrust the Japanese?
3. Why are relations with Korea particularly important?
4. Why are Japanese-Chinese relations important to Japan and why do the
Chinese
distrust the Japanese?
5. Why are Japanese-Russian relations important?
6. Why was the reversion of Okinawa back to Japan important to them?
7. Why is the United States still important to Japan?
8. Why is economic diplomacy so important to Japan?
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
WHAT ARE JAPAN'S ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GOALS IN THE MODERN
WORLD?
HOW HOW DID JAPAN BECOME SO DOMINATNT IN ASIA EVEN THOUGH IT LOST
WW2?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Pacific Rim
http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Humanities/History/By_Region/Regions/Pacific_Rim/
Japanese-Korean Relations
http://www.discovermilitaryhistory.com/military2/0312173709AMUS254350.shtml
Lesson 23 - Final Exam
Image
Areas of Concern
5. Discuss how modern Japan became prosperous after WW2.
6. How has Japan changed politically since WW2 to the present time ?
7. How has philosophy and religion in Japan changed or remained the same
since the end of WW2?
JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY
Course Outline: Japanese Mythology is an overview of Japan’s creation myths,
historical
developments of internal and external mythologies, belief systems and deities,
creatures
and spirits, heroes and heroines, animal spirits and stories. Suggested
electronic links for
each lesson module will offer further investigation into various elements of
these lessons.
 Primary Text: Japanese Mythology – Juliet Piggot
 Secondary Text: History of Mythology – Ions
Lesson One - Creation Myths
A. Ryujin is known as the Dragon King of the Sea and causer of turbulent seas.
B. Amaterasu is the Sun goddess who dwells in a cave; when she comes out, it
is
daytime, when she goes back inside, it becomes night.
C. The Adam and Ever of Japanese mythology are Izanagi and Iznami.
D. The sacred mountain of Japan is Mt. Fujiyama, also known as Mt. Fuji; it
is
an active volcano.
E. Shintoism is a direct derivative from Chinese Taoism.
F. Jizo Bosastu, a Buddhist icon, is the patron of travelers, pregnant women
and children.
Critical Questions
1. Why would a god of the sea be a natural development for Japanese beliefs?
2. Why is a sun god a universal motif for all civilizations?
3. Why do almost all civilizations have an Adam and Eve scenario?
4. Why do you think volcanic mountains such as Mt. Fuji have a special place
in
mythology?
5. Why is Shintoism constantly compared to Taoism?
6. How does Jizo Bosatsu project a beneficial image for Buddhism in Japan?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Creation Motifs
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_1/kojiki.ht
m
Shintoism
http://www.knowdeep.org/shintoism/
Lesson 2 – Historical Perspective
A. Jimmu Tenno became the first emperor of Japan in approxiomately 660 BC.
B. The area near Yamato in Honshu was the first center of power in Japan.
C. The two earliest books written in Japan are Kojiki (Records of Ancient
Matters) and Nihongi (Chronicles of Japan).
D. Kojiki is where we find the early tenets of the Shinto belief system.
E. One of the first Shinto shrines in the Toshogu Shrine located in Tokyo.
F. Kishijoten, the goddess of luck has a temple in Kyoto.
G. Fujin, the god of winds, also has a temple located in Kyoto.
H. One of the Seven Gods of Luck, Bishomon, is of Buddhist origin.
1. Why is it important to know when the first recorded histories of a country
had
been established?
2. Why is the residence of the emperor usually the center of power for any
civilization?
3. Why are the written texts of Kojiki and Nihongi important?
4. How did Shintoism develop in Japan?
5. Why did Shinto temples develop in Japan?
6. Why is luck such an important aspect of Japanese belief systems?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Kojiki
URL http://coombs.anu.edu.au/ASAA/conference/
Nihongi
http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/
Lesson 3 – The Spread of Japanese Culture
to Korea
A. Around the year 200 AD, the Empress Jingo invaded and conquered Korea.
B. In 285 AD, Chinese characters were introduced into Japan by the Koreans.
C. Confucianist texts, which then dominated China, had begun to dominate
Korea
also; Japan would also be greatly affected by these texts.
D. Raiden, the god of thunder, and the Fox goddess were two mythological
figures
that had developed by this period. The Fox trickster was a popular motif in
China.
E. Korea was also responsible foe disseminating Buddhism into Japan from
China in
552 AD.
F. Korean kings frequently appealed to the Japanese emperors for military aid
to
Resist Chinese intrusions. This would lead to future conflicts between Japan
and
China.
G. The Amida Buddha was used to achieve Nirvana in Kyoto.
H. Monju, another Buddhist deity, was the god of education, enlightenment and
wisdom. The Buddhists had wisely incorporated a few of the very important
Confucian principles that had been successful in Japan.
Critical Questions
1. Why did Japan’s invasion of Korea have profound effects on both
countries?
2. Why were the introduction of Chinese characters into Japan an important
development?
3. How was the introduction of Confucian texts to Japan helpful to the
Japanese
culture?
4. Why was the introduction of Buddhism an important development for native
Japanese Shintoism?
5. How did an early conflict between China and Japan develop?
6. Why were the Buddhists clever in incorporating Confucianist and Shinto
beliefs
into their Japanese versions of Buddhism?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Chinese Characters
http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/
Confucianism
http://www.religioustolerance.org/confuciu.htm
Lesson 4 – The Spread of Japanese
Buddhism and Warlords
A. Mumayado, also known as Shotoku Daishi, was the emperor of Japan who made
Buddhism the official religion of Japan in 593 AD.
B. The name of Japan also coalesced at this time from the Chinese term
“Jih-pen―
which means “Source of the Sun―.
C. The Shotoku Daishi period was followed by the Fujiwara Period from 784 to
1192.
The capital was moved to Kyoto and the Tairas became the dominant family
within
this dynasty.
D. The primary opponents of the Tairas (red) were the Minamotos (white). The
conflict of these two great houses yielded many myths, ballads and legends.
E. One of the early Minamoto heroes was Yoshi-iye, who was a follower of
Hachiman, the god of war, and son of Jingo. According to legend, he pierced a
rock with his bow and arrow and produced water for his troops.
F. The most famous Taira warrior was Kiyomori, who was the victor of some
early
important battles between the two clans.
G. About this time in Japanese history, masks became prominent in both battle
and in plays.
H. The Minamotos finally defeated the Taira clan in a great ocean battle in
1185.
Critical Questions
1. Why was it important for an emperor to be a major proponent of Buddhism?
2. How did Japan get its name?
3. How did the conflict between the Tairas and Minamotos initiate new legends
and
gods?
4. What was the legend of Yoshi-iye?
5. How did masks play a part in Japanese culture?
6. How did the Minamotos defeat the Taira clan?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Taira Clan
http://www.learmedia.ca/product_info.php/products_id/444
Minamoto Clan
http://www.indiana.edu/~ealc100/Group19/history.html
Lesson 5 – Legends of Warlords
A. Toyotomi Hideyoshi becomes a powerful shogun after rising to the top of
the
Oda Nabunga Clan.
B. His rise marked the end of the feudal period within Japan.
C. Buddhism and Christianity were not tolerated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who
preferred native Shintoism.
D. The successor to this shogun was the Tokugawa shogunate, who was a
descendant
of the Minamoto Clan.
E. Christianity had arrived in Japan in 1549, but was persecuted and
practically
eliminated by 1624.
F. This persecution of Christians lasted until 1873.
G. The legend of the 47 Ronin was created during this period in 1702.
Critical Questions
1. How did Toyotomi Hideyoshi rise to power?
2. Why did the feudal period within Japan end?
3. Why were Buddhism and Christianity persecuted by most Japanese shogunate?
4. Why would one consider the Tokugawa shogunate to have the authority to
take
power?
5. How did the Christians fare in converting the Japanese?
6. Why were the 47 Ronin famous?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
http://www.indiana.edu/~ealc100/Group19/history.html
47 Ronin
http://www.samurai-archives.com/ronin.html
Lesson 6 – Foreign Contact
A. Kanzan, Jittoku, Bukan Zenshi and his Tiger were known as the Four
Sleepers,
legendary Japanese recluses.
B. Aizen Myoo was a Buddhist diety that repressed his sexual desire and
turned it
into the quest for knowledge.
C. In 1853, Commodore Perry and the Americans arrived at Yokohama and signed
a
trade treaty with Japan.
D. In 1868, all power was tentatively restored to the emperor, Meiji, who was
18
years of age.
E. During the Meiji reign, Japan became a modern, industrialized country that
had
risen considerably in power.
F. Victories over China and Russia gave Japan almost complete control of the
Asian
theatre by 1920.
Critical Questions
1. Who were the Four Sleepers?
2. Who was Aizen Myoo?
3. What effect do you think Commodore Perry had on Japan?
4. How did the new emperor, Meiji fare when he took power?
5. How does industrialization change the mythology of a country?
6. How did victories over China and Russia give Japan a false sense of
invincibility?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Aizen Myoo
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/aizen-myoo.html
Meiji Period
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2130.html
Lesson 7 – Beliefs and Deities
A. A primary difference between Shintoism and Buddhism is there are no
rewards
or punishments after earthly life in Shintoism, but there are in Buddhism.
B. The pantheon of Shinto gods is enormous; over eight million or so.
C. Every mountain, tree or animal has a kami, or spirit in Shintoism; much
Shintoism
comes from animistic Taoism.
D. As Buddhism had done in China and India, it incorporated local beliefs
such as
Shintoism and synthesized it with various forms of Buddhism to create a
unique
form of Japanese Buddhism known as Zen.
E. Buddhism’s ability to infuse itself with native Japanese Shintoism
allowed
Buddhism to survive while other alien religions were persecuted in Japan.
F. The Shinto Mirth goddess, Netsuke, is a popular Japanese deity.
G. Some shrines in Japan are associated with curses and the imprisonment of
spirits.
Critical Questions
1. What are some primary differences between Shintoism and Buddhism?
2. How large is the pantheon of Shinto gods?
3. How did Buddhism avoid persecution in India, China and Japan?
4. Who is Netsuke?
5. How do some shrines in Japan differ from typical Buddhist shrines?
6. Why is it a good idea for a new religion to respect the existing beliefs
of the local
populations?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Netsuke
http://www.netsuke.org/
Zen Buddhism
http://www.zenguide.com/
Lesson 8 – Other Deities and Martial Arts
A. Zocho of the South is one the Shi Tenno or Four Guardians who protect
others
B. from demons.
C. Bishamon of the North is a protector of wealth; he is an example of fused
Buddhism and Shintoism.
D. Hachiman is the Shinto god of War.
E. Kwannon of a Thousand Hands is from the tenth century.
F. En No Shokaku was a Buddhist deity who cheated the executioner.
G. Tadanobu was a martial arts expert is also associated with the fox spirit.
H. Jizo is a guardian of those in need.
Critical Questions
1. Why were ancient Japanese concerned so much with demons?
2. Why was protection of wealth an issue for ancient Japanese?
3. Why is Hachiman still a very popular god in Japan?
4. Why has En No Shokaku has been translated into modern times for those
avoiding getting fired.
5. Why do you think Tadanobu is associated with the fox spirit?
6. Why is Jizo such a popular Japanese god?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Hachiman
http://wwwa.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=39501
Tadanobu
http://www.artelino.com/archive/art-title.asp?evt=81&rel=87
Lesson 9 – Other Japanese Deities
A. Juichimen, the god of mercy, has many followers in Japan.
B. A pure Shintoist from the 17th century was Mito Komon. He was known to
desecrate Buddhist temples.
C. Nichiren is a popular Buddhist deity from the thirteenth century.
D. One of the holiest places in Kamakura is the Daibutsu, a statue of Buddha
in
the Lotus position.
E. Hotei, the god of Luck, is often called upon in games of chance.
F. There is a gigantic bronze Baibutsu in a Nara temple. It is said to be the
largest
in the world at over 50 feet in height and completed in 749.
G. A very important agricultural god is Inari, the Rice god.
H. Ebisu and Daikoku are two of the lesser known gods of Luck.
Critical Questions
1. Why would Juichimen be popular as a god?
2. Why di Mito Komon destroyBuddhist temples?
3. Why was Nichiren such a popular Buddhist god?
4. Why would you want Hotei around during a poker game?
5. What are Baibutsus?
6. Why would Inari be an important god in almost any culture?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Mito Komon
http://komonsan.on.arena.ne.jp/htm/eng.htm
Nichiren
http://www.nichirenshu.org/
Lesson 10 – The Midterm Exam and Paper
Areas of concern:
ï‚· Discuss the similarities and differences of Shintoism and Buddhism.
ï‚· Discuss some of the deities of Shintoism and Buddhism.
Lesson 11 – Creatures and Spirits
A. Tengu, who some say are descended from Amatersau, are tree and mountain
spirits.
B. Giant-sized devils, known as Oni, are fearsome, but dumb.
C. Shoki, who was Chung Kwei, the Demon Queller in China, is a very popular
figure in Japanese Art.
D. Kappas, a furless, monkey-like creature is associated with cucumbers and
generally lives in rivers, ponds and lakes.
E. A Japanese god of Vengeance, called Fudo, pursues wrongdoers.
F. Dainichi, is one of the Buddhist trinity and has a dog’s head.
G. Yama-Uba are female mountain spirits; sometimes beautiful, sometimes
hideous.
H. A popular Japanese hero is Kintaro, also known as the Golden boy; he often
displays supernatural strength.
Critical Questions
1. Why do you think Tengu developed?
2. Why is it a good idea that giant-sized devils are dumb in Japanese myth?
3. What are the origins of Shoki?
4. What are Kappas?
5. Why is it important that Japanese myth has a figure like Fudo?
6. What could possibly be the rationale for Yama-Uba?
7. Who would Kintaro be compared to in other cultures?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Shoki
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/shoki.shtml
Fudo
http://people.brandeis.edu/~eschatt/ImmortalWishes/fudo.html
Lesson 12 – More Japanese Spirits
A. Dainichi-Nyorai is a Buddha of wisdom and associated with Buddhist law.
B. Amida Buddha is usually depicted with hands forming a double-triangle in
the
mudra of meditation.
C. Temples are common settings for Japanese ghost stories. Giant cats and
ghouls
are among the featured stories.
D. Buried treasure and fortunes are a common motif for Japanese myths.
E. Umi Bozo is a giant sea ghost that might have been the inspiration for
Godzilla.
F. A Kirin, whose origin is Chinese, is often found in Japanese art. (A
Japanese
beer is also named after this mythological figure).
G. A figure similar to the Tengu is the Bird Man; he is sometimes rendered as
mourning Buddha.
Critical Questions
1. Why would a god of wisdom be associated with Buddhist law?
2. What is the mudra of meditation?
3. Why would temples be good settings for Japanese ghost stories?
4. Why are buried treasure and fortunes a common motif in most cultures?
5. Why would Umi Bozo be a natural development of the Japanese imagination?
6. Why do you think the Japanese borrowed many of their myth figures from
China?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Dainichi-nyorai
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/dainichi.shtml
Umi Bozo
http://www.ufoarea.com/aas_dogu.html
Lesson 13 – Japanese Mystics
A. Matsuo Basho, a 17th century classical haiku poet, was said to possess
mystic
powers.
B. Yosa Buson, also known as Saicho, was another classical haiku poet from
the 18th
century, who was also able to perform magic feats.
C. Ikkyu Sojun, a 15th century Zen Master, was said to possess magical
abilities with
clouds as well as being a master poet.
D. Yataro Kobayashi, also known for the poem “Issa― (Cup of Tea), was a
18th
century mystic who was said to be able to turn melons into frogs.
E. Masaoka Tsunenuri Shiki, a later 19th century Haiku master, was said to
possess
the ability to transport himself in space.
F. Although many of these claims are sure to be folktales, it is interesting
to note
that every major mystic in Japanese folklore has been a poet.
Critical Questions
1. Why did Japanese poets appear to have direct contact to the mystical world?
2. Why would a magician appear to possess mystical powers to a peasant?
3. How could moving on the clouds have mistakenly been interpreted as magic
rather than picturesque speech?
4. How could the same mistake be made for a poet who always spoke of
transporting himself through space and time?
5. Why do you think ancient peoples gave attributed special powers to
storytellers
and poets?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Matsuo Basho
http://www.gardendigest.com/poetry/haiku6.htm#Basho
Ikkyu Sojun
http://www.gardendigest.com/poetry/haiku6.htm#Ikkyu
Lesson 14 – Japanese Heroes and Heroines
A. Japanese heroes include Zatoichi, a blind musician who is now popularized
in
modern Japanese Martial Arts Cinema.
B. Yegara No Heida, the slayer of a giant serpent, is comparable to the
West’s St.
George, the dragon-slayer.
C. A tiny hero, called Issun Boshi, which means “Little One Inch―; his
opposite was
Kintaro.
D. Raiko was a legendary killer of Oni (giant devils) who rescued maidens in
distress.
E. Yamuba was the nurse for Kintaro and brought him up among the animals in
the
forest.
F. Tawara Toda was a brave and honorable magician at Lake Biwa, a popular
setting for Japanese myth.
G. A great Japanese sailor and warrior was Yoshitsune; an adventurer
comparable in
the West to Jason and the Argonauts.
Critical Questions
1. Why do you think Hoichi was, and still is, such a popular Japanese hero?
2. Why would Yegara No Heida be comparable to Saint George, the dragon-slayer
of the West?
3. Why do you think Issun Boshi is popular?
4. Why did small Japanese boys idolize Raiko?
5. Why do you think Yamuba brought Kintaro up in the forest among animals?
6. Why would a figure like Yoshitsune be popular in any culture?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Hoichi
http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/kwaidan/kwai03.htm
Yoshitsune
http://www.samurai-archives.com/yoshitsune.html
Lesson 15 - Later Japanese Heroes and Heroines
A. Daikoku is one of the Seven gods of Luck; he is sometimes seen with
another of
the Seven gods of luck, Fukurokuju.
B. The 47 Ronin are still very popular cult figures in Japan; they were
samurai who
perfomed heroic deeds.
C. Guardian kings, known as Nio are said to frighten off demons from temples.
D. A heroine in Japanese folklore was Tora Gozen, a courtesan, who avenges
her
father.
E. Another Japanese heroine, Terute Hime, is a model for faithfulness,
although she
was originally a prostitute.
F. No Japanese heroine is in the same category as Empress Jingo, however, as
a most
revered female figure in Japanese mythology.
G. Modern Japanese heros are sumo wrestlers and baseball players. The most
famous
of these in modern times is a player for the Seattle Mariners, Ichiro.
Critical Questions
1. Why do you think the 47 Ronin are so popular in Japan?
2. Why are guardian spirits a common motif in many Eastern cultures?
3. Why are heroines like Tora Gozen and Terute Hime good fits for a Confucian
culture?
4. Why would Empress Jingo be head and shoulders over all other Japanese
heroines?
5. Why are sumo wrestlers so popular in Japan?
6. Why are baseball players and team spirit so popular within Japan?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://easternstudiesdatabase.com/
Tora Gozen
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~NW6E-MTMR/japan/index_hero_e.htm
Empress Jingo
http://www.japan-101.com/history/jingo_of_japan.htm
Lesson 16 – Men and Animal Myths
A. The White Hare of Oki appears in the Kojiki and has the gift of speech.
B. The Tongue-Cut Sparrow was an animal who knew how to dance.
C. The Grateful Dog was able to create silk after it ate a silkworm.
D. The Grateful Bee was able to turn the tide of a battle.
E. Foxes are, by far, the most complex animal myths in Japan; a fox can
represent
one or all of the following: good rice crops, bad rice crops, insanity,
depression,
hysteria and quirky behavior.
F. Mandarin Ducks are associated with happy marriages.
G. Ikezuki, the Horse was similar to the “Black Stallion― of
Arabian fame.
H. Badgers are usually considered to be malicious in Japanese folklore.
Critical Questions
1. How are rabbits portrayed in Japanese myth?
2. How are sparrows portrayed in Japanese myth?
3. How does the story of the Grateful Dog unfold?
4. What is the significance of a bee turning a battle?
5. Why are foxes the most complex animal in Japanese myth?
6. Why do myths give animals human capabilities?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Foxes in Japanese Myth
http://www.inari-art.com/rel_myth.htm
The Grateful Dog in Japanese or Other Myth
http://home.arcor.de/marcmarti/yugur/folktale/folktale.htm
Lesson 17 – More Japanese Animal Myths
A. Keigo Seki is the writer of “Folktales of Japan―, which features a
story of a
badger and a rabbit.
B. Jurojin, one of the Seven gods of Luck often poses with a stag, which
would seem
to indicate that this animal is lucky.
C. In the story of the badger and the fox cub, the fox wins in the end. It
appears as
if the fox almost always gets the upper hand in Japanese myth.
D. Foxes also have the ability to turn into young, attractive women.
E. The three monkeys of “hear no evil, speak no evil and see no evil―
fame are
represented in the mausoleum of the first Tokugawa shogun, Leyasu in Nikko.
F. The myth of how jellyfish became boneless is a tale of punishment for
being
foolish.
Critical Questions
1. Why is Keigo Seki famous in Japan?
2. Why would a stag be considered to be a lucky animal?
3. Why is it a bad idea to go up against a fox in Japanese myth?
4. How do the Japanese humanize foxes?
5. Why do the three monkeys of the Nikko have significance?
6. What is the significance of the jellyfish in Japanese folklore?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Keigo Seki
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=Keigo+Seki&ei
The Three Monkeys of Nikko
http://www.oldcopper.org/three_wise_monkeys.htm
Lesson 18 – Old and New Japanese Stories
A. Urashima, the fisherman, is included in a classical Japanese poem about
his falling
in love with a woman who turns into a tortoise.
B. The Woodcutter and the Fountain of Youth is another popular Japanese tale.
It is about wanting to stay young as a vice.
C. There are a few myths that include Gingko trees as reincarnations of
lovers.
D. The Cherry Tree Myth is about a dog who provides food after its death.
E. The story of the two disfigured woodcutters has an interesting twist to it;
in
nature, beauty is relative.
F. Benton, the only female god of Luck, is a patroness of literature and
music.
G. The White Butterfly is a story of romantic love, which was forbidden in
ancient
Japanese times.
Critical Questions
1. Who was Urashima?
2. Why is wanting to stay young a vice in Japanese myth?
3. Why do you think Gingko trees a common motif for reincarnation myths in
Japan?
4. Why is the story of the two disfigured woodcutters a good moral for
children?
5. Why is the White Butterfly myth common to many other cultures?
6. Why do many myths and folktales have a great deal of commonality in many
cultures?
Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson:
http://www.askmrmovies.com
Urashima
http://www.darsie.net/talesofwonder/utaro.html
The White Butterfly Myth of Japan
http://www.mitsukai.com/NKW/wbfly.htm
Lesson 19 – Write Your Own Myth
Activity: Create your own myth using a heroic man, woman or animal as a
central figure.
Flesh out a personality for this figure. Put the figure through a series of
events that show
its qualities. Try to provide a moral to your story, if you can.
Lesson 20 – Final Exam and/or Paper
Areas of Concern:
a. Discuss the implications of Japanese Folklore.
b. Discuss the importance of animals in Japanese
Myth.
c. Discuss the importance of Heroes and Heroines
in Japanese Myth.