Name
Date
Standards: How did Chinese ideas influence Japanese culture?
What was the Japanese feudal system that emerged in Medieval
Japan?
Vocabulary
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Isolation
Clan
Regent
Shogun
Daimyo
Samurai
Bushido
Feudalism
Vassal
Lord
Figurehead
Weather
Typhoons—heavy
winds, rains cause
flooding
Earthquakes
1500 a year—makes
islands unstable
Period
6
Please label the following (p.297):
• Islands: Honshu, Hokkaido,
Shikoku, Kyushu
• Sea of Japan, Pacific Ocean
• Mt. Fuji
Geography
of Japan
Size
146,000 mi2
about the size of MT
Resources
Sea provides
protection, food and
transportation
Prince Shotoku (593-622)
C. Buddhism quickly
spreads
1.
Zen Buddhism: focused on inner peace, selfdiscipline, meditation, and simplicity; helped to
control their bodies through martial arts
2.
Pure Land Buddhism: happy life after death
(paradise above the clouds); worshipped
Amida Buddha of love and mercy
A. Sent Japanese scholars to learn from
Chinese
B. Government and culture, based on
teachings of Confucius
1. Created a constitution and gave
absolute power to the emperor
2. Fathers rule the family; obey those
in authority above you
D. Chinese writing
E. Adopted art—architecture, tea, gardening,
cooking
After Prince Shotoku brought Chinese influence into Japan, it was isolated from other
countries and began to develop their own culture and society
Golden Age of Japanese culture (800s—1100s)
The nobles of the imperial court were set apart from the common
people and loved beauty and elegance
A. Fashion
1. Silk robes and gold jewelry, decorative accessories
B. Literature
1. tanka and haiku poems focused on the beauty of nature and love
2. Tale of Genji: written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu
a. world’s 1st full-length novel; story of a prince finding his true love
C. Performing Arts
1. Noh dramas: wore masks and elaborate robes; combined music, speaking, and dance
2. Taught Buddhist ideas and stories about great heroes or figures from Japan’s past
D. Visual Art
1. Popular art forms were painting, calligraphy,
origami
2. Used ink or water colors with bright, bold
colors
E. Architecture
1. used Chinese designs; simple airy designs
2. large open spaces, surrounded by elegant
gardens and ponds
Growth of a Military Society
(Lord-vassal system: a system of loyalty and protection)
A.
Samurai and shoguns took over Japan as emperors lost influence
1. Daimyos wanted more protection and hired samurais, rebellion in the land
2. Minamoto clan takes power and leader takes power as Shogun, while emperor becomes a
figurehead with little power
EMPEROR
Emperor: Held highest rank in
society but had no political power
SHOGUN
Shogun: Military leader and actual
ruler
Daimyo: Large landowners
DAIMYO
SAMURAI & VASSALS
MERCHANTS
ARTISANS
Samurais: Warriors loyal to the
daimyo
Vassals: Held land granted by daimyo
PEASANTS Merchants: low status, but gradually
gained money and influence
Artisans & Peasants: provided food
& weapons for samurai class (most of
the population)
Bushido “the way of the warrior”
A. honor code for samurais
1. Courageous, loyal, and honorable
2. Expected to commit suicide rather than live with dishonor
Change in Power
Isolation
A. Order broke down when the power of the shoguns was challenged by invaders and
rebellions
B. Strong leaders took over and reunified Japan
C. Isolated themselves from Europe and outlawed Christianity to preserve their way of life