2. Early Japan

3. I. Geography A. Japan is an archipelago consisting of four main island and thousands of smaller islands

4. The four main islands are:

5. B. Mountainous terrain means only 20% of Japan is suitable for farming.

6. C. The sea has always been important to Japan a. provided a source of food b. provided a natural barrier against invasion c. served as a method of transportation between islands

7. II. Early Japanese Culture A. Religion 1. Ancient beliefs and traditions formed the basis of Shinto

8. a. In the Shinto religion people offer gifts to the spirits or kami at shrines or temples 1. Kami are spirits which are in all thing and control the forces of nature

9. b. Later, Buddhism will be introduced into Japan 1. Zen Buddhism will incorporate traditional Japanese religious beliefs and coexist with Shinto

10. B. Society 1.Japanese society was organized into clans a.Clans are family groups which trace their origin to a common ancestor

11. 2. By 400 AD., the Yamato clan became dominant and established Japans one and only dynasty

12. III. Yamato Era A. In the 6 th century AD., Chinese influence grows in Japan. 1. The Japanese borrow many ideas from the Chinese.

13. Selective Borrowing: Keeping only those ideas that fit with ones own culture and traditions and discarding others.

14. Chinese influences included: 1. Arts and Literature

15. Chinese influences included: 2. Architecture

16. Chinese influences included: 3. Clothing and furniture

17. Chinese influences included: 4. Religion and Philosophy

18. IV. Japanese Feudalism A. After the 9 th century the position of the emperor changed from a ruler to a figurehead. B. A feudal system developed in Japan.

19. C. By 1200, a powerful samurai leader Yoritomo Minamoto gained the title of shogun.

20. D. Feudal Society The Emperor highest position but no political power The Samurai Class The Shogun – the actual ruler of Japan Includes: The Daimyo – great landowners and nobles Samurai – warrior knights of Japan

21. D. Feudal Society The Emperor The Samurai Class The Commoners Peasants and Artisans At least 75% of population or more Merchants traditionally low status but gain influence as wealth increases

22. 2. The Samurai Class dominate feudal society a. The samurai lived by the code of Bushido which stressed loyalty, courage and honor

23. V. Japan and the World A. In the mid-1500s European traders and missionaries began to arrive in Japan 1. The shoguns were extremely conservative and suspicious of foreign influence

24. B. In 1639, the Shogun expelled all European from Japan. 1. Foreign travel and trade are banned 2. Japan entered a 200 year period of isolation