1. Lesson Goal
Explain how early Japanese culture formed and adapted to influences from China.

2. Warm-up #3
Why did Japan develop a very different culture from those in other parts of Asia?
Why have the Japanese turned to the sea for food?

3. Vocabulary Word: Shinto noun
Definition: the traditional religion of early Japan. Everything in natures has kami (spirits). Some help and protect people. Shintoists ask for the kami to bless them and worship them at shrines.
Example: My ancestors practiced shinto beliefs by worshiping many kami at special occasions.
Shinto Video

4. Prince Shotoku
Read the text on Prince Shotoku (you can also find info in the book on page ).
Make an x-ray figure…Include brief descriptions of the following on your x-ray:
Name and years he ruled for the title.
Ideas he adopted from China by his head.
His faith/religion and how it spread by his heart.
Things he build by his hands.
How he changed government by his feet.
Decorate your x-ray figure to reflect his importance, accomplishments, and beliefs.

5. Review Questions Why was Prince Shotoku important?
He admired the culture of China and sent scholars there to study and learn everything they could about it. Their knowledge shaped Japanese culture.
How did Chinese culture influence the language, philosophy, and religion of Japan?
Language: the earliest Japanese writing used Chinese characters.
Philosophy: the ideas of the Chinese philosopher Confucius shaped Japanese beliefs about family.
Religion: Buddhism came to Japan from Korea and was adopted by Prince Shotoku.