1. Nara and Heian Period Japan Centralization of Japan, Cultural Diffusion from China, and the breakdown to the Feudal Period

2. Nara Period Tribal society 1 st official gov’t Japan ruled by the Yamato Clan/capital at Nara around 400 Longest ruling family in the world –Emperor = divine/descendent of Sun Goddess Taika Reforms secure gov’t system Show influence of China but two major differences: –No Mandate of Heaven –Not Confucian

3. Shinto & Buddhism Native religion = Shinto Shinto = animistic/nature spirits Buddhism and Shinto were not opposed. -Syncretism Tōdai-ji 東大寺

8. Heian Period- 794-1185 Government eventually becomes decentralized Emperor lost power, outlying provinces gained power; Japan enters feudal stage. Culturally, a Golden Age/many women had prominent cultural roles Tale of Genji- Woman wrote the world’s first novel, about court life among the nobility Spiffy culture: Origami, tea ceremony, haiku, sumo

9. Zen Buddhism –"meditation." –teaches that enlightenment is achieved through the realization that one is already an enlightened being. This awakening can happen gradually or in a flash of insight –But in either case, it is the result of one's own efforts. Deities and scriptures can offer only limited assistance.

11. Feudal Period Noble families fought = increasing decentralization Emperor = figurehead. Shogun = powerful ruler/warlord Daimyo = equivalent to European Lords Samurai = warriors in vassal position to daimyo Bushido = Samurai code of ethics Samurai failure = Seppuku (belly-splitting)

14. Prepare for Cuteness