1. Japanese Feudalism

2. I. Early History of Japan: A. 660 B.C. – First emperor claimed descent from the sun-god and united Japan under his rule

3. II. Feudalism: 11 th Century A. Imperial rule weakened as noble families gained power and imperial rule gave way to feudalism.

4. 1. Feudalism- a social, political and economic system based on personal loyalties, social classes and the granting of land rights.

5. Feudalism Land = Money

6. B.Feudal society: 1. Emperor - Ceremonial figure who had no real power

7. 2. Shogun: military governor general who had all the political power of the emperor

8. 3. Daimyo – powerful landlords who swore allegiance and protection to the Shogun

9. 4. Samurai – warriors who swore allegiance and protection to either the shogun or daimyo in return for land.

10. a. Bushido – code of conduct which stressed courage, honor and unquestioned obedience to one’s lord

11. b. Ronin – warriors who had no lord and could be hired by other lords.

21. Hari kari (belly cutting) or Seppuku

23. General Akashi Gidayu preparing to commit Seppuku after losing a battle for his master in 1582. He had just written his death poem, which is also visible in the upper right corner.

24. Women have their own ritual suicide, jigai. Here, a woman prepares for her suicide; note the legs tied together, a female feature of seppuku to ensure a "decent" posture in death

25. 5. Peasants and Artisans – peasants worked for the farms and artisans made samurai weapons in exchange for samurai’s protection

26. 6. Merchants – had low social status despite having considerable wealth. Merchants

27. No Social Mobility! No Social Mobility!