Aim: Was Feudalism in Japan similar to European Feudalism? Do Now: What do you know about Japan?

I Geography of Japan A)Japan is an archipelago east of Korea. It consists of 1000s of islands, but 4 main ones. B)Japan lies on a fault line, and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire (a circle of volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean). C)Japan is very mountainous. Its tallest mountain is Mount Fuji. D)Only 20% of Japanese land is arable (suitable for farming). E)Japan’s main natural resources are seafood and rice.

Mt. Fuji

Japanese Rice Paddy

On March , Japan experienced a devastating earthquake, causing mass destruction. While being a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire has its risks, it also has it’s rewards. Japan is a leader in clean geothermal energy (from magma under the Earth’s crust). Japanese monkeys enjoying a natural hot spring

Pacific Ring of Fire

II Early Japan (300 – 710 CE) A)Early Japanese were hunters and gatherers. They were controlled by clans. - A clan is a small political group based on family ties, often led by an elder B) The traditional Japanese religion was Shinto (worship of kami; forces in nature) C) By 100 BCE Japan began to farm rice D) By 400 CE Japan was united under an emperor, with the capital at Nara.

Shinto Shrine Shinto means “the way of the gods”. Shintoists believe that kami take the form of the forces of nature, such as the wind. Humans are believed to become kami, and are revered after their death.

Early Japan Continued… The first sumo wrestling matches were performed in honor of the gods, in hopes of a good harvest.

Early Japan (300 – 710 CE) Continued… E) Through cultural diffusion, early Japanese culture absorbed many Chinese traditions and ideas including Confucianism, Buddhism, art, architecture, and a system of writing.

III Japan Moves Away from Chinese Influence “The Heian Period” A)794 CE Kyoto became the new capital of Japan. B)9 th century poets began to write in Japanese instead of in Chinese C)Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote The Tale of Genji 1000 CE. *The world’s 1 st known novel -Genji is the son of the Emperor during the Heian period who is demoted to commoner status. The book describes his romantic life and customs of the aristocracy.

Heian Courtly Dress

Shogun Daimyo Samurai Peasant Land - Shoen Protection Loyalty Food Emperor IV Feudal Japan A) By the 9 th century CE, the power of the Emperor declined. Feudalism became the dominant form of government in Japan.

Feudal Japan Continued… Emperor: The divine head of society, who held no real power. Lived at Kyoto. Shogun: The emperor’s military deputy, who held real power over Japan. Lived at Edo. Daimyo Lords: who held power over their own land, under the control of the shogun. Samurai: Warriors, most of whom enjoyed high social status but had very little power. Loyal to their daimyo. Merchants: People who traded goods. They occupied the lowest rung of society, as Confucian teaching held that they were an unproductive class Farmers, Artisans

Feudal Japan Continued… B) The Samurai followed the Code of Bushido “Way of the Warrior” 1. Honor 2. Bravery 3. Loyalty 4. Simplicity 5. If a Samurai displeased his master or lost a battle, he may practice seppuku (ritual suicide) so he will not lose honor.

Seppuku Ceremony

Kokura Castle

Osaka Castle

Samurai Armor A COTTON BREECH CLOUT A COTTON BREECH CLOUT that extended up over the chest was the basic undergarment of a samurai’s costume A SHORT SLEEVED KIMONO A SHORT SLEEVED KIMONO, or “armor robe,” was tied snugly at the waist with a special knot (lower right) BILLOWING PANTALOONS, BILLOWING PANTALOONS,worn over the armor robe, fitted loosely in the legs to allow freedom of movement

STURDY SHINGUARDS STURDY SHINGUARDS of cloth or leather were reinforced with strips of iron to give protection from the front Samurai Armor Continued…

V Zen Buddhism A) Zen Buddhism began in China in the 6 th century. It was greatly influenced by Taoism; Zen Buddhists have a great respect for nature. It became popular in Japan by the 12 th century. B) Zen Buddhism greatly influenced Japanese culture. 1. Zen Buddhism requires a strict mental focus and discipline, which reinforced the Code of Bushido 2. Zen Buddhist Gardens were built as places for meditation and beauty 2. Japanese Tea Ceremony: This ceremony transforms the simple act of pouring tea into a beautiful art form. 3. Haiku Poetry: Short, simple, beautiful poems. 5, 7, then 5 syllables. Zen literally means “meditation”.

Zen Rock Garden

Zen Winter Garden The disk moon the disk frozen lake reflecting each other – Hashimoto Takako 20 th century

Zen Spring Garden Lighting one candle With another candle; An evening of spring. - Yosi Buson, 18 th century

Zen Summer Garden How hot the cobwebs look Hanging on summer trees! - Yosa Buson, 18 th century

Zen Autumn Garden In the mountainside sky cherry petals play as they fall... - Kusama Tokihiko, 20 th century

Japanese Tea Ceremony “The objective of the Japanese tea ceremony… is based in part on the etiquette of serving tea, but is also includes the intimate connections with architecture, landscape gardening, paintings, flower arrangement, ceramics, Zen Buddhism, and all the other elements that coexist in harmonious relationship with the ceremony. Its ultimate aim is the attainment of deep spiritual satisfaction through the drinking of tea and through silent contemplation.” – JapaneseTeaCeremony.net

Summary 1.Describe at least 2 ways that Japan’s geography has impacted its history and/or culture. 2.Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast Japanese feudalism with feudalism in Western Europe. 3.Write your own haiku about Japan! my friend pork shoulder I return to you. this time i've brought mayonnaise