Lesson 2 – Growth of Japanese Culture

Buddhism It arrived in Japan in the 500s. India to China to Korea to Japan It arrived in Japan in the 500s. It was practiced alongside Shinto, Japan’s ancient religion. There are different forms of Buddhism.

Zen Buddhism Began in 1100s Self-discipline, simplicity and meditation Favored by Samurai

Japanese Drama Noh: Retelling of legends and folktales; wore masks Kabuki: Makeup, elaborate costumes, singing and dancing

Tale of the Genji Lady Murasaki Shikibu A book about the life of the prince in the imperial court A long story based on one character World’s first important nobel Early 1000s

Lesson 3 Samurai and Shoguns Nobles Gain Power 622: Prince Shotoku’s rule ended 800: wealthy families of the Fujiwara clan became the real rulers of Japan for 300 YEARS

Daimyo 1100s Fujiwaras’ power declined Government: RAN OUT OF MONEY Daimyo – estate owners who paid no taxes to the government Daimyo had private armies of trained warriors: SAMURAI

Feudalism in Japan 1100 Daimyo’s power increased Weak government For protection, vassals received land and protection from a lord in return for protection

Japanese Society

Emperor and the Shoguns Shogun – military leader - Shogun: supreme commander of the army Ruled on the emperor’s behalf but more powerful Minamoto Yoritomo became the first shogun in 1192 Japan was a shogunate, or military government, for 700 years

Samurai and Warrior Code Loyal Fearsome Warriors Loyal to lord, even to death Women protected families and learned to fight; there were female samurai Bushido: unwritten code of honor, loyalty and bravery

Bushido

Three powerful Warriors unify Japan Oda Nobunaga 1500s: united Japan Fierce warrior Brought guns from Europe Controlled half of Japan

Toyotomi Hideyoshi Best General of Nobunaga Born a peasant Rose to be a superb military leader CONTROLLED ALL OF JAPAN UNTIL HE DIED IN 1598

Tokugawa Ieyasu - 1603 Dynasty until 1868 Founded capital at Edo (Tokyo) Tokugawa Shogunate Wanted peace Western influence was coming but Ieyasu banned Christianity and executed Japanese Christians Ended nearly all foreign trade ISOLATIONISM UNTIL 1850S