geography Japan is made up of a string (archipelago) of mountainous islands. Though it consists of thousands of islands, the population density is focused on its four largest islands: Honshu (Hawn-shoo) Hokkaido (ho-ky-doh) Kyushu (Kyoo-shoo) Shkoku (Shee-koh-koo)

geography

geography 3. Though much of its land is not able to be used for farming, farmers are still able to produce a great deal of food. 4. Plentiful rainfall, sunny days, and long growing seasons are a great help

geography 5. Japan was protected by the sea from foreign invasion and influences. - (think, don’t write) What geographical features protected India from the rest of the world? What features protected China?

geography 6. Kublai Khan tried twice to conquer Japan but was unsuccessful on both occasions because of Japans isolation and her wicked weather systems. - Kamikaze, or “Divine Wind”

Japans Beginnings 7. The early history of Japan centered around religion. 8. Believed in gods or nature spirits called kami 9. They believed kami (spirits) lived in natural objects like sand, waterfalls, trees, rocks, poopie pee, poopie pee, hi ho he, poopie pee, and yes even you and me

Japans Beginnings 10. Grows into the Shinto religion meaning “way of the kami” 11. The kami are believed to oversee human life and the ways of the world, bringing either good fortune or chaos.

Japans Beginnings 12. Kami are honored at shrines. The first shrines were outdoor spots-perhaps a large rock or tree-where people brought offerings of flowers or grain.

13. Later, shrines were enclosed in buildings surrounded by beautiful landscaping. 14. When entering a shrine area, visitors pass through a gate called the torii. Beyond the gate is a stone water basin. Guests rinse their hands to purify themselves before entering the shrine area.

Japans Beginnings 15. Shinto Helps unify Japan under the first emperor (Yamamoto Clan) in the 300's. (think don’t write) Based upon what you know of Japan’s geographical location and prior knowledge of Asia, what country influenced Japanese culture the most?

China’s impact

China’s impact 16. Chinese writing was adopted by the Japanese before 100. 17. Buddhism was introduced to Japan in 552. - though the emperor’s advisers disliked the new religion, it was eventually permitted.

China’s impact Chinese art, science, government and fashion all served as the model for Japan in her early years. Japan would grow less and less dependent on Chinese culture. World's first novel called The Tale of Genji was written @ 1000 in Japan.

Japans own culture 21. The rise of Shinto, spread of Buddhism and the movement away from Chinese influence helped Japan develop her own culture.

Feudal japan

Feudal japan Feudalism: Political system of local government based on the granting of land in return for loyalty, military assistance, and other services. In Japan, the feudal system contained two general sources of power: 1. the central government 2. powerful local landowners who had their own warriors.

Feudal japan 3. In the Japanese feudal system, the emperor was at the top, followed by the shoguns (generals), daimyo (wealthy land owners), samurai (warriors), and then the peasants.

Copy this chart of Feudal japan Emperor Shogun Daimyo Samurai Peasants

Government in feudal Japan 4. Fujiwara clan ruled from 800's until mid 1100's. 5. New clan takes over in 1185- Minamoto. 6. In 1192- Minamoto Yoritoma gains title of shogun, or general.

7. Emperor keeps throne, but shogun controls military, finances, and laws. 6.In 1331- Emperor Go-Diago tries to regain power and fails. 8. Ashikaga claims title of shogun. Family rules for 250 years.

9. Wealthy landowners held power at the local level 9. Wealthy landowners held power at the local level. They hired samurai or warrior knights for protection. 10. Samurai had a code of conduct called the Bushido, which literally means “way of the warrior”

11. Bushido stressed bravery, loyalty, and honor. 12 11. Bushido stressed bravery, loyalty, and honor. 12. If samurai displeased their masters or were defeated in battle, they might practice seppuku (ceremonial suicide).

13. Over time, local lords known as daimyo or ‘great names’ and their samurai become the most powerful people in Japan 14. No real central government. daimyo taxed peasants and waged wars.

FEUDAL JAPAN RECAPPED 15. Emperor is just a figure head. 16. Shogun - Supreme Military Ruler. -Minamoto Yoritomo became first shogun in 1192 18. Daimyo - Lords (landholders)

19. Samurai -Vassals/Lesser lords - made up daimyos private army Emperor Shogun Daimyo Samurai Peasants

Zen Buddhism 1. Zen Buddhism is introduced from China and became an important part of life. 2. Self-discipline through meditation. 3. Importance of nature and beauty-influences Japanese art and architecture. 4. Noh play- highly stylized dance drama based in Zen.