Sinification of E. Asia Korea, Vietnam, Japan Himeji Castle, built in 1333
China and Korea Silla Dynasty: Tang armies withdraw, Korea recognizes Tang as emperor Technically a vassal state, but highly independent Tribute in gifts/rice exceeded by Chinese gifts and cultural contribution Chinese influence pervasive!
China and Vietnam Vietnamese adaptation to Chinese culture, technology However, ongoing resentment at political domination Assert independence when Tang dynasty falls in 10th century
China and Nara Japan Chinese armies never invade Japan Chinese influence undeniable Imitation of Tang administration and capital (Chang’an) Establishment of new capital at Nara, hence “Nara Japan” (710-794 CE) Adoption of Confucian, Buddhist teachings Yet retention of Shinto religion Benevolent and malevolent spirits (kami) inhabit all things
Heian Japan (794-1185 CE) Period of massive cultural awakening Japanese emperor moves court to Heian (Kyoto) Emperor is merely figurehead, real power in hands of Fujiwara clan Emperor is ceremonial figurehead and link to the divine Pattern in Japanese history: weak emperor with true power held by others behind the throne Helps explain longevity of the institution (no Mandate!)
Japanese Education Heian Japan Classic curriculum dominated by Chinese Formal education in Chinese Court spoke Chinese Gvt. records in Chinese Japanese script borrowed heavily from Chinese Wealthy wrote poetry, literature. Women did not receive Chinese education Murasaki Shikibu wrote The Tale of Genji in Japanese Heian Japan
Decline of Heian Nobles led elegant lives at capital Equal field system fell into disuse Aristocratic clans gain large landholdings Civil war between Taira and Minamoto clans in 12th century
Institution of the Shogun Minamoto leader named shogun, 1185 CE Political leader of Japan Emperor becomes religious figurehead only Ruled from city of Kamakura; allowed imperial throne to continue in Kyoto
Medieval Japan - Structure Kamakura (1185-1333 CE) and Muromachi (1336-1573 CE) periods Feudalism Decentralized power in hands of daimyo (warlords) Military authority in hands of samurai (professional warriors) Peasants toil in the fields Merchants lowest class
Medieval Japan Samurai supported by agricultural surplus Bushido – code of conduct