Japan

Geography Japan is an Archipelago Only 20% of the land is arable A group or chain of islands Only 20% of the land is arable land suitable for farming Sea provides most of the food for Japan Since Japan is small, land and resources are very important

Geography continued Because it’s a archipelago (a chain of islands) Japan was isolated from Europe Japan was influenced by the Chinese Writing system and language

Japanese Feudalism Emperor Daimyo & Shogun Samurai Peasants Merchants

Emperor Head of Japanese civilization in name only. Had no real power Modeled after the Chinese system of emperor. Emperor

Shogun and Daimyo Shogun- Powerful military leader; he ruled Japan Practiced Zen Buddism Daimyo (Nobility) - Local lords in Japan who controlled territories They owned the land Shogun & Daimyo

Samurai Samurai - Warriors who were hired to protect the daimyo's land In return, they received wealth and power Samurai

Peasants Farmers, Fishermen, and craftsmen The largest group in the hiearchy Peasants

Merchants Merchants were valued the least because they did not make anything on their own. They bought and sold other peoples goods and creations Merchants

Religion Shintoism, Buddhism, and Zen Buddhism were practiced in Japan Many Japanese practice both Shinto and Buddhism

Shintoism Based of Nature Everything in nature has Kami—spirits They built shrines and pray to the Kami for guidance

Buddhism Teaches followers to end suffering by ending selfish desires The teachings of Buddha

Zen Buddhism People who seek wisdom should practice self-discipline and mediation. Martial Arts practiced Zen Buddhism

Art Calligraphy Lacquered Boxes Origami Tanka Poetry –poerty similar to haiku