The Influence of Neighboring Cultures on Japan (500-800 CE)

Cultural Influences of India, China, and Korea on Japan Japan’s culture became enriched by borrowing ideas from other countries Cultural elements: objects, ideas, customs from other places Cultural diffusion: spread of new ideas and customs from one society to another Prince Shotoku sped up the spread of new ideas when he came to power in 593. Sent thousands of Japanese to study Chinese and Korean culture

Government: Imitating the Chinese System In 604, Prince Shotoku issued the 17 Article Constitution, a document that adopted the idea of a strong emperor from China, with ranks for government officials. Later the Taika Reforms gave control of all land to the emperor which angered the clan leaders. By the 700s, Japan’s government looked much like China’s Strong central government and a large bureaucracy Nobles (or aristocrats) held all high positions in government

City Design In 710, the design of the new capital city of Nara resembled the design of the Chinese capital, Chang’an (Xi’an). Nara was smaller and did not have a surrounding wall.

Religion Traditional Japanese religion of Shinto centered around nature Buddhism came to Japan from India to China by way of Korea. Mahayana Buddhism says that all people can reach enlightenment.

Writing The Japanese used Chinese characters: kanji or “Chinese writing.” By 900, they invented kana or “borrowed letters.” Allowed Japanese to express themselves through literature and also keep accurate records

Literature Tanka was based on Chinese poetry forms. A tanka has 31 syllables divided into lines of 5,7,5,7 and 5 Poems usually devoted to love or nature

Sculpture Japanese adopted the idea of carving Buddha, which began in India. In general: Indian Buddhas were made of stone, Korean made of bronze, and Japanese made of wood.

Architecture In India, Buddhist monasteries had shrines called stupas, with bell-shaped roofs. The Chinese changed stupas to pagodas: towers with several levels and curled roofs. The Japanese adopted the Chinese pagoda design.

Music The Japanese adopted a Chinese form of court music called gagaku Also used such Chinese instruments as the sheng (Japanese: sho) and the pipa

Re-Cap 500-800 CE Japan became enriched by neighboring countries Cultural diffusion = spread of new ideas and customs from one society to another New ideas about government, architecture, religion, writing, literature, art, and music influenced Japan

Review and Summary Review Read back over your notes Use a different color to review your notes: underline important points highlight key details put a star next to potential test questions Create 2-3 test questions in left hand column Summary In 4-5 sentences, explain the key takeaways from the notes: Most important details Main ideas Answer the essential question: “How did neighboring countries influence Japan?”

Group Assignment Using the textbook and your notes, decide which new idea had the biggest impact on Japan during this period. Create a small poster that does the following: illustrates the idea, Lists 3 facts about it States your reasoning for why your group chose it (most important part!) Reporter will then “report” out to the class the group’s findings