Section 2 Medieval Japan

I. Geography Archipelago-island chain (p. 375) 1. made up of 4 main islands called Hokkaido, Kyushu, Honshu, and Shikoku 2. Islands were formed by underwater volcanoes B. Islands are 500 miles off China’s coast and 100 miles from Korea C. Earthquakes, active volcanoes, and typhoons affect Japan yearly D. Mountains cover most of Japan-travel difficult E. The Sea is its biggest resources and provides protection (isolation)***

II. Heian Empire Existed between 794 and 1185 Japan developed its own traditions during this time, previously they copied China’s Ended all relations with China in 894 (lasted 500 years) Capital city –Kyoto Mostly a peaceful time in Japan Nobility lived well (ranked) everyone else was poor and worked hard Pronounced Hay an

III. Feudalism in Japan 1000’s –Emperor lost power over land outside of Kyoto (ignored what was going on outside of Kyoto) Taking advantage of emperor’s lack of involvement, Nobles gained power and wealth by owning land that the peasants worked (safety) Out of this, a system called feudalism developed. Feudalism legally binds the poor to work for landowners. Nobles worked independently of the emperor. Hired warriors to protect them and their land

Samurai- paid to defend nobles and their estates 1. followed a code of conduct called bushido 2. valued honor over wealth 3. promised total loyalty to their warlord F. Samurai joined together to form clans. Wars broke out in Japan between clans over power and control of land (which noble would be in charge)

IV. Feudal Class system Emperor-Led Japan in Name only Shogun-True Leader of Japan Lords/Nobles-Controlled land, great power in their areas but must pledge loyalty to the Shogun. Had to provide him with rice, warriors, etc Samurai-Special class, training began very early in life, duty was to protect land and their lords Commoners-farmers, merchants, and crafts workers, expected to show respect to upper classes

V. Kamakura Shogunate A. 1192-1603 Members of the Minamoto clan ruled Japan B. Title of shogun was given to leader of the clan. First shogun was Yoritomo C. Attacked by Mongols but defeated them in the 1200’s D. Few foreigners came to Japan until 1543, when the Portuguese landed in Japan. Japan’s leader was interested in guns, so trade developed with the East Named after city where he set up headquarters

VI. Tokugawa Shogunate A. Ruled 1603-1867 B. Ended fighting among samurai clans and worked to get the lords under control 1. divided Japan into 250 provinces 2. Only Samurai could carry weapons 3. All lords and their families had to live in the capital city of Edo C. Peaceful period with increased population and trade, new cities, art, traders spent money

D. Zen Buddhism became popular E D. Zen Buddhism became popular E. Japan began to isolate itself from foreigners by: 1. Outlawing Christianity 2. Banning all trade with outsiders 3. Banning foreign travel 4. Forced Europeans in Japan to leave F. Isolation would last until 1800’s (Japanese culture would have NO outside influence) Many believe the shogun did this to prevent rebellion or question of his power