Japan’s Feudal Age

Japanese Feudalism Emerges Due to a struggle for power within armies-a feudal system in Japan evolved Just like in medieval Europe-this system was dominated by the warrior aristocracy The emperor was the head of feudal society-more of a figurehead really. The real power belonged to the shogun, or supreme military commander.

Minamoto Yoritomo Appointed shogun in 1192 Set up the Kamakura shogunate –This was the first of 3 military dynasties that would rule Japan for approx. 700 years

Feudalism Under the shoguns were warrior lords, called daimyo. –Shoguns would distribute lands to them and they would supply men when needed. Under the daimyo were the samurai, meaning “those who serve”. –Their code of values that emphasized honor, bravery, and absolute loyalty to their lord was called bushido. –A true samurai would not fear death –Seppuku-expected of samurai guilty of betrayal; ritual suicide-better to die than to live without honor

Social Hierarchy Noble women trained in military arts Far below the Samurai lied the peasants, artisans, and merchants –Peasants made up 75% of the population

From the book… Take a moment to copy the “Feudal Society in Japan” diagram on page 327 into your notes. –Copy everything but the pictures.

Mongols The Mongol quest of China and Korea also effected Japan The Mongols in 1274 under Kublai Khan began threatening Japan. However, a typhoon destroyed their fleet. Again, in 1281, the Mongols tried to take over and a typhoon wiped them away again.

Kamikaze The Japanese credited a kamikaze, or divine wind, for the miraculous aid the typhoons provided. They believed they were protected by the gods. Thus, today there are kamikaze fighter pilots.

Order and Unity The Kamakura eventually crumbled due to Mongol invasions Tokugawa Ieyasu eventually became the master of Japan and was named a shogun. –Known for his extreme practices and law making. All the shoguns that followed him wanted to end feudal warfare. They created a unified, orderly society and put their capital in Edo (modern day Tokyo). They had a strict moral code and followed the bushido.

Kabuki A popular form of theater came about during this time called kabuki. The actors dressed in elaborate costumes and wore tons of make-up. They usually performed plays involving tales of honor and betrayal in feudal Japan.

Haiku A popular form of literature was a form of poetry called haiku. In three lines (5-7- 5) the poet uses words to express a feeling, thought or idea.

Assignment for Today! Write a haiku about Japan’s feudal age. Remember, the first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables and the third line has 5 syllables. When you finish. Write it neatly with marker, and title it.