The Japanese Shogunate c

Some basic information Two main religions – Shinto and Buddhism The national capital moved from Nara to Kyoto and finally to Tokyo The Japanese call their country Nippon or Nihon Japan is a constitutional monarchy with Emperor Akihito as its head of state Population around

Sources of Information about historical Japan Architecture Arts and Crafts Literature Traditions and Festivals

Architecture Despite having such a high natural disaster risk many old building do remain however they may have been rebuilt Even when rebuilt older sections may remain or older techniques used Important public buildings such as temples and shrines often feature in written records or maintain their own Buildings can give information about lifestyle, culture and customs

Nara (Todai-ji Temple)

Kyoto The Golden Pagoda (Kinkau-ji) Rock Garden at Ryoan-ji

Kamakura Buddha

Challenge 1. Until 1998 Todai-ji was the largest….? 2. Todai-ji was built without using…? 3. Why was the current Kinkaku-ji rebuilt in 1955?

Arts and Crafts Paintings provide details about ways of life, clothing and living conditions Origami (paper folding), print-making and pottery can also give information about Japanese life in past centuries.

Woodblock Printing

Traditions and festivals Traditional festivals and cultural practices are still very popular in Japan. At festivals (matsuri) old games, music and food usually feature and these help to remind people about their past. Matsuri are often associated with religious festivals

Some famous Japanese matsuri Omizutori Takayama Matsuri Aoi Matsuri Hakata Gion Yamakasa Awa Odori Bon matsuri Tōrō nagashi Yosokoi Soran Hanami matsuri