Japanese Feudalism

I. Early History of Japan: A. 660 B.C. – First emperor claimed descent from the sun-god and united Japan under his rule

II. Feudalism: 11 th Century A. Imperial rule weakened as noble families gained power and imperial rule gave way to feudalism.

1. Feudalism- a social, political and economic system based on personal loyalties, social classes and the granting of land rights.

Feudalism Land = Money

B.Feudal society: 1. Emperor - Ceremonial figure who had no real power

2. Shogun: military governor general who had all the political power of the emperor

3. Daimyo – powerful landlords who swore allegiance and protection to the Shogun

4. Samurai – warriors who swore allegiance and protection to either the shogun or daimyo in return for land.

a. Bushido – code of conduct which stressed courage, honor and unquestioned obedience to one’s lord

b. Ronin – warriors who had no lord and could be hired by other lords.

Hari kari (belly cutting) or Seppuku

General Akashi Gidayu preparing to commit Seppuku after losing a battle for his master in He had just written his death poem, which is also visible in the upper right corner.

Women have their own ritual suicide, jigai. Here, a woman prepares for her suicide; note the legs tied together, a female feature of seppuku to ensure a "decent" posture in death

5. Peasants and Artisans – peasants worked for the farms and artisans made samurai weapons in exchange for samurai’s protection

6. Merchants – had low social status despite having considerable wealth. Merchants

No Social Mobility! No Social Mobility!