Global History and Geography Regents Review Unit 3 Section 1

Early Japan: Was strongly influenced by geography Borrowed selectively from Chinese Culture Developed a feudal system Experienced stability and strong government during later feudal times

Shinto Kami Zen Buddhism Shoguns Daimyo Samurai Bushido Kabuki Haiku

Japan is made up of a chain of mountainous islands in the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of mainland Asia. Japan has four main islands Japan has 3,000 smaller islands Japan is part of the “Ring of Fire” which is a group of islands in the Pacific that are vulnerable to earthquakes and volcano eruptions.

Shinto is the traditional Japanese religion  Shinto means “The Way of the Gods”  Follows of Shintoism worship “Kami” which is the divine spirits found in all living and nonliving things.

Adopted the Chinese system of writing. Buddhism- Zen Buddhists spread throughout Japan. They valued peace, simple living, nature, and beauty. Confucianism- Adopted many Confucian ideals especially about proper behavior and social order. Adopted Chinese tea ceremonies and garden designs.

The Yamato Clan came to power in the year 500, they became the Royal Family of Japan. The Emperor in Japan today still claims he can trace his roots back to the first Yamato. By the year 1100 Feudalism took hold in Japan and everyone had a place in society.

Feudal Society in Japan

Emperor- Ruled in name only Shoguns- Top military commanders. Had the real power Daimyo- Received land from the shoguns and promised military service to the Shogun in exchange for land Samurai- “Those who Serve”. Lived by a strict code called “Bushido” or “Way of the Warrior”. Promised to be loyal, brave, and honorable. Expected to commit ritual suicide if they failed to live up to the code. This form of suicide was known as “Seppuku”

Peasants and Artisans- Peasants farmed the land and artisans made weapons for the samurai. The samurai protected peasants and artisans. Merchants- They were the lowest class in Japan even though they were very wealthy because they earned their wealth off of other people’s hard work. Women- The status of women declined in Japan. Feudal leaders did not hold women in high esteem.

In 1603, the Tokugawa Shogunate came to power bringing peace and stability to Japan for almost 300 years. Created a centralized feudal government Trade increased and a wealthy class of merchants emerged Became openly hostile to foreigners By 1638, all western merchants were banned and Japanese citizens were forbidden to travel overseas