1. Sinification- to assimilate, spread, absorb or have traditional
Chinese culture thrust upon you. During the Tang-Song Dynasties
(and even before) China’s hegemony had a great impact on its neighbors
To the South and East. One of the driving forces… Buddhism
China had been a dominant force in the region for over a thousand years
And through conquest, trade and emulation, its neighbors will selectively
Adopt many political, economic and cultural components of its way of life

2. It is important to note, however, that ethnocentrism, location and resistance
By Japan, Korea and Viet Nam will lead to unique differences amongst
The individualized Sinification process. Here is a basic overview of a
Process some are saying exists today:
Japan- emulation, assimilation, no direct contact with China
Korea- tributary states, Kingdom of Silla a vassal state to China
Viet Nam – direct colonization, resistance and autonomy no match for
Subsequent Qin, Han and Tang Dynasties

3. Sinification Similarities and Differences
Japan
Korea
Viet Nam
Zen Buddhism
Neo- Confucian patriarchy
Emulation but retention of cultural identity
Region aristocratic military warlords (Bushi) would dominant despite attempts at Chinese bureaucracy
Buddhism
Confucian patriarchy
Vassal state of Silla maintains direct control as tributary states
Chinese writing and dominance of regional aristocracy (despite attempts at Chinese bureaucracy)
Women struggle for more economic roles
Directly controlled since Han Dynasty struggles for identity gains independence after Tang

4. Comp Sinification
From the Sinification of both Vietnam and Korea in the adoption of Buddhism and its 4 noble principles, both were subordinate to Tang Chinese influence and authority, however, Korea will establish a vassal state of Silla whilst Vietnam rarely cooperated with direct colonial control of various Chinese Dynasties (Qin, Han, Tang) In the Post Classical world ( ) the adoption of Chinese culture in Japan and Korea was promulgated by the introduction of Buddhism through monastic orders, both were unable to establish Confucian bureaucracy due to the decentralized political nature of their military aristocracies, however, Japan will abandon their ties to China remaining increasingly isolated while Korea will fortify tributary status in the Kingdom of Silla From Sinification of Vietnam and Japan traditional roles of women will struggle with the patriarchy of Chinese Confucianism, Buddhism will appeal to the masses with the opportunity for redemption in Nirvana , however, Vietnam was directly colonized by China while Japan’s geographic isolation would prevent direct contact with China.

5. From in both Japan and Korea the adoption of Chinese culture was facilitated by the appeal of Buddhist ideology and culture, both failed to adopt the civil service bureaucracy and fell in feudal decentralized structures yet Japan would be free of Chinese intervention due to its geographic location while Korea would be subjugated as the vassal state of Silla.
The appeal of the ending of suffering and living under an 8-fold path of moderation and the attainment of Nirvana led to the building of Buddhist monasteries and statues throughout Japan and Korea.
An attempt by both Korea and Japan to establish a civil service bureaucracy failed in Japan's Taika reforms and the tribute paid by the Kingdom of the Silla and , instead , maintained feudal structures.
. Japan's location across the sea of Japan prevented any indirect or direct control by China instead establishing Shogunates and maintaining their Shinto identity and adopting and adapting Chinese culture while the tributary vassal state of the Silla would be subjugated to indirect control by the Tang Dynasty in Korea
The chaos and bloodshed of feudal chaos and constant warfare often sought solace in the simplicity and discipline of leading a monastic life and reverence for all due to lack of restrictions for women and peasants.
The local governance of warlords exchanging land in return for loyalty and service predominated Korea and Japan with regional disputes trumping centralized peace.
Japan could not easily be reached directly by mainland China and, therefore, focused on their own identity as the land of the rising sun with the Emperor being the son of the sun goddess Ameratasu while Korea's Kingdom of Silla in signing a tributary pact would gain a favorable state status with Tang China in return for admission of Chinese superiority as well as paying resources in land and labor.

6. Japan borrowed much from Chinese culture including Buddhism, Confucianism, and writing
646 CE - Japanese emperor introduced the Taika Reforms intended to remake Japanese government along Chinese lines including using a scholar-gentry

8. Buddhists re-established power at court
Chinese influence challenged at all levels of Japanese society including nobles, Buddhists, and peasants
Buddhist dominance caused emperor to flee Nara and establish new capital at Heian
Buddhists re-established power at court
Buddha at Nara

9. Court at Heian Social status was supreme goal
Love affairs were major preoccupation
Pursuit of beauty
Tale of the Genji - written by Lady Murasaki

10. Reforms abandoned
Bureaucracy staffed by nobles
Nobles and Buddhists nibbled away at imperial power
Landed nobles and large landowners established private “kingdoms” replete with governments
These mini-states were ruled by the Bushi from fortresses

11. Bushi raised private armies
Mounted knights- samurai- were loyal to local lords though often called upon to protect the emperor
Bushi and samurai made up warrior class - food produced by serf-like peasants

12. Battle evolved into duels of champions
Rising power of Bushi and corresponding loss of power of emperor created feudal system
Chinese influence declined as influence of the new warrior class increased

13. Age of the Warlords Ashikaga shogunate established 1336
Emperor refused to recognize it causing Japan to erupt in civil war
By 1477, Japan divided into 300 kingdoms ruled by Daimyo
Daimyo built up kingdoms through irrigation, trade and commerce, and construction projects

14. Women lost power. Given in marriage to cement alliances
Women encouraged to commit suicide if dishonored
Zen Buddhism - stressed simplicity and discipline
Zen Buddhism became basis for Japanese art

16. Adopted Chinese Confucianism, Buddhism, and writing
Alliance with China allowed Silla to subjugate neighboring kingdoms

17. Silla resistance against Tang forces caused Tang to accept Silla as vassal state
Silla borrowed much of Tang government practices
Korea maintained independence until 20th century.
Yi Dynasty lasted from

19. Vietnamese had strong cultural identity
Took care not to let borrowing from China dominate Vietnamese culture
More willing to intermarry between different ethnic groups
Women enjoyed greater freedom than Chinese

20. Vietnam first came under Chinese domination during Han Dynasty
Adopted bureaucracy including civil service exam
Adopted Chinese agricultural techniques
Adopted Chinese military organization and weaponry allowing them to conquer peoples to south and west

21. Defeated the Indianized armies of the Khmer
Gained independence after fall of the Tang
Attempts by Ming Dynasty and Mongols to conquer Vietnam failed

22. Buddhism became dominant religion – frustrating attempts of Vietnamese scholar-gentry to gain power like that in China
South Vietnam became more populated and powerful
Power struggle erupted between two powerful families: Trinh/north and Nguyen/south
Struggle lasted centuries