2. The Emergence of Japan Located on an Archipelago – chain of islands  Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku 4/5 th covered in mountains – people settle in river valleys and coastal plains Protected by the surrounding seas but close enough to Korea and China for Selective Borrowing. Economy – farming, fishing, and trade. Ring of Fire – extreme respect for nature.

3. Early Traditions Early society divided into uji or clans with their own chief and special god. Women held a position in society. Yamato Clan – Japan’s first and only dynasty  Shintoism – honored Kami or nature spirits.  Used Korea as a cultural bridge to China in regards to skills, technology, language, and religion (Buddhism).

4. The Interaction between China and Japan Yamato Clan sent nobles to study in China. Imported ideas about government, law, art, architecture, language, clothing, food and drink, music, religion, and philosophy. Selective Borrowing – Keeping some ideas and discarding others.

5. The Heian Period From 794 to 1185, the imperial capital was Heian.  Elegant and sophisticated culture.  Ruled by wealthy families (Fujiwara).  Major works in poetry, literature  The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon  The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki