1. Early History of Japan

2. Early History China had a great impact on early Japan
Government
Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism
Tools and farming methods
Music, dance, and architecture
Early Japanese society was organized into “clans”
Groups of families descended from a common ancestor
Some families were warriors, farmers, artisans, etc
These clans formed a community called Yomato
The Tenno clan became the first and only dynasty
The only line of emperors in Japan- 29 A.D. to present

3. Early History During the 1100s problems began all over
Limited food and water
A revolution occurred over farmland
Rice thrived & created great wealth for farmers
Farmers needed to protect their land and crops
They hired “Samurai” to do the protection
Warrior Knights
A new government called “Feudalism” emerged
Local lords (Samurai) became powerful landowners
Stayed loyal to the emperor and became his personal army

4. Samurai “Miyamoto Musashi” Most famous samurai
Known for military strategy and swordsmanship
Became the first “Shogun”
Most powerful samurai and general of the emperor’s army
Fought and won 60 duels by the age of 29
Was also a great artist
Known for painting and writing poems

5. Samurai Samurai believed in the idea of “Bushido”
Code of the Warrior
They should be powerful, disciplined, and fierce
They should be brave and have honor
They should be loyal and devoted to their family
Spare time should be spent not only practicing military skills
Reading, writing and art are important
Japanese people follow the code today
Devoted to work, family, education and honor
Committing crimes is seen as dishonorable

6. Sumo Wrestlers
Today the samurai are gone, but sumo wrestlers have taken their place
Sumo are seen as Japan’s warriors today
They are treated as gods by the people
“Yokozuna”
Sumo grand champion
They are expected to act like the samurai
Powerful, disciplined, and fierce