Emergence of Emergence of JapanJapan

Mr. KochMr. KochWorld History AWorld History A

Forest Lake High SchoolForest Lake High School

GeographyGeography

Archipelago – chain of islandsArchipelago – chain of islands Very mountainous Very mountainous

Limits farmable (livable) land, hard to uniteLimits farmable (livable) land, hard to unite Seas provide protection and isolationSeas provide protection and isolation

More choice in amount influenced by others More choice in amount influenced by others (i.e. China)(i.e. China)

Yamato ClanYamato Clan

Emerges around 500 ADEmerges around 500 AD Established only dynasty in Japanese historyEstablished only dynasty in Japanese history

Symbolized by rising sunSymbolized by rising sun

Yamato ClanYamato Clan

Start learning from and Start learning from and becoming influenced by becoming influenced by China around 600s & 700sChina around 600s & 700s By 800s, decreased interest By 800s, decreased interest

in Chinain China Modified what was learned, Modified what was learned,

developed own unique developed own unique civilizationcivilization

Japanese FeudalismJapanese Feudalism Emperor ruled in theory – really a figureheadEmperor ruled in theory – really a figurehead Most of society controlled by clans/warlordsMost of society controlled by clans/warlords

Shogun – supreme military commander (had Shogun – supreme military commander (had real power)real power)

• Shogun distributed land Shogun distributed land to vassal lords (daimyo)to vassal lords (daimyo)

• Daimyo grant land to Daimyo grant land to lesser warriors (samurai)lesser warriors (samurai)

In return, provide military supportIn return, provide military support

Japanese FeudalismJapanese Feudalism

Bushido (“way of the warrior”)Bushido (“way of the warrior”) Honor, bravery, Honor, bravery,

absolute loyaltyabsolute loyalty No fear of death No fear of death

• Endure hardships with Endure hardships with

honorhonor Seppuku (ritual suicide) Seppuku (ritual suicide)

• rather than live without honorrather than live without honor

Japanese FeudalismJapanese Feudalism

Peasants – majority of population Peasants – majority of population Sometimes foot soldiersSometimes foot soldiers

Also had artisans and merchants Also had artisans and merchants (lowest class)(lowest class)

Japanese FeudalismJapanese Feudalism

Tokugawa shogunate created “centralized Tokugawa shogunate created “centralized feudalism” feudalism” (around 1603)(around 1603)

Brought peace/stabilityBrought peace/stability Rigid social orderRigid social order

Japanese FeudalismJapanese Feudalism

Zen Buddhism emerges among samuraiZen Buddhism emerges among samurai Stressed uncluttered mind, compassion for all, Stressed uncluttered mind, compassion for all,

seeking absolute freedom, devotion to natureseeking absolute freedom, devotion to nature

ArtsArts

Kabuki Kabuki Form of theater with Form of theater with

elaborate costumes elaborate costumes & makeup& makeup

HaikuHaiku Small poems (3 lines, 17 syllables)Small poems (3 lines, 17 syllables)