JAPAN

Japan before 300 CE

• Little is known- Why?????– Geography! Isolation

• Japan was not united• Hundreds of clans competed for power• Polytheistic

– Combined to form Shinto- “way of the gods”• Based on respect for nature’s forces

• Yamato Clan established– Line of emperors followed/ no real power

Japan adapt Chinese Ideas

• 500 CE- more contact w/ mainland

• Koreans come w/ Chinese ideas

• Officially accept Buddhism as religion

• Took Chinese writing, lifestyles, cooking

• Remained ruled by noble families

• Heian Period- highly refined society– Elaborate rituals, code of behavior,

expectation to pursue arts

Feudalism

• Power of central gov’t slips to Feudalism

• Great landowner vs. Imperial Authority

• Court families interested in luxury/fun

Rise of Samurai

• Clans fight- rise of Samurai “one who serves”– Live by Bushido “way of the warrior”

• Shogun- supreme general of emperor’s army and Samurai rule Japan for 700 years

Homework

• Page 685

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