Medieval Japan

Medieval Japan

1. Georgraphy

   • 4 islands
     • Hokkaido
     • Honshu
     • Shikoku
     • Kyushu
   • Japan is an island nation, isolated from others
   • Mountains cover most of the island-fishing culture

2. social structure

   • The emperor and imperial court
   • The shogun
   • medieval daimyo and Samurai
   • Farmers
   • Artisans
   • Merchants
   • Eta Hinin
   • Jomon - the ancient people of Japan
     • evidence: Pottery

3. belief system

   • buddhism-Be useful
     • Its teaches meditation and dicipline
   • If emphasises the belief that all acts of humans behavior are important and therefor treated as 'acts of Arts'
   • Shaped society: respect others
   • The four noble Truthes
   • The buddhist teachings are presented still today through examples of tea ceremony, zen gardens and foods.

4. military

   • samurai meant 'those who served' they served a daiymo, or lord
   • Samurai are like knights in medieval Europe they just have a different name
   • Earlier times they were soley warriors, but as Japan became more peaceful their adminitrative role became more important
   • They were instructed in reading, writing, cereomonial conduct and public srvice as well archery horse riding and sword fighting

5. 7 VIRTUES

   • Morality
     • Courage
       • Benevolence
         • Honesty
           • Honour
             • Loyalty

6. Family

   • relied on each other
   • Family- very important part
   • Needs a family came first eg. marriage for wealth/prestige
   • Often several generations lived together
   • Hierachy of the family
     • elders to be respected
       • fathers head with total control
         • Women expected to learn to fulfil traditional roles
           • Children to learn about roles and obligations

7. foreign trades

   • Japan were interested in weapons
   • In 1639 trading with other countries was banned
     • Mathew Perry was the person who lifted that law in 1853
       • The law was lifted because he presented letters to the shogun from the president asking to open up trade
         • first they said no but when they came back with 8 warships with high technology they agreed
     • Only the dutch were allowed to trade
   • in 1603 Tokagawa had full control of trade
   • Goods (imports and exports) were taxed
   • Japan cut itself from the outer world

8. Tokugawa Shgunate

   • Tokugawa shogunate was named after a ruling clan that was in power 1603-1869
   • It began by Tokugawa legasu winning a battle for control of japan
   • It is also known as the Edo period
   • This time was one of stability in society and government