Medieval Japan

Medieval Japan

1. Social Heirachy

   • The social status you had on the social hierarchy depended on how much you contributed to society. This was based off the religion Confucianism
   • Emperor or Shogunate
     • At the Top
     • Medieval daimyo or samurai
       • 2nd
       • Farmers and fisherman, Artisans and craftspeople.
         • 3rd
         • Merchants
           • 4th
           • Eta and Hinin (outsiders)
             • Last

2. Tokugawa Shogunate

   • Named after a ruling clan that was in power from 1603- 1868. This is also known as the Edo period.
   • Cruel and gruesome punishments were made if you disobeyed the Shogun
   • It began by Tokugawa leyasu winning a battle for control of Japan
   • This time was one of stability in society and government
   • Cut off Japan from the rest of world and closed/banned foreign trade In Japan
   • Strict laws/rules were made to keep the country at peace.
   • The daiymos had limited number of samurai, had to ask permission to build castles from the Shogun

3. Roles of the Family Members

   • Family was a very important part in Medieval Japan
   • Needs of the family came first e.g marriage for wealth/prestige
   • Often several generations lived together.
   • Elders to be respected
   • Father head with total control
   • Women expected to fulfil traditional roles
   • Children to learn about roles and obligations

4. Myth of Creation

   • The six islands of Japan are explained in the story. According to the story, a god dipped his spear into the water and the drops of water created the islands.
   • Emperors were believed and seen as being descended from the gods so no one could over throw them

5. Belief System

   • Three main religions in Japan
     • Shintoism
       • Needed to cleanse yourself of evil spirits
       • Believe spirits live in nature
       • It shaped society: important to worship ancestors and to be in harmony with nature
     • Buddhism
       • Teaches the importance of meditation and discipline
       • Shaped society by making people realise and respect the other people on the planet
     • Confucianism

6. Warfare

   • Samurai were people who fought for Japan and were controlled by daiymo
     • Samurai meant 'those who serve
   • They were very spirtual
     • Polite to each other
       • Didn't always fight
         • Samurai were supposed to follow Bushido (code) for correct bahaviour
         • They were instructed in reading, writing, ceremonial conduct and public services as well as archery, horse riding and sword fighting

7. 7 Virtues

   • The 7 Virtues were a set of rules or a code of conduct that was followed by ever samurai. The Code of Conduct was called Bushido.
   • Morality
     • Respect
       • Benevolence
         • Honesty
           • Honour
             • Loyalty
               • Courage

8. Japanese Art an Literature

   • Jomon Pottery
   • Calligraphy
   • Origami
   • Haiku