Medieval Japan

Medieval Japan

1. Geography

   • Island nation isolated from others
   • Mountains cover most over the islands, fishing cultures

2. Jomon people

   • Travelled to the Islands from China 10000BC
   • Cord Pottery
   • Stone Tools
   • Clay Figures and middens remains of food

3. creation myth

   • 6 islands of Japan, by a god dipping his spear into the ocean when the drops fell they created the islands
   • the emperor was descended from two gods who made the world
   • the emperor could never be overthrown if it was chosen by the gods

4. origins

   • ended very late (only 146 years ago)
   • Defined by it's military Government- by the shogunate rather than the emperor
   • 1160AD - 610AD

5. Social Structure

   • 1. emperor
     • 2. shogun
       • daimyo and samurai
         • Farmers and Fishermen
           • Artisans and Craftspeople
             • ETA HININ 'outsiders', criminals, butchers, samurai without lord

6. Role of the Family

   • Family very Important
   • Needs of Family e.g marriage for wealth/prestige
   • Often several generations lived together
   • Clearly defined heirarchy that defined role of each
     • elders to be respected
     • father head of total control

7. Belief System

   • Confucianism
     • Respect
     • Peace
     • Harmony
   • Shintoism
     • Spirits living in nature
     • cleanse yourself from evil spirits
   • Buddhism
     • Meditation
     • Self discipline
     • Respecting others and elders
     • be a good person

8. The Military

   • Samurai- means those who serve
   • Administrative role became important when Japan became more peaceful
   • Samurai
     • Instructed in reading, writing, ceremonial conduct and public service and archery, horse riding and sword fighting
     • Supposed to follow bushido (code) that governed correct behaviour
       • Loyalty
       • Morality
       • Beneovolence
       • Honesty
       • Respect
       • Honour

9. Art and Literature

   • Pottery and Painting
     • Jomaon Pottery
     • paintings religious, portraits or landscapes
   • Calligraphy
     • called SHODO
     • two types
       • kanji-hard to master
       • Hiragana- easier used by more people (modernish)
   • Origami
     • folding paper to create shapes
     • gifts or offerings to gods or anscestors
   • Haiku

10. Tokugawa

    • Ruling clan that was in power
    • it began Tokugwa Leyasu winning a battle for control of Japan
    • AKA EDO PERIOD
    • a time of stability in government for Japan
    • Argument
      • Positive
        • rewarded followers
        • Held the feudal Pyramid
        • Tax on trade- Improved economy
        • Stopped Wars
      • Negative
        • Strict Rules
        • role of samurai greatly restricted
        • limited trade
        • stopped peasants earning a samurai status