Medieval Japan

Medieval Japan

1. Social Hierarchy

   • In Japan your rank on the Social Hierarchy is based on how much you contribute to society
     • At the top of the Social Hierarchy is the Emperor
       • The Shogun was about on the same level as the Emperor
         • Below the Shogun were daimyo and samurai
           • Then there was farmers
             • Below farmers were merchants
               • At the bottom of the Social Hierarchy there was Eta Hinin 'outsiders', such as criminals and samurai without a lord.

2. Tokugawa Shogunate

   • Ruled Medieval Japan
     • Was not selected to be Emperor
   • The Tokugawa Shogunate abolished the Samurai ranking on the Social Hierarchy
     • They brought peace to Japan
     • They stopped trade to and from Japan
       • The Tokugawa Shogunate was forced to sign a trade treaty with America
         • Unfair trade agreements caused the Tokugawa Shogunate to collapse

3. Beliefs

   • Confucianism
     • Elders were to be respected
     • Morality was important in all aspects of Confucian principles
     • People should live in a manner that brings only good to themselves and therefore to others
   • Shintoism
     • Believe that spirits live in nature
     • You need to cleanse yourself of evil spirits
     • It was important that you worshiped ancestors
       • You needed to be in harmony with nature
   • Zen Buddhism
     • It taught meditation and self discipline
       • All actions were important
       • It taught people respect for others
         • It shaped society by making people good

4. The Jomon People

   • Travelled to the Japanese islands from China around 10000BC
     • Archaeological evidence that they were in Japan.
     • Evidence includes cord pattern on pottery, Stone tools, clay figurines and middens: remains of food

5. Geography

   • Japan is made up of a few islands
   • Japan is in Asia
   • Japan is to the east of China
   • Japan is surrounded by sea

6. The Military

   • Samurai
     • Samurai had to follow bushido (code) for correct behavior
     • Means 'those who serve'
       • They served a daimyo
     • They learnt how to read, write, ceremonial conduct, public service, archery, horse riding and sword fighting
   • The 7 Virtues were: Morality, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Honesty, Honour and Loyalty

7. By Elsie Johnson

8. Dates

   • Classical Japan: 600AD- 1160AD
   • Medieval Japan: 1160AD- 1868AD
   • Ancient Japan- Jomon People: 10000BC- 600AD