Mind map

Medieval Japan

Annabelle Fraser English

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Medieval Japan

Geography
- An island nation isolated from others
- Mountains cover most of the islands
- Fishing culture
- East of China
Time period
- Jomon People
  - Archaeological evidence suggest that people travelled to the islands from china
  - Evidence- cord pattern on pottery, stone tools, clay figures and remains of food
- 1160AD-1868AD
Creation myth
- The 6 islands of Japan were formed by a god dipping his spear in the water and the the drops created the island
- The emperor descended from two gods
- The emperor could not be overthrown
- Medieval Japan lasted from 12th-19th centuries
- Can be defined by it's military government
Social Structure
- Structed according to a hierarchy
- Based on wealth and power in Europe
- Based on Confucian belief in Japan
- Emporer
  - Shogun
  - Daimyo and Samurai
    - Farmers and Fisherman
      - Artisans and Craftspeople
        Merchants
Role of the Family
- Family is very important
- Needs of the family came first
- Ofter 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
Belief System
- Confucianism
  - Respect your ancestors
  - Wisdom
  - Peace and harmony
  - Kindness
  - It shaped society by creating ways of which the children and peoples role was
- Shintoism
  - Spirits live in nature
  - Cleanse yourself of evil spirits
  - Important to worship ancestors
  - Be in harmony with nature
- Zen Buddhism
  - Teaches meditation and self discipline
  - All actions are important
  - Respect others
  - Be a good person
The Military
- Samurai served a daiymo
- Samurai meant 'those who serve'
- They were solely warriors
- Then had an administrative role which became important as Japan became more peaceful
- Supposed to follow bushido (code) for correct behavior
- They were instructed in reading, writing, ceremonial conduct and public service as well as archery, horse riding and sword fighting
- 7 Virtues
  - Morality
  - Courage
  - Benevolence
  - Respect
  - Honesty
  - Honor
  - Loyalty
Art and Literature
- Jomon Pottery
- Paintings- religious ideals, portraits and landscapes
- Woodblock prints- life in city and landscapes
- Calligraphy
  - Called shodo
  - 2 types
  - Kanji- harder to master
  - Hiragana- easier, used by most people
- Origami
  - Folding paper to create beautiful shapes
  - Gifts of Offerings
- Haiku
  - Haiku poem had 3 lines
  - 1st- 5 syllables
  - 2nd- 7 syllables
  - 3rd- 5 syllables
Tokugawa
- Named after a ruling clan that was in power
- 1603-1868
- It began by Tokugawa Ieyasu winning a battle of control for Japan
- It is also known as the Edo period
- This time was one stability in society and government
End of Isolation
- Ended in 1853
- Ended when American M.Perry visited
- He presented a letter to the shogun from the President asking them to open up for trade
- The appearance of the technologically advanced US warships threatened Japan
- When Perry returned in 1854 with more ships the shogun was forced to agree
- They signed the trade treaty the 'Convention of Kangawa'
- Unfair trade agreements was one of the reasons why they Shogun collapsed soon after