Medieval Japan

Medieval Japan

1. Medieval Japan was from the 12th-19th century

2. It can be defined by its military governmetn- ruled by the shogunate rather than the emperor.

3. Hierarchy was based on the Confucian belief that a person's worth was related to the value of their contribution to society.

4. Family

   • was very important
   • needs of family came first e.g. marriage for wealth/ prestige
   • Often several generations lived together
   • The hierarchy for family
     • elders to be respected
     • father was the head and total control
     • women were expected to fulfil traditional roles
     • children to learn about roles and obligations
     • children to learn about roles and obligation

5. Belief System

   • confucianism
     • respect elders
     • correct social relationships
     • worship ancestors
     • children were expected to honour and obey their parents
   • Shintoism
     • spirits live in nature
     • cleanse yourself of evil spirits
     • important to worship ancestors
     • be in harmony of nature
   • Zen Buddhism
     • teaches meditation and self discipline
     • all actions are important
     • shaped society: respect others and be a good person

6. social hierarchy/structure

   • The emperor was techniqually at the top of the pyramid but the shogun was seen as the highest role
   • the 3rd top is the daimyo and samurai.
   • 4th top is the farmers and fishermen
   • 5th top is the Artisans and craftspeople
   • Merchants were the 2nd bottom
   • the bottom is eta hinin 'outsiders'
   • Japan was on the Confucian belief that a person's worth was related to the value of their contribution to society.

7. military

   • very spiritual
   • polite
   • they wrote calligraphy and meditated
   • Samurai meant 'those who serve'
   • they were instructed to read, write, cerimonial conduct, public service, archery, horse riding and sword fighting
   • correct behaviour
     • morality, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour and loyalty

8. Tokugawa Shogunate

   • named after the ruling clan that was in power in 1603-1868
   • began by Tokugawa leyasu winning a battle for control of Japan
   • It was also known as the Edo period (after the ruling city)
   • This time was one of stability in society and government
   • had full control in 1603AD
     • Restrictions on trade
     • imports and exports were taxed
     • lead to isolation (because of trade)
   • exports and imports were taxed
   • In 1639CE banned traders
   • they were afraid that western ideas would ruin their tradition
   • He restricted the wealth of the samurai and nobles
   • the daimyos had strict rules which limited their ability to threaten the shogun

9. End of isolation

   • Japan isolation ened in 1853 because of a visit from Mathew Perry
   • He presented letters to the Shogun from the president asking them to open trade
   • The appearance of the technologically advanced US warsiops threatened Japan
   • When Perry returned the 2nd time in 1854 with more ships, the shogun was forced to agree, signing trade treaty the 'Convention of Kangawa'
   • Unfair trade agreements was one of the reasons why the shogun collapsed.

10. Jomon people

    • evidence suggest that Jommon people travelled to the islands from China
    • evidence found
      • stone tools, clay figures, cord pattens on pottery, remains of food

11. Similarities and differences between Medieval Europe and Japan

    • Similarities: they structure of the social hierarchy was the same (triangular shaped), both samurai and knights defend/protected their people, they believed in a place after death, both had belief systems, women had to farm family land, had to respect their elders and worship their ancestors.
    • Differences: had different titles for the people who defended them, started and finished at different dates (Japan=1160-1868AD and Europe=476-1453AD), different living conditions, (peasants lived in clay huts in Europe and in Japan they had more advanced houses),