Medieval Japan

Medieval Japan

1. Geography

   • An island nation isolated from others
   • Mountains cover most of the islands
   • Fishing culture
   • East of China

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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