Medieval Japan

Medieval Japan

1. Japanese Creation

   • According to the story, a god dipped his spear into the water and the drops of water created the six islands
   • The emperor was descended from the two gods who mode the world
   • Since they were ascended from gods, emperors could not be overthrown

2. Medieval Times

   • Lasted from 12th - 19th centuries
   • It can be defined by its military government
     • Ruled by the shogunate rather than by the emperor

3. Social Structure

   • Structured according to a hierarchy
     • The Emperor and imperial court
       • The Shogun
         • Daiymo (Lords) and samurai
           • Farmers and Fisherman
             • Artisans and Craftspeople
               • Merchants
                 • Eta hinia 'outsiders'
                   • Butchers, criminals, samurai without lords
                 • Sold the goods and lent the finance needed to fund the constant civil wards
               • Provided the specialised items everyone needed
             • Worked the land and sea to produce everyone's food
           • Daiymos: Controlled areas of land and ruled those who lived there
           • Samurai: Warriors who swore allegiance to their lord and maintained his authority
         • Was the most powerful warlord
           • Commanded military and economic power, ruled the country, controlled laws and taxes
       • Was worshipped by people but held little political power
   • Was based on the Confucian belief that a person's worth was related to the value of their contribution to society

4. Role of the family

   • Family was very important
   • Needs of family cam first eg. marriage for wealth/prestige
   • Often several generations lived together
   • Clearly defined hierarchy that defined the role of each
     • Elders to be respected
       • Father head with total control
         • Women expected to fulfil traditional roles
           • Children to learn about roles and obligations

5. Belief Systems

   • Buddhism
     • Arrived in Japan from China sometime during the 6th century
     • Was more accepted by the wealthier members of society than by other, but gradually came to be accepted by the wider Japanese population
     • Shaped Japanese society by emphasising the belief that all acts of human behaviour are important and should therefore be treated as acts of art
   • Confucianism
     • Respect ancestors & elders
     • Shaped roles in families - social hierarchy
   • Shintoism
     • Spirits live in nature
     • Cleanse yourself of evil spirits
     • Shaped society: important to worship ancestors - be in harmony with nature

6. The Military

   • Samurai
     • Very Spiritual
     • Polite to each other
     • Didn't always fight
     • Samurai meant 'those who serve' - they served a daiymo or lord
     • Earlier times they were solely warriors, but as Japan became more peaceful, their administrative role became important
     • They were instructed in reading, writing, ceremonial conduct and public services as well as archery, horse riding and sword fighting
     • Followed bushido (code) for correct behaviour

7. 7 Virtues

   • Morality
     • Benevolence
       • Respect
         • Honesty
           • Honour
             • Loyalty

8. Art and Literature

   • Pottery/Painting
     • Jomon Pottery
       • Paintings: religious ideals, portraits, or landscapes
         • Woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e): life in cities and landscapes
   • Calligraphy
     • Called Shodo
       • Two types: Kanji - hard to master
         • Hiragana - easier used by most people
   • Origami
     • Folding paper to create beautiful shapes
       • Gift or offerings
   • Haiku
     • Three lines:
       • 5 Syllables
         • 7 Syllables
           • 5 Syllables

9. Tokugawa Japan

   • Was names after a ruling clan that was in power 1603 - 1868
     • Began by Tokugawa leyasu winning a battle for control of Japan
       • Also known as the Edo period (after the ruling city)
         • This time was one of stability in society and governemnt

10. End of Isolation

    • Ended in 1853 with a visit by American Matthew Perry
      • He presented letters to the shogun from the President asking them to open up trade
        • The appearance of the technologically advanced US warships threatened Japan
          • The Shogun was forced to agree when Perry returned in 1854, with more ships, signing trade treaty the 'Converntion of Kangawa'
            • Unfair trade agreements was on of the reasons why the Shogun collapsed