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Explore the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, in Japan's lush landscape of forested mountains and steep valleys. Discover the rich history of Japan's isolation and interactions with China, Korea, and Europe, and the evolution of writing from Kanji to Kana characters. Delve into the deep connection of Japanese culture with nature, seasonal rituals, and the Ainu indigenous people's struggles against assimilation.
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Chapter 12 Ms. Jeelani
Origin Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4MUjQxrPVc Amaterasu – sun goddess
Geography • 380 000 km • 1600: Population 12 million • Forested mountains, steep valleys
Geography • 18% of land is level for agriculture + settlement • high population density • along the coast
Japan As an island country, it is considered: GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED (NOTE: the word isolated comes from the latin ‘insula’ which means island)
Pre-1500s • China-Japan interaction: 200 CE • Korea-Japan interaction: 400CE – 800CE • European-Japan interaction: did not exist • Sail across Pacific Ocean • Around Africa and across Indian Ocean
Writing Kanji - Chinese characters was originally used Kana - New system combining kanji + Japanese characters
Nature Natural landscapes – source of pride (Geography) Distinct, predictable seasons (Time) Rituals and ceremonies to mark the changes of seasons (Beliefs)
Sakura – Cherry Blossoms New beginnings Beauty Shortness of beauty and life
Nature + Ainu The Ainu - indigenous people Name means “human” Kamuy – gods: fire, water, wind, thunder, animals, plants Brown Bear
A distinct people Lived in Northern Japan Separate from the rest of Japan until the rest of the country began to take over their land Fought against Japanese control, but lost
Japan began to assimilate the Ainu Not allowed to speak their language or practice traditions and customs Forced to live in areas the gov’t gave them Forced to stop hunting and fishing, and to farm instead