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Concise Timeline of Japanese History. Reform Period 552-710 CE 17 Point Constitution Taika Reform Nara Period 710-784 Introduction of Buddhism Heian Period 794-1185 Fujiwara (10 th -11 th centuries) Kamakura (1185-1333), and Ashikaga Shogunates (1336-1573) Unification Period 1568-1600
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Concise Timeline of Japanese History • Reform Period 552-710 CE • 17 Point Constitution • Taika Reform • Nara Period 710-784 • Introduction of Buddhism • Heian Period 794-1185 • Fujiwara (10th -11th centuries) • Kamakura (1185-1333), and Ashikaga Shogunates (1336-1573) • Unification Period 1568-1600 • Tokugawa (Edo) Period 1600-1867 • Meiji Period 1867-1912
Nippon - “Land of the Rising Sun” • The Japanese flag depicts a red sun on a white ground. • The Chinese view of Japan – to the East • Japanese legend suggests their origins begin with the sun Goddess, Amaterasu, who sent her grandson to Earth.
Geography of Japan • Japan is separated from its nearest neighbor (Korea) by 120 miles of ocean • Japan is made of approximately 4,000 islands called an archipelago, or island group • The group is about 1,200 miles long (from Canada to Florida) • Japan has a varied climate, from mild with plenty of rain to mountainous and snow • Only 15% is suitable for farming • Natural resources include (but they are in short supply): • Coal • Oil • Iron • Threats such as typhoons( or hurricanes), Earthquakes, and tidal waves can occur
Early Japan • The first historic mention of Japan comes from Chinese writings in A.D. 300 – land of the rising sun to the East of China • Japan was controlled by hundreds of clans within their own territories • Each clan worshipped its own nature gods • The variety of worship eventually became Japan’s first religion - Shinto • Shinto - meaning “way of the gods” • Had no complex rituals or philosophy • Based on respect for the forces of nature and the worship of ancestors • Anything unusual or beautiful was considered home for a kami, or divine spirit
Amaterasu • The Sun Goddess – created • when Izanagi cleared his left • eye in a pool of water. • Tsukuyomi, the moon god • Sarutahiko, kami of earth • Izanagi, the first man • Izanami, the first woman • Susanoo, god of storms, created from • the nose of Izangi
Music of Japan • Music of early Japan reflects connection with and inspiration from nature. • Can you guess the titles of the following songs? • Many Japanese instruments fall into these categories: • Percussion (gongs, drums) • Wind (flutes) • Strings (lutes, zithers, banjo-type instruments etc) • Song One (s) • Song Two (w)
Titles • Song One = Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) • Song Two = The Wind in the Pine Tree
Japanese Emperors • The Yamato clan came to power and claimed to be the emperors of Japan mid-6th century • Enacted reforms that gave state control over all land • Vinigi was the grandson of Amaterasu of myth • The sacred regalia surrounding Vinigi (bronze mirror, sword, and a curved jewel) gave the emperor’s the right to rule. • Early on the emperors did not control the entire country, and became a figurehead; He “reigned, but did not rule” • Clans (uji) fought over the right to control the emperor and fought in his name • Dual Structure of Japanese government from this Nara period (named after the town of Nara) through the 20th century
Cultural Adaptation • During the sixth century Koreans migrated to Japan bringing Chinese culture with them • Powerful T’ang dynasty heavily influenced Japan as well, as a model of a centralized state • Buddhism became a heavy influence on Shintoism in the 6th century, causing Shintoism to evolve • Some Japanese even converted to Buddhism, including Prince Shotoku in the early 7th century • The Japanese were highly influenced by T’ang • Adopting the Chinese system of writing • Paintings were done in a Chinese manner • Also… cooking, gardening, drinking tea, and hairdressing • The Japanese continued to learn from the Chinese for approximately 200 years
Prince Shotoku (574-622) • Heavily influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism – Chinese T’ang influences • Humanist, as was Confucius • 17 Article Constitution (604 AD) • Government should be ethical, and people should obey for moral reasons rather than being forced to do so • Set up behavior for ruling class – an effort to use a written constitution to enforce emperor’s authority. • “Harmony should be prized” • “Ministry should obey imperial commands” • “Behave decorously” • “Reject covetous desires” • “Attend court every morning”
Heian Period • The noble families move the capital from Nara to Heian (modern day Kyoto) in 794 AD • Nobles flocked to Heian and spent their days in the pursuit of ritual and artistic activities • Etiquette dictated everything from sword length, the color of robes, even the number of skirts worn by women. • Aristocrats looked down upon the common people • Historical records typically came from the diaries and accounts of women in the noble court (will be discussed later in these notes)
Feudalism Disrupts the Empire • In the 11th century noble families lost interest in governing and power began to fade • Taika Reform (645 AD) established militia units to protect small counties • Large landowners, mounted warriors, began to setup their own private armies • Beginning of a distinct warrior class in Japan • They protected farmers and continued to gain power. • These Landowners became known as warlords • The feudal system was being established
Feudal Society The emperor reigned, but did not always rule!
DO NOW in your notes: Why are Merchants and Artisans in the lowest classes? Feudal Society
The Samurai • The warlords surrounded themselves with loyal body-gaurds called samurai • Samurai - one who serves • Riding, and the use of the Bow and Sword essential to the training of Samurai • Samurai lived according to a strict code of behavior • This code will later be called Bushido or “the way of the warrior” • Samurais were expected to show reckless courage, reverence for the gods, fairness, and generosity to those weaker than himself • Dying honorably was more important than living a long life
Examining the Samurai’s Code • A Samurai’s first allegiance was to his feudal lord • “death before dishonor” meaning Samurai preferred suicide to capture by an enemy • The Samurai will adapt their tactics and arms over time • Ex: from arrows to bullets, single combat to advancing in groups • Samurai women - wives and daughters, were expected to observe the same strict code • Some women became skilled in the martial arts and fought in battle • Samurai will become adept in nonmilitary arts like poetry, calligraphy, and the tea ceremony.
The Code of Bushido • Fidelity • Politeness • Virility • Simplicity • HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO THE THREE MASTERS OF EUROPEAN KNIGHTS? • GOD, LORD, LADY
The Shogun • After years of war one warlord gained control • The emperor gave him the title of Shogun or “supreme general of the emperors army” • The shogun was essentially a military dictator • Even though the emperor ruled from Kyoto the shogun had the real power from their headquarters. • The Shogunate or rule of the shoguns lasted until 1868. • The shogun controlled the land by giving power to governors called daimyo or “Great Lords” • The Shoguns were able to defend Japan from the Mongol invasions of the late 13th century • Soon after their control began to weaken leaving local lords in control
Periods and Names of the Shoguns • Fujiwara – name of the family that held the Shogunate (10th-11th centuries) • Kamakura – name of the city in which the Shogun lived (1185-1333) • Ashikaga – name of the family that held the Shogunate (1336-1573)
“The Tale of Genji”by Lady Murasaki Considered the Worlds first novel – written around 1000 AD
Tale of Genji • Murasaki Shikibu (978-1016) was also a lady-in-waiting • 54 Chapters, 2 parts • Part One: Genji is the son of the emperor and is called “The Shining One” • Pursuit of love is his vocation • Part Two: What life is like after Genji’s death – is life empty without a centralizing person? • The whole book focuses on the meaning of life and the nature of love
“Pillow Book” • A book kept in a wooden pillow • Essentially a diary • Loose stories of verse, poem-tales, and diary entries • Sei Shonagon was a lady-in-waiting, a woman kept at court to be married off to a suitor.
