Transcript Section 1 Notes

Section 1 Vocabulary
Japan – a chain of islands that stretches north to south in the N.
Pacific Ocean – has 3,000+ islands
4 largest Japanese islands – Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu
clan – group of related (extended) families living together
Jimmu– “emperor of heaven” who founded line of Japanese rulers
Shotoku – took charge of Japan for his aunt – looked to China as
example – created 1st Japanese constitution
animism – belief that all natural things (including wind, rivers,
mountains…) have a spirit
kami – nature spirits
shrines – holy places
Section 1 Notes
Japan is made up of over 3,000 islands. Most live on the 4
largest islands of: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku & Kyushu
Japan’s mountains and islands isolated Japan and shaped its
society
only 20% of Japan’s land can be farmed so many Japanese
used the sea for a living
Japan has it’s own independent society with own religion, art,
literature and govt. due to the ocean that isolated Japan
Japan’s earliest known settlers came from NW Asia
Yayoi are the first known Japanese settlers. They were farmers,
made pottery and grew rice. They were also skilled metal
workers –knives, axes, hoes, spears etc… They lived in clans
headed by warrior chiefs
Section 1 Notes
Yamato clan ruled Japan in AD 500s – other clans held their
land but were loyal to Yamato chief
Jimmu was leader of Yamato clan who was called “emperor
of heaven.” He started the line of Japanese rulers that still
exists today – they claim to be descended from the sun
goddess
Shotoku in AD 600s this Yamato prince took charge on behalf
of his aunt Suiko
Wanted strong govt and looked to China as example (govt
chosen for ability) – created 1st constitution in Japan which
gave all power to emperor who appointed all govt officials.
The constitution also listed rules for working in govt. These
rules were taken from Confucius
Shotoku also had Buddhist temples and monasteries built
Section 1 Notes
in AD 646 Yamato started the Great Change
1. dividing Japan into provinces (regional districts)
run by officials.
2. All land was controlled by emperor – not clans
so emperor got the tax money not the warrior
clan leaders
Taika Reforms
1. Constitution based on Confucious
2. Sent officials and students to study in China
3. Built Buddhist monasteries and temples
Yamato created the first strong central govt in Japan
Section 1 Notes
Shinto is the Japanese religion based on nature. Early Japanese
people believed all natural things had a spirit… mountains,
rivers, trees, etc… they would ask the nature spirits- called
kami- for help