Transcript History of Japan

History of Japan
Japan’s Early History
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Youngest of the major civilizations, but little is
known about early history.
According to Japanese mythology, the god
Izanagi and goddess Izanami dipped a
jeweled spear into the ocean while standing
on the rainbow bridge of heaven.
Drips falling from the jeweled spear formed
the islands of Japan. The god and goddess
descended from heaven to live on the islands.
Their offspring were the Japanese people.
Early Japanese Society
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Land divided by warring clans
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Clans were groups of families that
descended from a common ancestor.
Each clan had its own land, its own god,
and its own chieftain.
By 5th century A.D., one clan dominated all
its rival clans – Yamato Clan
The Yamato Clan extended its authority
and forged a unified Japanese State.
Yamato Clan
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The First emperor of Japan, Jimmu Tenno,
claimed to be a direct descendent of the sun
goddess.
The Yamato Clan claimed its rulers were
descendents of Jimmu Tenno, thus believed
to be divine in nature.
Unlike China, who has multiple ruling
dynasties, Japan has had one imperial family
in its entire history.
Shintoism
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Japan’s native religion was Shintoism.
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Means “The way of the gods”
A form of nature worship that attributed deity to
anything in nature that was awe-inspiring or
extraordinary. (Ex: Fire, waterfall, high mountain)
Stressed the supremacy of the sun goddess and
the divine descent of the emperor.
A religion of inspiring love for one’s homeland,
loyalty to one’s clan, and reverence for one’s
emperor.
The fabric of Japanese society was Shintoism.
Influence of China
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Japan remained in relative isolation during her early history.
5th – 8th centuries A.D., a cultural invasion of ideas, learning,
and art entered Japan as China was experiencing her golden
age in the T’ang dynasty.
Two important vehicles that transported Chinese culture to
Japan:
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Chinese writing system (Characters)
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Could now keep written records and produce their own literature for
the first time.
Buddhism
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Buddhist monks came to Japan and brought much of their culture with
them.
7th Century – Prince Shotoku made Buddhism the favored national
religion of Japan.
Built many Buddhist temples, hospitals, and schools. Sent many men to
China to study their culture, and borrowed many of their achievements.
Taika Reform – “Great
Change”
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In the 7th century, the leaders of Japan
wanted to weaken the influence of the local
chieftains, and extend the power of the
Emperor to all of Japan.
They wanted to model their government after
the strong centralized bureaucracy of the
Chinese T’ang dynasty.
The Taika Reform established civil service
examinations, and established a new judicial
code and tax system.
Fujiwara Rule
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The Fujiwara had married their daughters to sons of
the imperial family. When a male child was born, they
forced the current emperor to abdicate, and the
Fujiwara elders ruled Japan as regents of the infant
emperor.
The Luxurious life of the royal court brought
corruption and bankruptcy to the government.
The government was no longer able to provide
protection for its outlying provinces. They began to
rely on strong military clans for protection, and major
power struggles broke out against rival military
families.
The Rise of Samurai
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In the 12th century, Yoritomo, the leader of the
Minamoto clan, defeated the only remaining powerful
clan, and became the supreme military leader of
Japan.
The powerless emperor granted the title “Shogun” to
Yoritomo.
He created a powerful military state, ruled by military
rather than officials. Powerful Shoguns would hold
the real power in Japan from 1192-1868.
The warrior class became the leading class in Japan.
The Japanese warrior was called a Samurai.
Samurai
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Besides mastering military skills, they also
studied history, literature, and writing. He
used these skills to protect his master and
lord.
Bushido – “The Way of the Warrior”
governed the conduct of the Samurai.
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It demanded that he live by loyalty, honor, duty,
justice, courage, sincerity, and politeness.
Haka-Kiri – A ceremonial practice whereby a
samurai can commit suicide to avoid the disgrace
of capture, or to atone for deeds of misconduct.
Samurai Swords - Katanas