History of isolation Human occupation: 30,000

yrs ago Strong Japanese

Civilization AFTER yr 0 Japan first mentioned in

writing: 297 CE by Chinese “Book of Han”

TAIKA Reforms

Time of “Great Change” ◦Borrow A LOT from Chinese culture

Adopted ideas from the Tang Dynasty◦Legal code similar to Confucianism◦Buddhist faith

◦Emperor Kotoku centralized the government All Japanese land was property of the

imperial government NARA: Capital City built @ 710 CE

HEIAN (Kyoto) PERIOD

790s – 1100s CEFujiwara family held powerKYOTO: renamed capital cityNoblewomen lived in isolation—used

writing and art to communicate◦Extra time devoted to art, literature,

elegance

Feudalism Fujiwara family became more

interested in riches not governing◦ Loses political power

Decentralizes power◦ Large landowners known as

◦daimyo Set up private armies for

protection of property◦Members of these private

armies became known as…. samurai

◦Smaller landowners gave their land to large landowners for protection This gave the large

landowners more….◦ power

SHOGUNATE JAPAN Military Gov’t Emperor holds very little power

◦ Most of power goes to the military leaders known as

◦shoguns 1100s – 1800s Two Main Periods

◦ Kamakura◦ Tokugawa

STRUCTURE of Feudal Japan

EMPEROR“The Ruler”

DAIMYO“The Landlord”

SHOGUN“The General”

SAMURAI“The

Knight/Warrior”

STRUCTURE of Feudal Japan Samurai hired to protect

Daimyo’s land and peasants Endured incredible training BUSHIDO: Code Samurai

lived by “The Way of the Warrior”◦ loyalty, honor, obedience,

duty, filial piety, and self-sacrifice

◦ Hara-kiri Ritual suicide

◦If samurai is dishonored it could lead to this

EMPEROR“The Ruler”

DAIMYO“The Landlord”

SHOGUN“The General”

SAMURAI“The Knight/Warrior”

#1 Kamakura Minamoto YORIMOTO

◦ First Shogun Military leader of Japan

◦ Organized strongest military of samurai Defeated Taira

family◦ Pledged loyalty to

Emperor Leaves Kyoto

◦ Rules from Kamakura STRONGEST FROM 1100s –

1300s

Samurai during Mongol Invasion

#2 TOKUGAWA

Also called EDO EDO becomes city of TOKYO

later STRONG 1600s – 1800s Rigid Social Structure

◦ Born into these class◦4 Classes of People

Warriors Artisans Merchants Peasants