Japanese Background

Many Aspects Borrowed From China

Chinese system of writing Japan had no written language,

therefore no written literatureHowever, the Japanese culture and

writing evolved its own character and style over time

PoliticsEarly political structure based on

clan, or family divisionsHierarchy of classes within each clanConstantly fighting until one clan,

Yamato, grew powerful enough to control and subdue the other clans

Samurai Ambitious aristocrats begin

to amass huge estates and need protection

Insert Samurais or professional warriors

These Samurais followed a strict code of conduct based on absolute loyalty to their lord and personal honor—not so much religion

Purity of Culture Although much of Japans culture may

appear to be “borrowed” the country was actually sealed because the leader was concerned that the Western world would attempt to overthrow his power.

All foreigners forced to leave Japanese Christians persecuted Japanese people were forbidden to leave

the country under penalty of death

Purity of Japan Matthew Perry steams into Tokyo Bay in

1853 demanding that Japan open up its ports and trade with the West.

Treaties negotiated, Japan opens borders As feared, trade with the West alters

Japanese culture

Shintoism Followers of Shinto revere divine spirits,

called kami which reside in natural places or objects. Ex: Springs, mountains, etc.

Ancestors and Emperors are also regarded as divine

Less developed than most religions; follows Confucianism concepts for the most part

4 Affirmations Tradition and the family: The family is seen as the

main mechanism by which traditions are preserved. Their main celebrations relate to birth and marriage.

Love of nature: Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the Gods. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits.

Physical cleanliness: Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouth often.

"Matsuri": The worship and honor given to the Kami and ancestral spirits.

Buddhism/Zen Buddhism

Originated in India, then branched of into sects. One of which = Zen Buddhism

Followers of all schools seek spiritual freedom and inner tranquility. It’s the way they get there that changes.

Zen Buddhists challenged the intellectualism of older sects and advocated meditation, concentration, and self-discipline as the way to enlightenment.

Zen priests developed the tea ceremony, landscape gardening, and judo

Great Female Writers Many scholars believe the first novel was written by

Murasaki Shikibu, a lady- in-waiting to the empress. She is regarded as Japan’s William Shakespeare Also, Sei Shonagon wrote about her life in a witty,

revealing journal (which we will be reading) The Pillow Book.

The book offers insight into what daily life in Japan was like in the tenth century. She keeps detailed lists of “annoying things” or “happy things” even “embarrassing things.”

Japanese DramaNoh is the most distinctive form of

Japanese Drama. It means “talent, or skill.” The purpose of the Philosophical Noh is to invoke a moment of wisdom in the tradition of Zen Buddhism.

Kabuki is a more theatrical kind of play involving dancing and singing. More popular with a general audience.