Geography
Japan is an ____, or group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean.
archipelago
Japan's most ancient religion meaning "Way of the Gods."
Shinto
Written by Murasaki Shikibu, it was the first novel ever written and created a vivid picture of life in the Emperor's court.
Tale of Genji
Traditional Buddhists sought salvation by studying scriptures, performing rituals and doing good deeds, Zen Buddhists focused on ____, where a person remains still and enters a trance-like state.
meditation
The Japanese learned about Chinese culture by sending these to Japan.
Which two islands have been the historic heartland of political, economic and social development in Japan?
Honshu and Kyushu
Divine spirits called —- are thought to be present in nature.
Kami
She served as Japan's empress from 991-1000 and wrote a journal which came to be called The Pillow Book.
Sei Shonagon
Many Japanese poets and artists embraced the religion's guiding principles. Name one!
The Japanese learned this art of beautiful writing from the Chinese.
Japan is located along the ____, an area of intense earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Ring of fire
A member of the Yamato clan he served as regent for Empress Suiko.
Prince Shotoku
Matsuo Basho was one of the great masters of which poetry form?
haiku
China's influence extended to everyday practices. Name one.
- Drinking tea
- Cooking
- Gardening
Underwater earthquakes called ____ and destructive storms called ____ are experienced often in Japan.
Tsunamis, typhoons
What is the name of the wooden plaques created at Shinto shrines which contain one’s wish for the new year?
Emas
Type of theater performed on a simple wooden stage with slow movements for dramatic effect where actors wore elaborate masks and many layers of clothing.
Noh
Because of its focus on self-discipline and contemplation of life and death, Zen Buddhism appealed to which class?
The warrior class
The Japanese borrowed the Chinese ____, which created a hierarchy, or ranking of government officials.
Civil service system
Japan lacked natural resources such as metals and coal but which two resources did she have?
Seafood and vast forests
Prince Shotoku's 17 Article Constitution contained elements of Buddhism and which Chinese philosophy?
Confucianism
Type of theater performed on large, elaborate stages where actors ore luxurious costumes and lots of makeup to highlight facial expressions.
Kabuki
Also called Zen viewing gardens, the religion inspired gardeners to create _____ which represented the world in miniature.
Dry landscape gardens
Why was it difficult to write in Japanese using the Chinese alphabet?
Chinese words are only one syllable, while Japanese words are more than one syllable.