Early Japan
A chain of islands is called...
An archipelago
What are the 2 major religions in Japan?
Shinto & Buddhism
Who were samurai loyal to/serve?
Noble families; Daimyo (landowners)
The emperor of Japan was only a figurehead in feudal Japan. What does this mean?
Emperor was at the top of the hierarchyu but held little real power.
What is Japan's writing system called and what does it combine?
Kanji -- Chinese characters and Japanese symbols
Which industry thrived as a result of Japan's geography?
Fishing
What is animism?
The belief that humans, animals, plants, rocks, and rivers have spirits.
What is bushido? What did it emphasize?
Confucian influenced code of honor; Emphasized frugality, loyalty, martial arts, honor
Who held the real political power under the feudal system in Japan?
What did Shinto art usually consist of?
Harmony with nature, use of wood, minimal design, sometimes depicts kami
How did Japan's isolation from the mainland benefit them?
They shaped their own unique culture; Natural barrier from enemies
What is "kami" and what part did it play in the Shinto religion?
People believed they could call on “kami” (nature spirits) for help; The Japanese worshipped kami at shrines
Under the military government formed by the samurai, what was the leader called?
Shogun
The largest class was made up of...
Farmers (and artisans)
What did most Buddhist art consist of?
A sculpture/depitction of Buddha
Who wrote Japan's first constitution?
What does the Shinto religion emphasize?
Emphasizes purity, rituals, respect/love of nature
How did Minamoto no Yoritomo become the first shogun?
His clan (the Minamoto) won the Genpei Civil War
Why were merchants at the bottom of the hierarchy in feudal Japan?
They didn't produce anything on their own
Give an example of the blending of Shinto and Buddhism
Zen Gardens used rocks and greenery for a peaceful design for meditation practices
Where was Japan's first permanent capital city?
Nara
During which period in Japan did Buddhism flourish?
Nara Period
In what way was Shogun rule in Japan similar to the civil service exam in China?
Skill, loyalty, and merit was more important than family ties/lineage
What was the role of the samurai in feudal Japan?
They were elite warriors loyal to their lords, but also served as officials and tax collectors in society.
Why do samurai meditate?