Geography & Worldview
What type of landform makes up about 80% of Japan's land?
Mountains and valleys
What is the ancient religion of Japan called?
Shinto
Who held the most real power during the Edo period?
The Shogun
What does isolation mean?
Separation from other societies or the outside world.
Who arrived in Japan in 1853 and pressured Japan to open its ports?
Commodore Matthew Perry
Why do most Japanese people live along the coast?
Because much of the interior is mountainous.
According to Shinto beliefs, where can kami (gods) be found?
In nature, such as mountains, trees, stones, and rivers.
What was a daimyo?
A powerful landowner who controlled territory.
Why did the Shogun close Japan's borders?
To protect Japanese culture and maintain control.
Why did Western countries want Japan to open its borders?
They wanted trade opportunities and access to resources.
How did Japan's island geography contribute to isolation?
The surrounding water separated Japan from other countries and limited contact.
Who was Amaterasu?
The sun goddess and ancestor of the Japanese emperors.
Who were the warriors of feudal Japan?
Samurai
Why was Christianity banned in Japan?
The Shogun feared it would weaken traditional beliefs and his authority.
What were Unequal Treaties?
Agreements that gave Western countries special advantages over Japan.
How did isolation influence Japan's worldview?
It caused people to focus on their own culture and local environment rather than the wider world.
Name two Chinese religions that influenced Japanese beliefs.
Buddhism and Confucianism
Put these groups in order from highest to lowest: Merchants, Samurai, Peasants, Artisans.
Samurai, Peasants, Artisans, Merchants
Which European country was still allowed limited trade with Japan?
The Netherlands (Dutch)
Why did Japan industrialize so quickly during the Meiji Period?
To become stronger and avoid being controlled by Western nations.
Explain how Japan's geography helped shape both its culture and worldview.
Being an island nation led to isolation, self-sufficiency, strong traditions, and a focus on Japanese culture.
Why was nature important in Japanese culture?
Nature was believed to contain spirits, inspired celebrations, and played an important role in daily life and religion.
Why was the Edo feudal system beginning to fall apart by the 1800s?
Merchants became wealthy, daimyo became poorer, samurai were less needed, and the class system weakened.
What were two effects of Japan's long period of isolation?
Answers may include: limited foreign trade, slower access to technology, strong cultural development, or less knowledge of the outside world.
What internal and external factors led to the end of isolation?
Internal: economic problems, famines, social unrest. External: pressure from Western nations and Commodore Perry.