Japanese Mythology & Religion
What happened when Amaterasu hid in a cave?
the world was plunged into darkness
Japan's closest neighbors are which three countries?
Korea, China, and Russia
What is the term for land that is suitable for farming?
arable land
What do Japanese seasonal festivals celebrate?
the changing of seasons
Where did the Ainu traditionally live?
Northern Japan, in Ezochi (now Hokkaido)?
What two religions influenced Japanese beliefs?
Buddhism and Confucianism
Why didn’t Europeans travel to Japan before 1500?
lack of navigational technology and dangerous Pacific crossings
What symbol is placed in homes to protect against earthquakes?
a print of Namazu
What writing system combined kanji with Japanese characters?
kana
What did the word "Ainu" mean?
"human" in the Ainu language
What do the Japanese call spirits that inhabit objects in nature?
kami
What percentage of Japan is suitable for farming?
18%
What natural feature made rebuilding after disasters a normal part of Japanese life?
the frequent occurrence of earthquakes and tsunamis
What element of Chinese culture influenced Japan’s system of government?
Confucianism
What happened to the Ainu when Japan expanded?
they were assimilated, forbidden to speak their language, and forced to farm
What two household religious objects are common in Japan?
A butsudan (Buddhist altar) and a kamidana (Shinto shrine)
What type of climate does Japan have?
temperate with a long growing season
Why do cherry blossoms hold special meaning in Japan?
they symbolize beauty, new beginnings, and the shortness of life
What were Japanese farmers required to do with their rice?
pay taxes in rice
What was one way the Ainu resisted Japanese control?
fighting wars of resistance
What do Shinto followers believe happens to humans after death?
they become kami and are honored by their families
What role did the sea play in shaping Japan’s culture?
it provided food, transportation, trade, and communication
What disaster forced Japan to become a stoic society?
repeated natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis
How did Japan maintain a distinct culture while adopting foreign ideas?
selectively borrowing from other cultures while preserving their own traditions
What spiritual practice is central to Ainu culture?
sending kamuy (spirits) back to their world through ceremonies