Early Japan
Heian Era
Rise of the Samurai
Arts and Crafts
Miscellaneous!
100
This is the largest and most influential island in the Japanese Home Islands, and is the birthplace of the Japanese state.
Honshu
100
A major problem with the original Japanese capital of Nara was what?
It was filled with too many Buddhists trying to influence the government.
100
The person who was considered the "military ruler" of Japan after the Heian government's collapse was called what?
The Shogun.
100
Composed of five lines using various syllables, this form of poetry became immensely popular in the Heian era.
Tanka poetry.
100
In your own words, describe the code of bushido.
To be always loyal to your lord, honest, fair, and fearless in the face of death.
200
This nearby Asian nation provided much inspiration to the Japanese creating their own government.
China
200
This influential clan "took over" the government peacefully by arranging marriages into the Imperial Family.
The Fujiwara family.
200
These "lesser lords" controlled their own clans throughout Japan, ruling their areas almost like independent states.
Daimyo
200
This curved roof architecture, imported originally from India and then China, arrived in Japan during its early days.
Pagodas
200
Tomoe Gozen was an important female what?
Samurai
300
What is an important fact about the design of the first Japanese capital of Nara?
It was copied from the Chinese capital of Chang'an. but it didn't have a wall.
300
A major way to determine one's position in the Heian hierarchy was what?
The number of folds in their fan.
300
This religion became particularly popular among samurai warriors.
Buddhism (Amida and Zen)
300
The Tale and Genji, The Pillow Book, and The Gossamer Years are all early novels from Heian Japan. What is one thing they all have in common?
All written by women.
300
True or false: arranged marriages were common in Japan, where women did not choose their husbands.
True.
400
Originally using Chinese-style kanji, the Japanese invented this new writing system to reflect their own sounds.
Kana
400
The ideal Heian woman of the period was pictured to have what? Think of four characteristics.
Long hair, white powdered face, black teeth, many colorful robes.
400
In order to prepare mentally for hardship, samurai did what during snowstorms?
Walked barefoot.
400
This form of painting became popular in the Heian period, relying on bright colors and thin lines.
Yamato-e
400
An important part of samurai training was being prepared to fight without weapons. This is called...
Martial arts
500
These two family members from the Yamato region helped create the Japanese state.
Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku
500
The Heian government primarily collapsed because of this misguided policy.
Giving out too much free land to the rich clans (aristocracy).
500
This important part of samurai training was used to create alliances with other daimyo and samurai, as well as to have sophisticated, relaxed conversation.
The tea ceremony.
500
This Chinese form of court music became popular in the early time period of Japan borrowing many ideas from East Asia.
Gagaku
500
Matsuo Basho, a famous samurai, invented this form of poetry that is practiced around the world today.
Haiku