Influences from China
To learn about Chinese culture, Japan sent many ____, or group of official representatives, to China.
Embassies
What is the name of the world's first novel, written by Mirasaki Shikibu?
The Tale of Genji
Which form of drama which emerged in the 1300's was performed on a simple stage with wooden masks, many layers of clothing, and deliberately slow movements?
Noh
Zen Buddhism arrived to Japan from which country in the 1100's?
China
What are the divine spirits of Shinto called?
Kami
What word means "Land of the Rising Sun"?
What was Sei Shonagon's famous work?
This form of drama emerged in the 1600's, was performed on a larger stage by characters with elaborate makeup that highlighted important facial expressions.
Kabuki
While traditional Buddhists sought salvation by studying scriptures, performing rituals, and doing good deeds, Zen Buddhists focused on ______, or remaining still and entering a trancelike state of thought.
Meditation
Who created a 14 Article Constitution modeled after the Chinese government?
Prince Shotoku
Calligraphy
haiku
The Japanese adopted the Chinese art of calligraphy and a form of ink painting called suiboku. What two colors of ink were used in this art form?
Black and white
Quiet awareness, Movement, and Koans are all types of meditation called _____.
Zazen
Name two early cultures of Japan.
Jomon and Yayoi
How did government officials earn their positions in China vs. Japan?
In China, they earned their positions through examinations and hard work. In Japan, the emperor appointed government officials based on heredity, not ability.
This period of time (794-1185) was known as the golden age of literature in Japan.
What type of gardens consisted of carefully chosen stones arranged in raked gravel as a focus for meditation? (2 answers accepted)
Dry-landscape gardens or Zen viewing gardens
Name one type of literature that reflects the simplicity and understatement of Zen Buddhism.
Haiku
What is the name for a chain of islands?
Archipelago
How did the Chinese influence how the Japanese viewed writing?
Initially, the Japanese viewed writing as a purely functional activity. Interaction with China now encouraged writing for cultural reasons (telling stories, writing religious, philosophical, and literary works.)
The capital city of Heian is now known as this modern day city.
Kyoto
What type of gardens contained carefully designed landscapes along a walking path?
Stroll gardens
Name one type of art that reflects the simplicity and understatement of Zen Buddhism.
Suiboku
What is the name given to the group of wealthy people in Japan's social class system that were supported by farmers, artisans and slaves?
Aristocracy