Japan’s Feudal Age

1. Japan’s Feudal Age World History February 1, 2013

2. Japan Falls into a Time of Trouble • Towards the end of the Heian period, Japan fell into political turmoil • Selfish and unstable rulers • Peasant rebellions • Warfare amongst Japanese people • As warring armies struggled for power, Japan fell into a Feudal Society

3. What is Feudalism? • System of government where Japan’s land is broken up into factions • Each piece of land is controlled by a “lord” • In Japan’s case, a daimyo • Each daimyo works as an advisor to the emperor • Sits on his council • Helps make decisions for Japan • Daimyo has the freedom to govern their land as they please • Must pay taxes and loyalty to the emperor

5. Role of the Shogun • In theory the emperor stood at the head of society • In reality he had little power • The real power laid with the Shogun • Shogun = supreme military commander • MinamotoYoritomo was appointed shogunate in 1192 • He developed the Kamakura shogunate, that ruled for 700 years • Shogunate = military dynasty • 3 military dynasties in Japanese history • Typically the shogun would control a small part of Japan himself • He would distribute land to the daimyo who agreed to support him with their armies in times of need

6. World of Warriors • Daimyo is below the shogun • This is similar to lords or nobles • They would receive land from the shogun and would pledge loyalty in return • Samurai were considered “lesser lords” and would gain land from their daimyo • They were the fighting aristocracy • Aristocracy = wealthy, upper class • The word samurai translates to “those who serve”

7. Bushido • Samurai were heavily trained from an early age • They would spend much of their life being educated in the ways of the samurai • They developed their own code of values • This is called bushido • Focuses on honor, bravery, and absolute loyalty to your lord • A true samurai had no fear of death • An old saying once said… • “If you think of saving your life, you had better not go to war at all.” • A samurai who betrayed the code of bushido would commit suppuku • This is a ritual and sometimes assisted suicide • This was a much honorable death than to be a coward

8. Other Social Classes • Noblewomen had some rights and were respected in their society • Women were expected to raise warriors and accept the same hardships as their husbands • Peasants formed 85-90% of the population • They were the backbone of society • Farmed and some served as foot soldiers in feudal war • Artisans were respected because they made swords and armor for the samurai • Merchants were the lowest class • They depended on others to make a living

9. The Tokugawa Shogunate • Tokugawa Ieyasu was a daimyo and fierce warrior • He conquered other warlords and took control of Japan • Because of his power, he was named shogun • Tokugawa was determined to end feudal warfare • Imposed a central government • Forced daimyo to live in the capital (Edo) • Only samurai could serve in the government or military • Women and peasants had less rights • With peace in the countryside agriculture and fishing grew • This caused the Japanese economy to grow immensely

10. Advancements in the Arts • Major cities like Edo and Osaka were home to an explosion of the arts • Theater became incredibly popular • No plays • Focused on Zen Buddhist traits • Kabuki • Similar to No plays but had comedy and drama • Bunraku • Puppet plays that depicted social themes • Poetry and literature flourished • Painting and artwork reflected cultural ideals