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Early Japan. Geography of Japan. What geographica l features have historically helped to isolate Japan?. First Chinese Account of Japan. Dates from 297 CE Japan i s a land where the people go barefoot, eat raw vegetables, and bow frequently to one another
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Geography of Japan What geographical features have historically helped to isolate Japan?
First Chinese Account of Japan • Dates from 297 CE • Japan is a land where the people go barefoot, eat raw vegetables, and bow frequently to one another • Male rule had led to wars so the Japanese people chose a woman to be their ruler.
Japan’s Queen - Pimiko • Japan’s queen Pimiko was older & unmarried • Ruled her realm with “magic and sorcery” (according to Chinese envoys) but was prosperous • In 1990 archaeologists discovered what they believe to be Pimiko’s fortress in western Japan
A Primitive Civilization • Prior to 552 CE, Japan was a primitive civilization • No national identity, no writing system, no law code, no capital city & only basic forms of political control (through family clans)
Continuity & Change • Geographical isolation & intense agricultural development meant few social disruption (rebellions) • Japan’s development was evolutionary, not revolutionary • First changes came in 6th & 7th centuries with the arrival of immigrants from China & Korea
Chinese Influence on Japan • Chinese culture was imported and swept across the country • Japan’s leaders sent scholars to China to study and report back about China’s science, technology, books, writing system, and government methods • Japan followed China’s example by having a single supreme ruler, a centralized government, and roles for both Confucianism and Buddhism in Japanese state and society
The Yamato Period - A Stable Japan • Japan’s source of stability during the Yamato period was the peoples’ belief that their emperor descended from the goddess Ameratsu (Shinto goddess of the sun/universe) • The name for the Emperor in Japan is Tenno, which means “heavenly sovereign” • The existence of a hereditary ruling class or aristocrats and warriors was supported by Japan’s primary religions – Shinto & Buddhism • Fun Fact - Japan has the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world – it has existed with an unbroken line of successors since 660 BCE!
Shinto • Means “way of deities” • Deities or gods are called “kami” • Kami are responsible for good & bad fortune • People try to get on the good side of kami by making offerings of rice, sake, cakes, etc.
Buddhism • Buddhism introduced 552 CE • Marked the beginning of the Yamato period • At first many people blended the two religions together • They continue to have equal importance in Japan today • Japanese are “born Shinto and die Buddhist”
Period of “Great Change” • A period of “Great Change” for Japan began in 645 CE • Changes included: • Acknowledging the Supreme authority of the Emperor • Abolishing private land holding • Establishing a permanent capital in Nara • Introducing a Chinese system of taxation • Re-organizing court ranks • Founding schools • Establishing Buddhist temples • Reforming laws
Heian-kyo - “City of Peace” • During the Nara period (710-794 CE), Buddhist monks became very wealthy and powerful • They began interfering with politics which caused political strife • To get away from their influence, the Emperor decided to set up a new capital city in Heian-kyo, known today as Kyoto • Heian-kyo (Kyoto) remained the capital of Japan until 1868. Gate of HeianJingu (Heian Temple)
