Cultural Influences on Japan

• The influence of neighboring cultures is a key aspect of Japan's history

Key Vocabulary

• Prince Shotoku was a key figure
• Meditation is a practice of mental focus
• Shinto is a native religion of Japan
• A pagoda is a tiered tower
• Uji refers to a clan

Key People

• Empress Suiko played an important role

Cultural Borrowing

• Japan borrowed extensively from other cultures
• Geography and influence were impacted by neighboring countries
• Knowledge came to Japan through various ways

Governmental Changes

• Government structure existed before outside influence
• Japan adopted ideas from other cultures
• The Japanese adapted these ideas to their own needs

Capital City Influence

• Adopted ideas shaped the capital cities
• There were distinct differences from Chinese capital cities

Religious Influence

• Japan had its own religion before influence from abroad
• Buddhism was adopted as a religion
• The Japanese adapted and coexisted with Buddhism

Language and Writing

• Japan had its own language before influence
• An adopted writing system was implemented
• Japanese adaptations were made to the writing system

Poetry

• A new form of poetry called Tanka was developed

Sculpture

• Sculpture existed in Japan before outside influence
• There are similarities and differences with China and Korea in sculpture

Architecture

• The pagoda style was adopted

Music

• Music existed in Japan before outside influence
• An instrument called the Sho was adopted

Heian Period: Japan's Golden Age

• The Heian period is considered Japan's Golden Age

Key Vocabulary

• The Heian period is a specific era in Japanese history
• A courtier is a member of the royal court
• The Tale of Genji is a famous work of literature from this period

Key People

• The Emperor held a key position
• Fujiwara Michinaga was an influential figure

Life of Aristocrats

• Aristocrats had a specific way of life
• Mansions had unique features
• Expectations existed upon entering a home

Reasons for Moving the Capital

• There were motivations behind relocating the capital

Fujiwara Family Power

• The Fujiwara family held significant power

Social Standing

• Social hierarchy was important

Heian Aesthetics

• Cosmetics were used
• People were judged based on appearance

Recreation and Entertainment

• There were various forms of recreation and entertainment
• Examples of entertainment existed

Arts and Cultural Practices

• Painting was a prominent art form
• Sculpture was a cultural practice
• Poetry was a respected art
• Literature flourished during this time

Decline of the Heian Period

• Reasons for the end of the Heian period can be identified

Influence on Modern Japan

• Literature continues to influence modern Japan
• Poetry continues to influence modern Japan
• Music continues to influence modern Japan

The Rise of the Warrior Class in Japan

• This period saw the rise of the warrior class in Japan

Key Vocabulary

• Shogun refers to a military leader
• Amida Buddhism is a form of Buddhism
• Samurai were warriors
• Zen Buddhism is a form of Buddhism
• Daimyo were feudal lords
• Bushido is the samurai code
• Martial arts were practiced
• Calligraphy is a form of art
• Haiku is a type of poetry

Key People

• Tokugawa Ieyasu was a key figure
• Tomoe Gozen was a female samurai
• Hangaku Gozen was a female warrior

Feudal Society Structure

• There were relationships between Shogun, Daimyo, and Samurai

Samurai Armor and Weapons

• Samurai had their own armor and weapons

Samurai Training

• Archery was part of training
• Swordsmanship was part of training
• Endurance was part of training
• Alertness was part of training

Spiritual and Cultural Practices

• Overcoming fear of death was important
• Calligraphy was a cultural practice
• Haiku was a cultural practice
• Tea Ceremony was a tradition
• Amida Buddhism played a role
• Zen Buddhism played a role
• Bushido was a guiding principle
• Loyalty was highly valued

The Role of Women

• Women had a role in society

Comparison with European Feudalism

• Occurred in the 12th Century
• Change occurred by the 17th Century
• There are similarities and differences in comparison with European Feudalism

Legacy of the Samurai

• Modern Influences can be seen
• Influenced during World War II

Japan's Geography

• Geography played an important role in Japan's history

Key Concepts

• Major Islands is a key aspect of Japan's Geography

Distance and Location

• Closest Countries proximity to the mainland is important
• Shortest Distance to Mainland

Key Geographic Features

• Kanto Plain is a key geographic feature
• Bodies of water surround Japan
• Mountain ranges influence the region

Land Use

• Influence of Geography on History is significant
• Protection afforded from geography
• Food Source provided by geography
• Transportation Routes influenced by geography
• Center of Power dependent on Geography
• Advantages and Disadvantages exist based on Geography