Shintoism, Confucianism & East Asian influences

East Asian Countries

• East Asian countries include Japan, the Philippines, China, and Korea, among others near the Pacific Ocean and the eastern coast of Asia.
• Japan is located east of Korea, both of which are east of China.
• China and Korea significantly influenced Japanese cultural, social, and religious development.

Cultural Exchange in Isolation

• China, Japan, and Korea influenced each other's cultural and social development.

Chinese Influence on Japan

• China, one of the first strong states in East Asia, developed complex philosophies, religious ideas, and societal norms.
• China influenced other countries as it grew stronger and developed beneficial relationships.

Confucianism

• Japan borrowed Confucianism from China, integrating it with Shintoism, Japan's indigenous religion.
• Confucianism emphasizes ancestor worship, respect for state leaders, government officials, and parents.
• Shintoism adopted aspects of Confucianism.

Additional Chinese influences include

Astronomy

• Chinese astronomy texts reached Japan through traders, influencing early Japanese astronomical practices.

Kanji

• Japan adopted Chinese characters (kanji), later developing distinctions and adapting them to fit the Japanese language, creating kana to represent unique Japanese consonants.

Divine Right

• The Japanese emperors adopted the Confucian concept of the "Mandate of Heaven" as "Heavenly Sovereign," believing their desires were expressions of the gods and validating their lineage from the Sun Goddess.

Shotoku Taishi's Influence

• Shotoku Taishi, the author of Japan's first constitution, aimed to establish Japan as a respected state and demanded equal treatment from China.
• He sent emissaries to China in the 7th century to study their culture, Confucianism, kanji, and governmental structure.
• After adopting Chinese principles, Taishi insisted that China treat Japan as an equal.

Korean Influence on Japan

• Korea significantly influenced Japan's culture and society.
• Korea introduced Buddhism to Japan, initially introduced to Korea by China.
• Applications of Chinese kanji writing and world conceptions in Japan were influenced by Korean derivations
• Empress Suiko encouraged Japan to adopt Korean culture and invited Korean philosophers and scientists to share their knowledge of writing, music, and world perceptions.
• Korean artisans introduced pottery and ceramics techniques to Japan.
• Korea's geographical location between Japan and mainland Asia facilitated the transmission of religious and cultural influences.

Explore the relationship between Shintoism and Confucianism in early Japan. Understand the impact of Kanji on the Japanese written language. Learn about the influence of Chinese astronomy and the role of Confucianism in reinforcing the authority of rulers in both China and Japan.