Japanese History: Past Paper PDF

1.​ The meaning of Amaterasu’s hiding in the cave. ​ Solar eclipse ​ Change of the Season / Fertility cycle ​ Shamanistic practice ○​ The symbolic death and rebirth of a shaman who return from an initiation journey with...

1.​ The meaning of Amaterasu’s hiding in the cave. ​ Solar eclipse ​ Change of the Season / Fertility cycle ​ Shamanistic practice ○​ The symbolic death and rebirth of a shaman who return from an initiation journey with special powers. 2.​ When was the first capital of Japan established? What is its name? What legal developments occurred during the same period? The first capital of Japan, Heijō-kyō (modern-day Nara), was established in 702 CE, introducing centralized governance modeled on Chinese practices. During the same period, the Taihō Code (702 CE) and later the Yōrō Code (718 CE)implemented the ritsuryō system, formalizing a bureaucratic government under imperial rule​. 3.​ Which family gained power during the latter part of the aristocratic period? How did they maintain this power? The Fujiwara family became powerful during the later part of the aristocratic period by marrying their daughters into the imperial family. This allowed them to influence and guide future emperors, keeping control of the government for over 200 years​. ​ The period when the Fujiwara family gained power is the Heian Period (794–1185 CE). This era is known for its aristocratic rule, cultural developments, and the Fujiwara family's dominance over the imperial court. 4.​ What particular social class developed during the feudal Edo period? During the Edo Period, a rigid social hierarchy was established with the samurai at the top as the ruling military class. They were followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants, reflecting the Tokugawa Shogunate's emphasis on maintaining social order and control​. 5.​ Describe the social class system during the Edo period. During the Edo Period (1603–1868), society was organized into a strict four-tier hierarchy under the Tokugawa Shogunate: 1.​ Samurai: The ruling military class, at the top of the hierarchy, served as administrators and protectors of the state. They were the only class allowed to carry swords. 2.​ Farmers: Ranked second due to their role in producing rice, the economic foundation of the period. They faced strict regulations and heavy taxes despite their importance. 3.​ Artisans: Ranked third, they crafted goods and tools but were considered less prestigious than farmers because they did not contribute directly to the agricultural economy. 4.​ Merchants: At the bottom of the hierarchy, merchants were often wealthy but seen as less valuable because they did not produce goods. Outside this hierarchy were: ​ Priests: Buddhist and Shinto priests held a relatively high status, performing spiritual and cultural roles that supported societal traditions.  ​ Hinin (非人): The "non-human" class included beggars, entertainers, and those in marginalized professions, often tasked with law enforcement duties for other outcast groups. This rigid social structure dictated every aspect of life, maintaining strict control and order. 6. Describe the process of adopting modern science and technology in Japan during the Meiji period? During the Meiji Period (1868–1912), Japan adopted modern science and technology through significant reforms inspired by Western models. The government hired foreign experts and sent Japanese students abroad to learn Western sciences, medicine, and engineering. Institutions such as the University of Tokyo were established to support scientific research and education. Translations of scientific materials into Japanese further spread knowledge, integrating modern science into industries and public life​ 7. What is Haniwa? Haniwa are clay figures made during the Kofun Period and placed around tombs. They showed things like houses, animals, and people from daily life. These figures were used to protect the tomb and reflect the beliefs and customs of that time​. 8. The first temple created in Japan Asuka-dera is traditionally recognized as Japan's first Buddhist temple, built in the Asuka Period. 9. Who built the Osaka castle? Osaka Castle (大阪城) was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 during the Sengoku Period. It symbolized Hideyoshi's power and the unification of Japan. The bridge where Izanagi and Izanami stood Ama no Hashidate to create land Izanagi Grand shrine, where Izanagi purified Kansai region Awajishima himself returning from Yomi Izanamis’s grave Hana no Iwaya Shrine in Wakayama The first island created in the beginning of the Onogoro Jima world The exit from Yomotsu Kuni Shimane The cave whe Amaterasu hid Takachiho ★​ Give examples of similarities (2) and differences (3) between a butsudan and a kamidana. ○​ Similarities: ​ They are both for honoring the spiritual entities. ​ Offerings such as food, water, or flowers are made at both altars to show respect and gratitude ​ Both are typically placed in quiet, clean, and respectful area within the house. ○​ Differences: ​ The religion of each altar is different. The Butsudan is a Buddhist Altar, on the other hand the Kamidana is a Shinto Altar. ​ Even though they are both honoring the spiritual entities, the butsudan is to honor ancestors, deceased family members, and the Kamidana is to honor Shinto Kami and ensure blessings and protection. ​ The design is different, but the butsudan uses a wooden cabinet with doors that can be closed. Butsudan can be more expensive than Kamidana. ​ The butsudan appears like a cabinet with doors, however the Kamidana appears like a shelf. ★​ The bridge where Izanagi and Izanami stood when the first island was created is located in Ama no Hashidate Kyoto. ★​ The first island born out of sea drops is called Onogorojima. ★​ The exit from the Other World is located in Shimane Prefecture. ★​ The goddess who brought Anaterasu out of the cave is called Ame no Uzume. ★​ The cave where Amaterasu hid is located in the Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki prefecture. ★​ Ebisu is one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck. ★​ Susano-wo is Amatersu’s brother. ★​ Izanami is Izanagi’s sister. ★​ Izanagi is celebrated at a big shrine in Awajishima. ★​TIMETABLE OF HISTORICAL PERIODS  Period Timeframe Key Developments and Contributions Early animistic beliefs; reverence for nature; rope-patterned Jomon Period 14,000 BCE–300 BCE pottery. Rice farming and metal tools introduced; rise of social Yayoi Period 300 BCE–300 CE hierarchies. Keyhole-shaped tombs; Yamato clan rise; introduction of Kofun Period 300–700 CE haniwa clay figures. Buddhism and Confucianism arrive; centralized governance Asuka Period 538–710 CE begins. Establishment of Heijō-kyō (Nara); Buddhism flourishes; Nara Period 710–794 CE compilation of the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Aristocratic dominance; refined aesthetics; The Tale of Genji Heian Period 794–1185 CE written. Kamakura Samurai class rises; Zen Buddhism influences art and Period 1185–1333 CE discipline; establishment of the shogunate. Tokugawa Shogunate enforces peace; cultural flourishing in Edo Period 1603–1868 CE art and theater; rigid social hierarchy introduced. Modernization through Western science, education, and Meiji Period 1868–1912 CE governance; rapid industrialization. Post-War Democratic reforms; modernization of family structures; Period 1945–Present blending of tradition with modern practices.