Japan
Examination Prep
Japan's Geography & the Impact it has on it
-smaller military
-easy to govern because it is so small
-not much room to expand internally
-conquerers other lands
-few natural resources
Japan is an archipelago:
-steady supply of fish for food
-many natural harbors
Japan has many mountains:
-hard to travel across island
-hard to communicate across land
-population density-> many people living in a small area
-good natural defense
-little arable land-> developed terrace farming->increased the amount of arable land
Japan is located very close to its Asian neighbors of China and Korea:
-cultural diffusion-> "cultural borrowing"
-writing style
-art and architecture
-farming
-religion
*Korea acted as a land bridge between Japan and China
Vocabulary/ Key Terms
Shintoism- an ancient religion that the Japanese followed where they worshipped the forces of nature and it calmed the people down because they lived in the ring of fire where it was common to have many natural disasters; there were many rituals and shrines and it recognizes many sacred places.
Kami- nature spirits that the chiefs were believed to have gained their power through
Yamato Clan- 500 CE, came to dominate a corner of Honshu (the largest government) set up Japanese first and only Dynasty
Constitution of Prince Shotoku- constitution setup by Prince Shotoku made up of Buddhist and Confucian rules (made a centralized government to over come the clans)
Feudalism- political and military system where and is exchanged for military service, Lords give land to vassa;s in exchange for military service and loyalty
Japan's Feudal Hierarchy
Shintoism Ritual
Prince Shotoku
Culture of Japan
Government of Japan
Feudalism Erodes Imperical/Authority -
Decline of Central Power:
-During most of the Heian period (794-1185) rich Fujiwara family rules
-In mid 1,000's large landowners build private armies build private armies and become warlords
-small and owners trade land to warlords in exchange for protection
-feudal system of local rule develops Fujiwara family loses power