Chpt. 13, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam Flashcards
Taika Reforms
attempt to remake Japanese monarch into an absolute Chinese-style emperor; included attempts to create professional bureaucracy and peasant conscript army
The Tale of Genji
Written by Lady Murasaki, this was the first novel in the world, and it related the life history of a prominent and amorous son of the Japanese emperor. It provides evidence for the mannered style of Japanese society.
Fujiwara
A Japanese aristocratic family in the mid-9th century that exercised exceptional influence in imperial affairs and aided in the decline of imperial power.
bushi
regional warrior leaders in Japan who ruled small kingdoms from fortresses and administered the law, supervised public works projects, collected revenues, and built up private armies.
samurai
mounted troops of Japanese warrior leaders (bushi) loyal to local lords, not the emperor
seppuku
ritual suicide or disembowelment in Japan; commonly known in the West as hara-kiri, it demonstrated courage and a means to restore family honor
Taira
A powerful Japanese family in the Gempei Wars that established a military government (bakufu) in 12th century Japan.
Minamoto
Defeated the rival Taira family in the Gempei Wars and established military government (bakufu) in 12th century Japan.
Gempei Wars
Waged for five years from 1180, on Honshu between Taira and Minamoto familes; resulted in the destruction of the Taira.
bakafu
military government established by the Minamoto following the Gempei Wars; centered at Kamakura; retained emperor, but real power resided in the military government and the samurai
shoguns
military leaders of the bakufu (military governments in Japan)
Hojo
A warrior family closely allied with the Minamoto that dominated the Kamakura regime and manipulated Minamoto rulers who claimed to rule in the name of the Japanese emperor at Kyoto.
Ashikaga Takuaji
A member of the Minamoto family who overthrew the Kamakura regime and established the Ashikaga Shogunate from 1336-1573. He drove the emporer from Kyoto to Yoshino.
Ashikaga Shogunate
Replaced the Kamakura regime in Japan and ruled form 1336 to 1573, destroying the rival Yoshino center of imperial authority.
daimyos
warlord rulers of 300 small states following the civil war and disruptions of Ashikaga Shogunate; holding consolidated into unified and bounded min-states