Exam Flashcards
47 Ronin
The 47 Ronin, also known as the Ako incident, is a popular true story in Japan. What happened was that a daimyo by the name of Naganori Asano was forced to commit seppuku after trying to kill an imperial official by the name of Yoshinaka Kira for constantly insulting and belittling him while teaching Naganori proper etiquette to greet the Emperor. 47 of Naganori’s samurai pledged to avenge the death of their lord and attacked Yoshikana’s estate. They successfully captured Yoshinaka while being careful to leave non-combatants out of it and gave him the chance to commit seppuku. Yoshinaka gave no answer so they ended up just killing him. After this 46 of the 47 samurai were made to commit seppuku themselves.
Anglo-Japanese Alliance-1902
An alliance between Britain and Japan made in response to growing Russian expansion. It lasted until 1923.
Anti-Comintern Pact
A pact between Japan, Germany, and Italy which formed the foundation for the Axis powers in order to stop the spread of Communism from the Soviet Union. It was signed with Germany in 1936 and Italy in 1937.
Bushido - The Soul of Japan
Bushido - The Soul of Japan was a book written by Inazo Nitobe and published in 1899. It was a book that took a look at the code of the samurai, bushido, delving into its precepts, exploring its effects and roles in Japanese culture, and comparing it to similar systems in other cultures such as chivalry.
Commodore Mathew C. Perry
Commodore Perry was an officer in the American navy. He was sent to Japan with orders to open their ports for trade with America by force if necessary. He did just that, sailing his gunships to the capital of Edo and threatening to level it if they didn’t open their ports. The Japanese eventually relented and a treaty was signed.
Constitution of 1889
Also called the Meiji Constitution, it was a restructuring of the government in which the Emperor oversaw the making of laws and the military while an elected group called the Diet focused on handling domestic affairs. These revisions were made to modernize themselves to match western standards.
Emperor Komei
The 121st Emperor of Japan, Emperor Komei reigned during the final years of the Edo period, from 1846-1867. He held very anti-western sentiments and it was, ironically under his reign that Japan was forced to open its ports to American ships. His reign was full of turmoil and eventually saw the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate. His son, Emperor Meiji, would eventually go on to enact the Meiji Restoration.
Genro
The Genro were retired statesmen who acted as informal advisors to the Emperor. They held prominence from 1890 to 1940.
Ihara Saikaku
A renowned poet from the Tokugawa era, he created the Ukiyo-Zoshi style of poetry, also known as floating world; it is a type of fiction rooted in realism. The majority of his works were generally amourous stories, and is well known for writing over 10 000 haikai stanzas in single sittings.
Ito Hirobumi
Ito Hirobumi was a former samurai and the first prime minister of Japan. He had studied abroad in Europe and used what he learned there to help draft the Meiji constitution based on how the governments tended to function there.
Kellogg-Briand Pact
A treaty signed by many world powers in 1928 to avoid going to war over disputes with other countries. Its success was mixed as World War 2 happened not long after, but it formed the basis of the Geneva Convention and held the instigators of the war responsible, not to mention that since then wars have been fairly uncommon.
Kokuhonsha
A policy created by Kiichiro Hiranuma in 1924, it was a nationalist idea that opposed various “ism” ideologies, such as communism, socialism, marxism, and anarchism.
Manchurian Incident
An event in 1931 in which the Japanese military staged a false bombing under the flag of Chinese nationalists, in which a small amount of dynamite was detonated on a Japanese owned railway in Manchuria. The Japanese blamed Chinese dissidents and used it as an excuse to invade Manchuria.
Meiji Restoration/Era
A period of time in which Japan transitioned from the feudal system into a more modern system of government. It lasted from 1868-1912, and tradition was moved aside for modernization, with many staples of Japanese culture such as the samurai dying off
Minseito/Seiyukai
Minseito and Seiyukai were both political parties in opposition to each other, the former being a fairly liberal party trying to strengthen ties with the west whilst the later is more conservative pushing for more militaristic and bureaucratic control. Minseito was founded in 1927 while Seiyukai was founded in 1900, and both were dissolved in 1940.
The Nanjing Incident
When Japanese forces took over the Chinese capital of Nanjing in 1937 during the second Sino-Japan war, soldiers committed all sorts of atrocities against civilians in the city. These included brutally murdering and raping people in the streets and their homes. In the end the death count was estimated somewhere between 200 000 and 300 000. It was only in 2013 that the Japanese government offered an apology.
The Niniroku Incident
Also known as the February 26 incident, it was a military coup d’etat done by a group calling themselves the Young officers movement in 1936. Their goal was to eliminate many of their political rivals in which they were somewhat successful, killing several officials. However they were quickly stopped by the rest of the army and forced to surrender. They were given a trial with no attorney which led to their executions and incarcerations.
The Nomonhan Incident -1939
Also called the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, it was a conflict between the forces of Japan against those of the Soviet Union. It took place near the village of Nomonhan and the Japanese army was decimated in the fight.
Pact of Steel
A pact signed by Germany, Italy, and Japan, which formed the Axis Powers. The pact made it so that they must assist each other in war as much as possible and that peace can only be obtained if all three agreed on it.
Peace Preservation Law (1925)
A law passed with the intent of suppressing communists and socialists. It stated that anyone expressing intent of altering the private property systems or associating with a group with such designs can lead to arrest.
Popular Rights Movement
A movement popular in the 1880s, it focused on trying to bring democratic ideas to the newly reformed government. While it likely played a good part in the formation of the diet, it ultimately failed at turning Japan into a true democracy.
Portsmouth Peace 1905
A treaty held between Japan and Russia in Kittery, Maine, led to the end of the Russo-Japan war and established Japan as a world power. Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in the formation of the treaty and ended up winning a nobel prize for it.
Prince Konoe Fumimaro
The Prime Minister of Japan during the time in which it was invading China, he was largely responsible for turning Japan towards a more totalitarian country. During this time relations with the U.S deteriorated and he was unable to repair them, eventually leading to Pearl Harbor.
Rescript of Education (1890)
By Emperor Meiji’s decree, schools were to be once more taught through Confucian principles and ideas. Along with this schools were given a portrait of the Emperor to inspire loyalty in the students.
Saigo Takamori
The last samurai, he was initially pro restitution and was an instrumental player in it, helping to bring about the fall of the Shogunate in Edo. However, when the government came to disarm the samurai, Saigo led the Satsuma rebellion against them. In the end they were defeated in Shiroyama, with Saigo committing seppuku before the government could try him. He was pardoned posthumously.
Saionji Kimmochi
Prince Saionji Kimmochi acted as prime minister from 1906 - 1908 and again from 1911 - 1912. After this he became the last genro and as such was one of the most influential people in Japan.
Shandong Province
An important province in China, it was one where much of their culture and religion originated from. Japan conquered it in retaliation for Russia interfering trying to uphold the Triple Intervention.
Shimonoseki Peace
A peace treaty signed in 1885 by Japan and China. China gave up a few major regions such as Liandong, the Penghu Islands, and Taiwan. China strengthened trade with Japan, and Korea was recognized as its own country.
The Showa Era
Lasted from 1926 - 1989, it was named after the Emperor Showa Hirohito. During this time, Japan was very militaristic and authoritarian, undoing a lot of work done during the Taisho era.
Taisho Democracy
The Taisho democracy lasted from 1912 - 1926. Japan went in a more democratic direction under Emperor Taisho, with much more voting and labor legislations, along with less taxes.
The Triple Intervention 1895
An effort made by Germany, France, and Russia in order to help China against Japan’s imperialist conquests. However, when Russia tried to intervene directly, Japan took the province of Shandong.
Tojo Hideki
A major general in the Japanese military, Tojo was responsible for countless war crimes and human rights violations. He oversaw much of the pacific conflict in ww2, and served as prime minister from 1941 - 1944. He was an advocate for preemptively attacking the U.S, and took over much of the pacific. He was then arrested for his crimes and hanged in 1948.
Tsushima Battle of
The Tsushima Battle of was a very important naval battle between Russia and Japan in 1940. The Japanese completely wiped out the Russian navy by outranging them. As Sir George Syndenham Clarke once wrote, “The battle of Tsushima is by far the greatest and most important naval event ever since Tralfagar.
Twenty-One Demands (1915)
Demands made by Japan to weaken China’s relation with the west and strengthen Japan’s claims on China. This ended up backfiring when the demands were shown to the U.S and Britain, causing many clauses to be dropped and straining relations with Japan.
Unequal Treaties
One-sided deals China was forced to sign with Japan, Russia, and various countries in Europe. Some deals that were made include ceding land, granting privileges to foreign citizens, and paying reparations. Most of these treaties were made after a battle.
Yamagata Aritomo
A prime minister of Japan who was in office from 1909 - 1922 as well as a genro, he held a big part in Japan’s turn towards militarism.
Yoshino Sakuzo
A philosopher, he came up with the idea of Minpon Shugi (the politics of people), which is a way to organize the government so that it can be a democracy and an empire without conflicting with each other.
Young Officers’ Movement
A group of military officers who tried to overthrow the government in the Ni-Niroku incident. Believed that the upper class that surrounded the Emperor were corrupt and keeping down the lower classes and slowly poisoning the country. Their coup did not succeed.
660 BC
It is the earliest record or origin, of the royal family of Japan, Jimmu Tenno. 660BC is also considered the founding date of Japan as we know it.
ALTERNATE RESIDENCE SYSTEM
Also called Sankin Kotai, was developed and perfected in the Late Sengoku and early Edo Jidai. Daimyo’s would alternate residence between his home and the Shogunal palace in Edo.
AMATERASU ŌMIKAMI
Amaterasu Omikami is the head of the Shinto pantheon, she is the Sun Goddess, and is the most well known of the Shinto gods/Goddess. Each Emperor of Japan is able to trace their lineage back to Amaterasu. Ise Jingu is dedicated to her worship, she is said to reside in the central shrine, which only members of the royal family may visit.
ASHIKAGA YOSHIMITSU
3rd and most successful Ashikaga Shogun during the Muromachi period. Patron of the arts (famous for making Kinkakuji the Golden Pavillion),renewed relationship with China, Mixed shogunal status with Imperial powers.
BUDDHISM
A religion that would come to prominence in Japan, and worked well within the confines of Shintoism, Buddhism had adapted multiple times to fit with Japanese mentality. Ultimate goal is Satori, or “Supreme nothingness”. Also the basis of the political domination of the Soga.
BUSHI/BUSHIDŌ
Also known as Samurai, Bushi is the Japanese term for the warrior caste of Feudal Japan. Bushido is the warrior code, a way the Bushi lived by.
CHRISTIAN INTERLUDE
An era between 1542 and 1616. Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and the English competed for the right to settle and trade with Japan. Jesuits as a result moved to try and spread christianity. The Portuguese had a stranglehold on the trade via the Goa-Macau-Nagasaki triangle. Nagasaki was also a Christian Stronghold, a few Daimyo promoted conversion to Christanity. Both Hideyoshi and Ieyasu preferred trade with the English and Dutch, for not trying to convert them.
CONFUCIANISM
Moral principles/teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucious, the teachings naturally mixed with Shintoism. It is not a religion.
DAN-NO-URA
Battle of: Decisive naval battle of the Gempei war, resulting in victory for Minamoto-no Yoritomo. Fun fact, many Taira Samurai jumped overboard to preserve their honor and not get captured. This created a local phenomena with the Heikegani crab shells beginning to look like the masks from Samurai helmets.
DESHIMA
Deshima was a Christian trading post owned by the Portuguese and then the Dutch, located in the Harbor of Nagasaki. Deshima was the only place designated for foreign trade. Deshima was also a man made island.
FUJIWARA CLAN
A clan that monopolized politics through 1. Providing consorts to emperors. 2. Serving Sessho-Regents to emperors too young to ascend the throne. 3. Serving Kampaku-Regents to adult emperors. Instituting the Shoen land system (Private, tax free land or estate). They ruled from their clan office (mandokoro), the real authority in the country.
FUMI-E
Stone depicting Jesus. If someone was suspected of being a Christian or Christian sympathizer, they were ordered to step on the stone. If they did, they would be released, and if they did not they could be sent prison or executed.
HEYANKYŌ
The new imperial capital during the Heian Jidai, it is also another name for Kyoto.
HŌJŌ CLAN
The Hojo Clan were the Shikken to the Minamoto, a title that made them the emperor’s regent during the Kamakura Shogunate. The family controlled power throughout this period, until the clan was wiped out. They were also a branch of the Taira, who lost the Gempei war. However with the hold the Hojo held, did they really lose?
ISE GRAND SHRINE
Ise Jingu is essentially the shinto Vatican. The grand shrine is the holiest spot in Shintoism and is very very important to the royal family and is dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu. Ise Jingu is dedicated to her worship, she is said to reside in the central shrine, which only members of the royal family may visit.
JŌKAMACHI
The term for a castle town.
JŌMON Era
Jomon Jidai is the Era of Japanese prehistory. It is estimated that it began in 14,000 BC and ended in 300 BC. Jomon had many creature comforts, like pottery and jewelry, and useful necessities like tools, implying they had a good deal of wealth. The Name Jomon literally means “Rope pattern.”
KAMAKURA Era
Began in the 1180’s-1330’s. Ran by the Kamakura shogunate. The Kamakura were a strong military force, and had a great deal of pressure from Mongol invasions.
KATANAGARI
Katanagari or sword hunt in english was a policy put in place most famously by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The policy stated that only the Bushi class was allowed to carry swords.
KUGÉ
A ruling class or aristocrat in Heiankyo/Kyoto during the Heian era
MANYŌSHŪ
Collection of 4500 poems by 2000 anonymous poets. 500 are credited to Ootomo-no-Yakamochi (Waka poet, and statesman).
MINAMOTO YORITOMO
Founder of and first Kamakura Shogun, making Samurai the definitive ruling class. Yoritomo is famous for winning the battle of Dan-no-Ura during the Gempei war, defeating the Taira clan.
MONGOL INVASIONS/KAMIKAZE
The Mongol empire under Kublai khan, using puppet state Goryeo (Modern day Korea), attempted a hostile takeover of Japan 3 times through diplomacy, and two times by force. Japan’s military rapidly adapted to fight the mongols, creating the modern conception of the Bushi. Kamikaze, Literally divine wind, were massive typhoons that sank the majority of the Mongol fleet during the 2nd invasion.
MURASAKI SHIKIBU
Author of the Tale of Genji, the first Novel, Murasaki Shikibu was a poet and Lady in waiting during the Heian period.
MUROMACHI Era
From 1330’s-1570’s, The Muromachi era was one in which the arts flourished. Development of music, and Noh theater are some of the more famous creations. Most famous Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
NARA Era
Beginning in 710, after moving the capital to Nara, the period is defined by adopting Chinese principles to improve the life of the Average citizen. During this period the Chinese script, fashion, and Chinese Buddhism were adopted. There were also important writings, like the Nihon-Shoki, and the Kojiki. It is the shortest period though, only lasting 84 years.
ODA NOBUNAGA
First of the Great Unifiers, Nobunaga attained his power through fear and his adept skill at waging war. He united the country through fear, before dying in his raid of Honno-Ji, being killed by his General Akechi Mitsuhide.
ŌNIN WAR
The Onin-no-Ran was an 11 year civil war at the end of the Muromachi period. This war began pulling in the Ashikaga clan, and many local daimyos, breaking the country apart, which would lead to the Sengoku Jidai.
SAKOKU POLICY
The Tokugawa Isolationist policy that lasted almost 220 years. Brought into law by Tokugawa Iemitsu, it sealed the country for many many years until Commodore Perry’s Kurofune came to Japan. It was used to deter piracy but also affected foreign trade heavily.
SEKIGAHARA Battle of
Sekigahara was the decisive battle of the Sengoku era which Began the Tokugawa Shogunate, and began the Edo period. Largest battle in the history of Feudal Japan.
SENGOKU (Country at War) Era
The Sengoku Jidai was a 100 year period of feuds between Samurai clans. During this era 3 Great unifiers tried to take the country divided into samurai clans and join them back together into one country.
SEPPUKU
The act of ceremonial suicide. It is heavily misunderstood, as it was ceremonial/ritualistic suicide. Seppuku has many components including a last drink of Sake, cutting your abdomen, and then having your head cut off to ensure there was very little or no pain. Seppuku is also the act of regaining honor. Yukio Mishima was a famous case, of failed Seppuku
SHIKKEN
The Shogunal regent, and location of real governmental power/authority. Run by the Hojo clan. Its literal translation is to “Hold Power in ones hand.”
SHIMABARA REBELLION
A Shogun in Tokugawa territory instituted heavy taxes and anti-Christian Sentiment. Portuguese Traders, paid Ronin, and Christian Peasants would fight for their rights, but lost, with the Tokugawa regime instituting a strict prohibition of Christianity, and the expulsion of all Portuguese traders.
SHINTOISM
Way of the Gods, Shintoism is the official state religion of Japan. Each Emperor of Japan claims legitimacy to the throne by saying that they are descendants of Amaterasu O-Mikami.
SHŌTOKU CONSTITUTION
Established by prince Shotoku, created a strong state foundation. It set the precedent for Future emperors, and government, and strengthened the position of the hereditary monarchy. Also famous for championing Buddhism.
TENNŌ
Japanese term for Emperor, literal translation is Heavenly sovereign. It has been a single family that can trace its lineage 660 BC.
TOKUGAWA IEYASU
The third of the 3 great unifiers. He brought about the Edo Era using skilled diplomacy, and lots of money, bringing about the end of the Sengoku era.
TOYOTOMI HIDEYOSHI
the second of the 3 of the Great Unifiers of the Sengoku era, Hideyoshi started off as a peasant and then a retainer to Oda Nobunaga. When Nobunaga died, Hideyoshi took his chance and would fill the vacuum of power left behind by Nobunaga.
ZAZEN
A type of Buddhist meditation that is very important in Soto Zen. It involves the practitioner clearing their mind and sitting still for long periods of time.
