Japan key concepts Flashcards
pt1- 1. In what ways did Japan isolate itself from the rest of the world?
-Japan implemented a policy known as sakoku, which translates to closed country. This policy restricted foreign trae, limited foreign contrcts, and prohibited Japanese citizens from traveling the world
-Foreigners were expelled or stricly controlled, with a few xceptions for limited trade with the Dutch and Chinese merchants allowed in designated areas such as in Nagasaki
-Japanese citizens were prohibited from leavin the country, and those who attempted to return after travelling abroad faced severe penatlties
-Strict censorship was imposed on imported books and ideas, and only certain ports were open for limited trade
pt1- 2. How did isolation during the edo period lead to changes in Japan?
-Cultural and technological stagnation (stay the same)
occured as Japan limited its exposure to external influences and innovations
- Domestically, the feudal system and hierarchical social structure became more established as centralized power shifted to the shogunate and regional daimyo
-Japan experienced relative peace and stablility, allowing for the development of its own unique cultural identity and arts, such as kabuki theater, woodblock prints, and haiku poetry
Pt2- 1. what were the motivations for the radical changed in Japan’s model of organization during the Meji period?
Japan faced external pressures, such as the threar of colonization by Western powers and the esire to avoid the fate of other Asian countries that had been colonized
-internal factors, including domestic unrest and the recognition of the need for modernization to stengthen Japan’s military, economy, and internationa standing, also motivted radical changed
pt 2. 2 How did Japan adapt to changes brought on by the transition from feudal to modern models of organization
-The Meji government embarked on a series of reforms known as the Meji Restoration, which aimed to centralized power, abolish feudalism, and modernize institutions and infastructure
-feudal domains were abolished, and a centralized government wa established, with power concentrated in the hands of the emperor and his advisors
- Japan adopted Western models of government, education, military organization. industry, and infastrcuture, often through the hiring of Western experts and the sending of students abroad to study
pt2- 3. How did the changes resulting from adaptation affect Japan economically, politcally an socially during the Meji Period
-Economically, Japan experienced rapid industrialization and modernization, tranforming from an agrarian society to an industrical powerhouse
- politically, apan tranisitioned from a fuedal system to a moder nation-state with a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary government
-Socially, Japan underwent signifcant changes, including the abolition of the samurai class, the rise of a new urban middle class, and the spread of Western ideas and values
pt1-4. how did the physical geography of japan affect its worldview?
A. japan’s geographical isolation as an island nation influenced its perception of the world as insular and self contained
B. surrounding seas acted as natural barriers reinforcing the idea of japan as a unique and separate entity from the rest of asia and the world
C.the rugged terrain and limited arable land also shaped japan’s focus on internal development and self sufficiency.
pt1-3 How did the change resulting from isolation effect Japan economically, politically and socially during the Edo period
A.economically Japan became largely self sufficient but missed out on the benefits of international trade and technological advancements.
B. politically the power of the shogunate and regional daimyo increased as they maintained control over their respective domains and enforces the isolationist policies
C. Socially the rigid hierarchical structure of Japanese society was reinforced with strict class distinctions and limited social mobility. The samurai class in particular became more entrenched and influential
pt1-5. How did the shogun use the feudal system and the hierarchial social classes to maintain control of Japan?
A. the shogun utilized the feudal system to decentralize power, granting land and authority to loyal daimyo i exchange for military service and allegiance
B. by maintaining a strict social hierarchy with the shogun at the top followed by daimyo samurai peasants and artisans, the shogunate censored stability and control over the population
C. the hierarchical structure also served to reinforce social order and obedience to authority with severe punishments for those who challenged or disobeyed the established hierarchy
pt2- 4. In what ways did changes resulting from isolation in the Edo period compa to changes resulating fom adaptation in the Meji period?
A. white the edo period was characterized by cultural isolation and stagnation the meiji period saw japan actively seeking to adapt and modernize in response to external pressures
B. in the edo period, japan’s isolationist policies limited its exposure to foreign ideas and technologies whereas in the meiji period japan embraces western models and knowledge to drive modernization
C. the changes in the meiji period were more deliberate and transformative leading to a fundamental overhaul of japan’s political economic and social systems whereas the changes in the edo period were incremental and focused on preserving traditional culture and social order.
pt2-5. What challenged emerged for the Japanese in maintaining traditional cultural aspects of their soceity whle undergoing rapid change
A. rapid pace of modernization and westernization in the Meiji period led to tensions between traditional and modern values and practices.
B. efforts to modernize often clashed with traditional cultural norms and practices leading to debates and conflicts over issues such as gender roles, education and religion.
C. Some Japanese felt a sense of loss or alienation as traditional customs and practices were replaced by western ones leading to efforts to preserve and revitalize traditional culture in the face of rapid change.
ptb- Ainu
-The Ainu are the indigenouse people of Japan, primairly inhabiting the northern regions of Hokkaido and part of the Russian Far East
- They have their own distinct language, Ainu, which is classified as a language isloate.
-traiditional Ainu culture includes animistic beliefs, with a deep reverence for nature and natural elemtns such as animals, plants, and mountains.
-historically, the Ainu practiced hunting, fishing, and gathering, and their lifestyle was closely tied to the natural environment
-Ainu society underwent significant changes with the expansion of the Japanese state, including assimilation policies an loss of land and cultural practices.
- Despite centuries of cultural assimilation effores, Ainu cultral revival moments habe emerged in recent decades, seeking to preserve and revitalize Ainu language, traditions, and identity.
-The Ainu have faced discrimintion and marginalization throughout history, but effore for recognition and revitalization of Ainu cuture and rights have gained momentum in contemporary Japan
pt b Geography
Geography:
Japan is an archipelago located in east asia consisting over 6,800 islands with four main islands honshu hokkaido kyushu and shikoku.
Its geography includes diverse landscapes such as mountains, forests, plains and coastline.
Due to its mountainous terrain and limited arable land Japan has historically relied on fishing and rice cultivation.
Shinto the indigenous religion of Japan is deeply intertwined with its Geography emphasizing reverence for natural elements such as mountains and forests as sacred and inhabited by kami or spirits
The geography of japan has influenced the development of religious practices such as shrine worship and has been adapted to fit within japan’s geographical and cultural context
Japan’s relationship with its geography has chapped it cultural identity and influenced religious beliefs and practices for centuries
47 ronin
The 47 ronin is a historical event in japanese history that occurred in the 18th century
It involves a group of samurai who avenged their master’s death despite knowing it would result in their own deaths following the principles of bushido, the samurai code of honor.
The story is centered around loyalty honor and the pursuit of justice
Key virtues emphasized in the story include loyalty to one’s master unwavering determination self sacrifice and the importance of honor above personal gain
Despite facing diversity and seemingly insurmountable odd the 47 ronin remained steadfast in their commitment to their master and their cause
The story highlights the importance of honor loyalty and selflessness serving as a timeless example of the values upheld by samurai in japanese culture
It also explores themes of revenge duty and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations
The moral of the story often emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s principles and obligations, even in the face of adversity and personal sacrifice
Feudal System
Feudal system
Japan’s feudal system during the edo period was based on hierarchical structure with the tokugawa shogunate at the top
The shogun herald supreme military and political power ruling in the name of the emperor
Below the shogun are the daimyo, feudal lords who covered various regions of japan and held significance power and land ownership
Samurai served as the warrior class, sworn to serve and protect their daimyo in exchange for land and status
Peasants, artisans, and merchants made u the lower classes with limited social mobility
social system
Social system
Society during the edo period was highly stratified with status determined by birth and occupation
The samurai class enjoyed the highest social status followed by the daimyo and their families
Peasant constituted the largest segment of the population and were responsible for agricultural production
Artisans and merchants occupied the middle with merchants often becoming wealthy but holding lower social status due to confucian valves favoring productive labor over commerce
Social mobility was limited with strict regulation on behavior and dress reinforcing class distinctions
political system
The political system during the Edo Period was characterized by centralized authority is the Tokugawas Shogunate
The shogun exercised control over the daimyo through system of alternate attendance, requiring them to spend part of their year in Edo
The shogunate implemented strict isolationist policies to limit foreign influence and maintain internal stability
The government relied on a complex network of bureaucrats (samurai administrators) to manage affairs at both the central and regional levels.
Shintoism
Religion
Shintoism Official indigenous religion of japan during the edo period Centered around the worship of kami spirits or deities believed to inhabit natural elements and phenomena Maintained close ties with the imperial court and traditional japanese culture
edo period
The Edo Period, also known as the Tokugawa period, lasted from 1603 to 1868 in Japan.
It was characterized by relative peace and stability under the rule of the Tokgawa shogunate
The capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which became the center of political power
The Edo Period saw the implementation of strict social and political controls to maintain stability
