Medieval Japan Flashcards
Define Samurai
A member of a powerful warrior class in Japan
Define Bushido
A samurai code that called on warriors to be honest, fair, and fearless
Define Shogun
the head of the military government of Japan in the era of the samurai
How did Japan experience cultural diffusion under Prince Shotoku?
It occured at a faster rate because trade opened with China and Korea.
What two primary countries influenced Japan’s culture?
China and Korea
Describe pagodas.
a tower-shaped structure with several stories and upturned, tiled roofs.
What ideas did the religion of Shintoism represent?
a Japanese religion that expresses love and respect for nature.
Explain tanka.
Form of Japanese poetry.
Describe Japan’s Golden Age.
a period of great happiness, prosperity, and achievement.
How did women value the idea of beauty during the Golden Age, or Heian period?
Heian women used white face powder to make themselves look very pale, have long dark hair, and blacken their teeth.
What did people do for leisurely activity during the Heian period?
Archery
What does a samurai’s training include?
Swordsmanship (sword was prized possession), archery, and martial arts. Their ultimate duty was to protect and be loyal to their masters.
What form of handwriting were samurai expected to practice?
Calligraphy
Why did samurai practice Zen Buddhism?
Helped samurai become disciplined and focused.
How were women perceived in the 17th Century (end of the samurai era)?
Their status declined.
