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Intro to Japan > Midterm > Flashcards

Midterm Flashcards

1
Q

Jōmon period/culture

A

Ancient era in Japanese history (14,000–300 BCE) marked by distinctive pottery (cord marks), hunter-gatherer lifestyles, and early agriculture, reflecting significant advancements in culture and society, laying the foundation for subsequent periods
Lived in pit dwellings
Hunter gatherers
Pottery (dogu)
Limited cultivation/agriculture
Dental modification, tattooing

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2
Q

Dogū

A

Small clay figurines created during the Jōmon period, possibly used for ritual or religious purposes, representing some of the earliest forms of art in Japanese history → insight into ancient beliefs and cultural practices
Depictions of fertility, bug-like eyes (Dogu figurines)
Bug-like eyes seen in popular culture - lots of interpretations

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3
Q

Yayoi period/culture

A

Following Jōmon period (300 BCE to 300 CE), characterized by introduction of rice cultivation, metalworking, and social stratification, marking a pivotal shift in Japanese society towards settled agriculture and hierarchical structures
Agricultural community - rice cultivation
wheel-made pottery
metallurgy (bronze and iron)
status differences
warfare
systematized religion (shamanism)

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4
Q

Yamatai & Yamato

A

Yamatai refers to an ancient Japanese state mentioned in Chinese historical texts, often associated with the Yamato clan, a dominant political force during Yayoi period, eventually leading to the establishment of the Yamato state, which laid the foundation for imperial rule in Japan

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5
Q

Wa

A

Ancient Chinese term for Japan, used during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), reflecting early interactions between the two civilizations, providing insights into early perceptions of Japan and its people
Sent envoys to China

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6
Q

Himiko (Pimiko)

A

Legendary queen / shamaness who ruled over parts of ancient Japan during the Yayoi period, mentioned in Chinese historical records, symbolizing early female leadership and religious authority in Japanese history
Ruler of Wa; said to have sorcery/magical abilities

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7
Q

Ainu

A

Indigenous people of Japan, primarily inhabiting Hokkaido and parts of northern Honshu, with a distinct language, culture, and belief system, enduring centuries of cultural assimilation and discrimination, yet preserving their unique identity and heritage amidst modernization and societal changes
Jomon → Japanese | Ainu

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8
Q

Kami

A

Spirits / deities in Shinto religion, embodying natural elements, ancestors, and revered objects, central to Japanese religious practices, rituals, and worldview, fostering a deep connection between humans, nature, and the divine
Varieties of kami: heavenly deities, humans, animals, plants, topographical features (waterfalls), inanimate objects

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9
Q

Ritual pollution (kegare)

A

Concept in Shinto belief system: spiritual impurity / taboo caused by contact with death, illness, or certain actions, necessitating purification rituals to restore purity and harmony with the divine and community
Blood (menstruation, birth)
Methods of purification: Sprinkling salt, Sakaki branch, Water

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10
Q

Izanami & Izanagi

A

Primordial gods in Japanese mythology, creators of the Japanese islands and ancestors of the gods, initiating the cycle of life and death, symbolizing the duality of creation and destruction, foundational figures in Shinto cosmology
Izanagi and Izanami on Floating Bridge of Heaven when they see the wagtail and experience sexual desire, but don’t know how to act on it
Izanami (female deity) takes initiative in the sexual counter “How pretty! A handsome youth!”
Izanagi (male deity) then said “How pretty! A lovely maiden!”
They wished to have intercourse, but didn’t know how to do so → wagtail led them to do so → taught techniques of human reproduction

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11
Q

Amaterasu

A

Sun goddess, central to Shinto beliefs and the imperial family’s divine lineage, associated with light, fertility, and protection, symbolizing the source of life and prosperity
“Tale of the Heavenly Rock Cavern”
Amaterasu tempted to come out from cave again by other deities → light readmitted to world
Sacred mirror held up to her so she can see her restored state

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12
Q

Susanoo

A

God of storms and sea, sibling to Amaterasu, known for his wild and unpredictable nature, representing the forces of chaos and renewal, often depicted as a heroic but disruptive figure

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13
Q

Three Imperial Regalia

A

Symbols of imperial authority: sacred mirror (Yata no Kagami), beads/curved jewel (Magatama), and sword (Kusanagi)
Believed to be bestowed by the gods, signifying the legitimacy and divine mandate of the imperial line
“Tale of the descent of heaven” - heavenly grandchild (Ninigi) given regalia

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14
Q

Burial mounds (kofun)

A

Large tombs constructed in ancient Japan, primarily during Kofun period (250–538 CE), for elite individuals and rulers, reflecting social hierarchy and political power, containing valuable artifacts (horserider like objects such as clay horses (haniwa), armor, warriors) and haniwa figurines
Kofun period:
monumental architecture (burial mounds)
Yamato court strengthens itself through:
warfare (within archipelago)
continental diplomacy - China, Baekje
continental technologies
new techniques of social control

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15
Q

Haniwa

A

Terracotta clay figures placed in burial mounds during Kofun period, serving as guardians, offerings, and symbolic representations of daily life, rituals, and beliefs, providing valuable insights into ancient Japanese society and funerary practices

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16
Q

Asuka period

A

Historical era in Japan (592–710 CE) characterized by the introduction of Buddhism, Chinese influence in politics and culture, and the establishment of a centralized government, laying groundwork for subsequent Nara period
Soga clan
Suiko
Prince Shotoku
Imperial clan exercises power through Shinto mythology/ritual
Other clans compete for influence at court (Soga)
Close contacts with Korea
Certain clans - notably, Soga - adopt Buddhist deities as protective deities (not unlike clan deities, or ujigami, in Shinto)

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17
Q

Soga clan

A

Powerful family influential during Asuka period, known for their support of Buddhism and advocacy for diplomatic relations with Korea and China
Marriage politics
Unlike other clans, supports change, new technology, introduction of Buddhism
Recent continental immigrants

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18
Q

Suiko

A

First reigning empress of Japan (593–628 CE), who ruled during the Asuka period, known for her support of Buddhism and the promotion of cultural exchange with neighboring countries

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19
Q

Prince Shōtoku

A

Regent to Empress Suiko during the Asuka period, credited with promoting Buddhism, fostering cultural development, and instituting a centralized government through the Seventeen-article constitution
Established system of hierarchy of ranks - court and rank system - 12 court ranks with corresponding colored caps

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20
Q

Paekche (Baekje)

A

Ancient Korean kingdom that played a significant role in early Japanese history, particularly during Asuka period, through cultural exchange, trade, and diplomatic relations
Horse Rider theory

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21
Q

Taika reforms

A

Reforms initiated during Asuka period (645 CE), aimed at centralizing political power, standardizing land distribution, and implementing a Chinese-style administrative system, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese governance and societal structure
Head of Soga clan murdered → Empress abdicates → Taika reforms
State Buddhism - state becomes involved in Buddhism in edict

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22
Q

temple vs. shrine

A

Temples (buddhist) = places of worship for Buddhists
Shrines (Shinto) = worship of kami (spirits or deities)
Reflect the coexistence of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japanese society

23
Q

Nara period

A

Period (710–794 CE) characterized by the establishment of a permanent capital in Nara, the adoption of Chinese cultural and political models, and flourishing of Buddhism and art, marking a period of cultural advancement and imperial power
Yamato court adopts model of strong imperial bureaucracy from Tang-dynasty China
“Silk Road” connects Japan with various continental cultures
Imperial court sponsors first written works in Japanese (Kojiki, Manyoshu)
Buddhism becomes an important instrument of state policy

24
Q

Kojiki

A

Record of Ancient Matters
Ancient Japanese text completed in 712 CE; regarded as Japan’s oldest written work/historical record, containing myths, legends, and genealogies of the imperial family, and providing valuable insights into early Japanese mythology and culture
Commissioned by imperial court
Based on (adapted) earlier oral traditions
Agenda: enhancing prestige of imperial house
Stories describe Izanami and Izanagi, Amaterasu, Susanoo

25
Q

Man’yōshū

A

Anthology of Japanese poetry compiled in the Nara period, containing over 4,500 poems reflecting various aspects of Japanese society, culture, and natural beauty, serving as a valuable literary and historical resource.

26
Q

kana & kanji

A

Japanese writing systems
Kanji = Chinese characters used in Japanese writing
Kana = syllabic (phonetic) scripts, including hiragana and katakana

27
Q

Waka

A

Traditional Japanese poetry, characterized by its structured form and emotional depth, commonly composed in the tanka (31-syllable) or chōka (long poem) formats, flourishing during the Heian period as a literary art form

28
Q

Emishi

A

Indigenous peoples of northeastern Japan, known for their resistance against the central government’s control during Heian period, eventually assimilating into Japanese society
Hunt-gather

29
Q

Tōdaiji

A

Buddhist temple in Nara, founded in the 8th century, housing the Great Buddha statue and serving as a center for Buddhist learning and practice during the Nara period

30
Q

Heian period

A

Period (794–1185 CE) marked by the establishment of the capital in Kyoto, flourishing arts, literature, and court culture, characterized by the dominance of the aristocratic Fujiwara clan and the rise of the samurai class
Capital moves to Kyoto
No empress reigns
Monopolization of leadership roles by Fujiwara clan through marriage politics
Regulatory power of imperial bureaucracy begins to decline
Golden age of classical literature (often female-authored) & court culture
Tale of Genji
Pillow Book

31
Q

Fujiwara clan

A

Powerful aristocratic family influential during Heian period, known for their political maneuvering, cultural patronage, and intermarriage w imperial family, shaping the political landscape of Japan for centuries

32
Q

Murasaki Shikibu & The Tale of Genji

A

Murasaki Shikibu - Japanese noblewoman and author, credited with writing The Tale of Genji, an epic novel often considered the world’s first novel, depicting the life and loves of Prince Genji during the Heian period, offering profound insights into courtly life and human emotions

33
Q

Sei Shōnagon & The Pillow Book

A

Sei Shōnagon, a lady-in-waiting at the Heian court, authored The Pillow Book, a collection of anecdotes, observations, and poetic musings, offering a vivid portrayal of court life, manners, and aesthetics of the time, showcasing her wit, humor, and literary talent

34
Q

Tennō

A

Japanese term for emperor (ruler of Japan), considered a symbolic figurehead and the embodiment of the nation’s unity and continuity

35
Q

sesshō & kanpaku

A

Titles for regents and advisors to the emperor in feudal Japan
sesshō = temporary regent during the emperor’s minority; regent for child emperor
kanpaku = chief advisor and de facto ruler, wielding significant political power during the Heian period; regent for adult emperor

36
Q

in (retired emperor)

A

Title bestowed upon a former Japanese emperor upon their abdication, allowing them to retain influence and authority within the imperial court, while the reigning emperor assumes full ceremonial and political duties, maintaining continuity and stability within the imperial institution

37
Q

Shōen

A

Private estates in feudal Japan granted to individuals or institutions by the government, providing economic stability and political influence, contributing to the rise of powerful landowners and the weakening of central authority during Heian period

38
Q

samurai / bushi

A

Japanese warriors during feudal Japan, characterized by their code of honor (bushido), martial skills, and loyalty to their lord, playing crucial roles in military campaigns and shaping Japanese history and culture
Bushi = military elite
protectors of “private” estates (shōen) → growth of samurai power at the expense of imperial power
“hired swords” of imperial court (professional military) → samurai power as symbiotic with imperial power
Samurai culture as a frontier (zone of cultural interpenetration/hybridization) culture

39
Q

Taira & Minamoto clans

A

Prominent samurai clans in feudal Japan, engaged in a bitter rivalry culminating in the Genpei War (1180–1185), which resulted in the Minamoto clan’s victory and the establishment of Kamakura shogunate
Genji = Minamoto
Heike = Taira

40
Q

Kamakura period

A

1st shogunate
Aka Minamoto period, Hojo period
Period (1185–1333) marked by establishment of Kamakura shogunate, characterized by decentralized governance, samurai dominance, and emergence of Zen Buddhism and new artistic forms
Warriors assume political power (Kamakura shogunate)
Economic power shared among 3 social elites: warriors, court nobility, and Buddhist temples
Mongol invasions (1274 & 1281) accelerate militarization of society

41
Q

Minamoto Yoritomo & Yoshitsune

A

Minamoto Yoritomo = founder of Kamakura shogunate
Minamoto no Yoshitsune = half-brother and renowned samurai warrior
Played pivotal roles in Genpei War, with Yoritomo consolidating power as the first shogun and Yoshitsune achieving fame for his military exploits

42
Q

Hōjō Masako

A

Wife of Minamoto Yoritomo and influential figure in Japanese history, known for her political acumen and role in supporting her husband’s rise to power, playing a significant role in shaping the early Kamakura shogunate

43
Q

Genpei War

A

Civil war between Taira and Minamoto clans (1180-1185), culminating in Minamoto victory and establishment of Kamakura shogunate, marking a turning point in Japanese history and the transition to the feudal era

44
Q

Nanori

A

Name-announcing
Speculation on whether it actually happened on battlefield or not
Possible explanations/motivations
Identify oneself to enemy in order to find suitable foe?
Establish witnesses in order to support later claims to reward?
Intimidate enemy?
Identify oneself to allies in order to not be mistaken for enemy?
Narrator’s way of identifying characters for benefit of listeners/readers?
Importance of na (name) in warrior culture - seek peer reputation and avoid haji - shame

45
Q

The Tale of the Heike

A

Epic tale of Genpei War and downfall of Taira clan, chronicling the rise and fall of samurai clans, portraying themes of honor, loyalty, and impermanence, shaping Japanese literature and culture

46
Q

An Account of My Hut

A

Poetic work by Kamo no Chōmei, reflecting on the impermanence of life and the search for spiritual solace, portraying the author’s retreat from worldly affairs to a humble hut in the mountains, conveying Buddhist themes of impermanence and detachment
Nembutsu

47
Q

Bakufu

A

Military government or shogunate (like the Kamakura shogunate), where the military held significant political power, governing through military means rather than the traditional imperial court

48
Q

Shōgun

A

Supreme military commander in feudal Japan, appointed by the emperor or a regent, holding de facto political power and leading the samurai class, exemplified by figures like Minamoto Yoritomo during Kamakura period

49
Q

Shingon

A

Form of Japanese esoteric Buddhism introduced by Kūkai in the 9th century, emphasizing rituals, meditation, and attainment of enlightenment through symbolic practices and mantras

50
Q

Tendai

A

School of Mahayana Buddhism established by Saichō in the 9th century, emphasizing the integration of various Buddhist teachings and practices, known for its monastic centers and philosophical depth

51
Q

Amida

A

A celestial Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism, believed to preside over the Western Paradise (Pure Land), offering salvation to those who invoke his name with sincere devotion, emphasizing faith in Amida and rebirth in his Pure Land

52
Q

Nenbutsu

A

Devotional practice in Pure Land Buddhism, involving the recitation of the name of Amida Buddha (Namu Amida Butsu), expressing gratitude and seeking rebirth in Amida’s Pure Land, emphasizing salvation through faith and grace

53
Q

Hōnen

A

Founder of the Pure Land school of Buddhism, advocating for the nenbutsu practice and the exclusive reliance on Amida Buddha’s grace for salvation, contributing to the popularization of Pure Land teachings during Kamakura period

54
Q

Pure Land (Jōdo)

A

Buddhist paradise / realm of enlightenment, believed to be presided over by Amida Buddha, offering salvation to devotees who sincerely recite Amida’s name and aspire to be reborn in this blissful realm, central to Pure Land Buddhism

Intro to Japan (1 decks)

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