Shinotism, Social Order, Shotoku, Heian-Kyo Flashcards
What are the four largest islands of Japan?
Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido
Roughly speaking,what percent of Japanese land can be farmed?
Fifteen
What geographical feature allowed Japan to develop such unique religion, arts and social structure?
The surrounding seas
What is the direct English translation of Shintoism?
The way of the gods
In Shintoism, what is the main cause of bad things happening?
Evil spirits
According to the Shinto creation myth, what created the islands of Japan?
The drops of water that fell off the spear of the gods, Izangi and Izanami
What were men from the lower social ranks who were called on by clan leaders to help protect and enforce laws later called?
Samurai
What is the name of the Japanese Sun goddess that the Yamato chiefs claimed they were descended from?
Amaterasu
Where did Prince Shotoku send officials to study Buddhism, art, medicine and philosophy?
China
What is the ancient capital of Heian-Kyo known as today?
Kyoto
How could one tell a nobles social position from his home
The closer it was to the royal palace, the higher the owner’s social status
What activities took place in the imperial court?
Fine arts and learning
What type of temples did Shotoku have built around Japan?
Buddhist
Who tended to do the ‘true’ ruling in ancient Japan?
The emperors father or father-in-law
What was the principle job of the emperor in ancient Japan?
To perform ritual and ceremonial duties
