Shogunate Japan Test part 1 Flashcards
What are the 4 main islands of Japan?
Hokkaido, Honshū, Skikoku and Kyūshū
What are some characteristics of Japan’s geography and environment?
Frequent earthquakes, over 100 active volcanos, mountainous, dense forests, hotter south and colder north
Who owns all the land?
The emperor
How did the emperor get loyalty and cooperation?
Used shōen
What are shōen?
Grants of land from the emperor that were excluded from taxes
What are Diamyo?
Lords, they were noble leaders of samurai
What did the strict rules and customs affect for the diamyo?
Style and material of clothing, type of carriage, shape and number of folds in their fan. (Only highest ranks had 25 fold fans)
Who were samurai?
The soldiers/warriors of Japan that the diamyo led into battle to claim more land
Characteristics of wet fields
Wealthier people farmed on wet fields because they were more expensive and harder to maintain. They grew rice.
Significance of rice in shogunate Japan
Rice was the basis of the economy and the diamyo collected taxes in the form of rice, up to 40% of harvest.
Characteristics of dry fields
Produced barley, millet, soybeans, vegies and hemp
What happened when they ran out of harvest?
Usually by spring they’d have to hunt in the forest or go fishing
What did women do in a successful village?
Learnt useful crafts such as ceramics, embroidery and jewellery making
What were the 3 main belief systems?
Shinto, Confucianism and Buddhism
Brief description of Shintoism
‘The way of the spirits’. Involved spirits called kamp that even to be at natural features or places that create wonder or fear.
How did respect to kami?
Held ceremonies and built shrines
What was Confucianism?
A philosophy by Confucius that encourages respect for elders, consideration of others and cooperation. Spread to Japan in about 3AD
Brief description of Buddhism
They believe life is a search for enlightenment and believe in reincarnation until enlightenment is achieved (a perfect state)
What beliefs majorly influenced Japanese culture?
Shinto and Buddhist
What’s Bonsai?
The art of carefully pruning and training a tree that’s kept in a pot or container so that it grows as a mini version of its normal shape
What’s Ikebana?
The art of flower arrangement, usually done in silence as a sign of respect and meditation
What’s Noh?
‘Skill’. A mystical drama performed since 14th century. Originally a way of presenting Shinto and Buddhist stories and morals to people. Actors are men
Who had the highest authority in the Shinto religion?
The emperor
Who was the first emperor?
Jimmu (became emperor in 600bc)
How was the structure of government divided?
Emperor
Spirituality: Religion and kami rituals,interpret meaning behind unusual events, advised emperor when to travel&smaller major decisions.
Financial administration: Taxes and laws, 60 provinces each with a governor who ruled province and collected taxes for emperor
What were 4 things that came to Japan as a result of Shinto and Buddhist influences of culture?
Noh, Ikebana, Bonsai, Haiku and origami
What did the samurai follow?
Bushido, (‘way of the warriror’). Code of behaviour for the samurai based on Confucian and Shinto ideas
What did Bushido encourage?
Confucian ideas such as honour, respect of elders, loyalty to master and self-discipline
Describe the samurai’s armour
Small pieces of leather or metal laquered/joined together as scaled to allow for movement and protection
What’s seppuku?
A ritual suicide by disembowelling that samurai practised to demonstrate they’re still worthy of regaining honour after their reputation was damaged by defeat, disobedience or inability to follow orders.
When did a samurai commit seppuku?
When their reputation was damaged by defeat, disobedience or inability to follow orders from their lord
Explain forestry and how it was a problem
Originally pop going up slowly because people born and despite in battle. After sakoku pop went up because no battles & sakoku also meant they couldn’t import wood. This means there’s more demand for wood and prices went up. Diamyo & shogun protected forests and made ppl get permission to cut down trees. People plant more trees. Japan is happy again, with lots of trees.
What did the Japanese use wood for?
Houses, boats,cooking, eating, paper, woodblocks, art, heating, washing tubs, weapons and tools
What’s kokugaku?
The study of Japan by Japanese
What was Confucius known as?
The ancient and perfect sage
What weapons did samurai use?
Long and short sword, bow and spear
Why did a samurai commit seppuku?
To prove they were worthy of regaining honour
What was the other name for an emperor?
Mikado (heavenly sovereign)
Where was the emperors court based?
At Nara
Who was the head of the government?
The emperor
