JapanChapter 15

How did the Japanese blend borrowed customs and native traditions into unique culture?

Section 1: Geography and Early JapanSection 1: Geography and Early Japan

Japan’s early societies were both isolated

from and influenced by

China and Korea.

What is Japan’s geography like?

• Isolated group of islands• Tops of undersea volcanoes• About 20% land is flat coastal plains

How did emperors take power in Japan?• building up armies • conquering neighbors• Claiming to be descended from the sun goddess

What aspects of Chinese society did Shotoku bring to Japan?• Confucian ideas

• Buddhism• government

How did the Japanese blend borrowed customs and native traditions into unique culture?

Section 2: Art and Culture in Heian

Section 2: Art and Culture in Heian

Japanese culture experienced a

golden age during the Heian

period of the 800s to the 1000s

What forms of art were popular in the Heian period?

• Literature• Visual art• Architecture• Fashion• Performing arts

How did Buddhism change in Japan?

• More of an art form for nobles• Commoners developed Pure Land Buddhism• Zen Buddhism appealed to warriors

How did the Japanese blend borrowed customs and native traditions into unique culture?

Section 3: Growth of a Military SocietySection 3: Growth of a Military Society

Japan developed a military society led by generals called shoguns.

How did the shogun rise to power in Japan?

• Emperor was busy in Heian

• Leader of the Minamoto clan defeated another powerful clan

• Took control of the country

What customs did samurai follow?

• Bushido

• Tea ceremonies/flower arranging/bonsai

trees

• Zen Buddhism

What challenges appeared to the shogun's authority?

• Mongols• Internal rebellion• Nobles were unhappy the shogun didn’t

give them credit for fighting Mongols• Emperor wanted more control• Daimyo broke free of the shogun’s control

How did Japan change in the Tokugawa shogunate?

•Japan began to trade with other countries and let European missionaries live in Japan.