The Spread of Chinese Civilization

Japan

Chinese influence on Japan peeked in the 7th and 8th centuries

The Japanese courts were flooded with Chinese customs and cultures

In 646, the Japanese Emperor looked to completely revamp their government to reflect China's style

These were called the Taika reforms

The Japanese were struggling to master Chinese script

Wrote dynastic histories

Followed elaborate imperial court etiquette

Struggled to master Confucian ways

Worshipped in Chinese temples

Admired Buddhist art

Blended the worship of Chinese Buddhism and the kami – or nature spirits of Japan

CrisisIf they would had succeeded, the Taika reforms would have solidified the impact of Chinese culture on JapanAristocrats were resisting as well as Buddhist monksThe Buddhist monks had grown so bold and powerful that the aristocrats feared themIn 794, the Japanese Emperor (Kammu) established a new capital in in the city of Heian – later named KyotoHe banned Buddhist monasteries from building capitals there

In addition to fighting Buddhism, the emperor abandoned the Taika reforms

He restored the aristocratic families

The Japanese broke with the Chinese precedent of determining rank by birth and by allowing little mobility between various orders

Abandoned the idea of a peasant army in favor for a militia style army

Ultracivilized

The imperial Japanese court rose to new levels of refinement

A closed world of luxury and aesthetic delights

Followed strict codes of polite behavior

Social status was everything

Love affairs were a major preoccupation

Gossip was rampant

The imperial families lived in elaborate homes with palaces and gardens

Sliding panels, matted floors, and wooden walkways

Fish ponds, artificial lakes, waterfalls and fine gardens

Writing verse was another fine art

The poems were often written on fans or scented paper

The most celebrated of these poems was The Tale of the Genji