Japan’s Feudal
Age
Japanese Feudalism
Emerges
• Due to a struggle for power
within armies-a feudal
system in Japan evolved
• Just like in medieval
Europe-this system was
dominated by the warrior
aristocracy
• The emperor was the head
of feudal society-more of a
figurehead really.
• The real power belonged
to the shogun, or supreme
military commander.
Minamoto Yoritomo
• Appointed shogun
in 1192
• Set up the
Kamakura
shogunate
– This was the first of
3 military dynasties
that would rule
Japan for approx.
700 years
Feudalism
• Under the shoguns were
warrior lords, called
daimyo.
– Shoguns would distribute
lands to them and they would
supply men when needed.
• Under the daimyo were the
samurai, meaning “those
who serve”.
– Their code of values that
emphasized honor, bravery,
and absolute loyalty to their
lord was called bushido.
– A true samurai would not fear
death
– Seppuku-expected of samurai
guilty of betrayal; ritual
suicide-better to die than to
live without honor
Social Hierarchy
• Noble women
trained in military
arts
• Far below the
Samurai lied the
peasants, artisans,
and merchants
– Peasants made up
75% of the
population
From the book…
• Take a moment to copy the “Feudal
Society in Japan” diagram on page
327 into your notes.
– Copy everything but the pictures.
Mongols
• The Mongol quest of
China and Korea also
effected Japan
• The Mongols in 1274
under Kublai Khan
began threatening
Japan. However, a
typhoon destroyed
their fleet.
• Again, in 1281, the
Mongols tried to take
over and a typhoon
wiped them away
again.
Kamikaze
• The Japanese credited
a kamikaze, or divine
wind, for the
miraculous aid the
typhoons provided.
• They believed they
were protected by the
gods.
• Thus, today there are
kamikaze fighter pilots.
•
Order
and
Unity
The Kamakura eventually
crumbled due to Mongol
invasions
• Tokugawa Ieyasu eventually
became the master of Japan
and was named a shogun.
– Known for his extreme
practices and law making.
• All the shoguns that followed
him wanted to end feudal
warfare.
• They created a unified,
orderly society and put their
capital in Edo (modern day
Tokyo). They had a strict
moral code and followed the
bushido.
Kabuki
• A popular form of
theater came about
during this time called
kabuki.
• The actors dressed in
elaborate costumes
and wore tons of
make-up.
• They usually
performed plays
involving tales of honor
and betrayal in feudal
Japan.
Haiku
• A popular form of
literature was a
form of poetry
called haiku.
• In three lines (5-75) the poet uses
words to express a
feeling, thought or
idea.
Assignment for Today!
• Write a haiku about Japan’s feudal age.
Remember, the first line has 5 syllables, the
second line has 7 syllables and the third line
has 5 syllables.
• When you finish. Write it neatly with
marker, and title it.