Feudal Japan
Geography
Geographic Features of Japan
• 4 main islands- Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu
and Hokkaido.
• Volcanic islands that are hilly and rocky.
Only 15% of land arable.
• Many harbors with 1700 miles of coastline.
• Earthquakes common due to volcanic
nature of islands- part of “Ring of Fire.”
Religion
• Shinto- animistic religion. Emperor
descended from sun god and thus divine
• Buddhism- arrived in 700s and became
dominant due to its life after death
message.
Mount Fujiyama
The People
• Mixture of people from Korea, China,
Southeast Asia and Pacific islands.
• Light skinned, short and stocky.
• Social structure was rigid:
- Emperor and court
- Samurai
- Farmers and Fisherman
- Artisans and Merchants
Family
• Father supreme authorityno member could marry,
move or take a job
without his blessing.
• Men authority over
women
• Elders authority over
young
• Small nuclear families
• Adoption of boys
common practice
Oda Nobunaga 1568-1582
• First to try and unite all
the islands of Japan
under one rule. (Failed,
but showed others the
way)
• First to use muskets in
battle in Japan
(Tokugawa would later
use to unite Japan but
afterwards outlaw to
prevent insurrection).
Bushido Code (Way of the Warrior)
There are seven virtues associated with the samurai bushido code:
• Gi - Rectitude
• Yu - Courage
• Jin - Benevolence
• Rei - Respect
• Makoto - Honesty
• Meiyo - Honor
• Chugi - Loyalty
Tokugawa Shogunate
Tokugawa Rule
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United Japan under rule of Shogun
Removed foreign influence
Outlawed Christianity
Came to power using gunpowder but then
outlawed it so it could not be used against
them
• Used hostage system to control daimyo
Armor
Swords
Geisha
Haiku
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•
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17 syllables
5-7-5 rule
Three Lines
Does not have to
rhyme
“This snowy morning
That black crow I hate so much
But he is so beautiful!”
Matsuo Basho
Kabuki Theater
Fan Dancer