Transcript Early Japan
Japan Geography
Japan is a large group of islands located off the mainland of Asia to the East.
Made up of 80% of mountains, just 20% of the land is flat.
Seafood was a large part of their diet.
Separate from Asia so they developed a different culture.
Early Japan and its Warring Clans
Early Japan was divided in 100’s of different states over the 4 main islands.
In the beginning Japanese people lived in
clans
or extended families ruled by a chief.
All the clans were not equal and some were more powerful.
Some clans built huge armies to conquer its neighbors.
Eventually the strongest clan began to call themselves
emperors
of Japan.
Japanese Culture
Contact with China blended both cultures Adopted the Chinese philosophy of
Confucianism.
Fathers should rule the family Wives obey husbands Children obey parents Younger siblings obeyed older siblings
Japanese Culture
In the early 1000’s, Lady
Murasaki Shikibu
wrote what is considered the worlds first novel,
The Tale of Genji.
A story a princes long quest for love.
Japanese government
During this time noble families began to occupy an important place in the
government,
emperor.
giving advice to the Overtime, the nobles worked to weaken the emperors power because they lost touch with the common people.
Japanese Society In Trouble
They did not pay attention to the problems facing the poor. People began fighting for land.
Because of this in 1192 nobles started to rely on the
warrior
class for
protection
The Samurai
These warriors, called
samurai
society.
, defended their land & kept order in They wore light armor & fought with swords and bows.
Samurai literally means “servant.” They were meant to serve his
lord,
then the emperor. Received payment in land or food.
The Samurai
The Samurai
The Samurai Code
All Samurai had to follow a strict code of rules that taught them how to behave called
Bushido.
“The way of the warrior”
Be brave and honorable Learn to fight Work on concentration ○ Poetry and Bonsai Trees Do not fear death Loyalty to the lord
The Samurai and Honor
• • •
Honor
was the most important thing in a Samurai’s life. If he loses his honor he is expected to commit
suicide.
Losing a fight Not protecting their lord Disobeying orders Today the Samurai in Japan are like our cowboys in the U.S.