the island kingdom of japan

marusaki shikbu

created the first novel, tale of genji

what was the order of feudal society in japan?

emperor (had no power), shogun (was the military leader), daimyo and samurai (powerful lords and their warriors), peasants and artisans (are poor and work), merchants (are wealthy and considered greedy)

compare japanese feudalism to western european feudalism.

in japan, woman had more freedoms (they could be samurai and learn to read write in japanese). in western europe, women were to be under their father or husband and could not learn to read.

how did buddhism shape japanese culture?

it emphasized self-reliance, meditation and devotion to duty.

how did korea and china influence japan?

japanese is distinctly related to korean. missionaries from korea introduced buddhism to japan. with it came knowledge of chinese writing and culture.

how did japan's location help set it apart from its neighbors?

surrounding seas protected and isolated japan. it had the freedom to accept or reject chinese influences.

how did japan avoid being dominated by chinese influences?

surrounding seas protected japan.

summarize life at the heian court.

there were beautiful pavilions, gardens and lotus pools, courtiers dressed in 12 layers of multicolored silk.

what role did women play?

they produced the most important works of japanese literature.

how did the yamato clan affect japan?

they set up japan's first and only dynasty and claimed direct descent from the sun goddess.

how was japan able to escape from the mongol conquest?

they were defeated by two different typhoons.

how did chivalry to one's lord affect japanese feudal society?

they were prepared for hardship and were loyal, which in turn kept them in line and made sure they never intentionally betrayed their lord.

how did the tokugawas' unite and what was the effect on the economy?

they were required to live in the shogun's capital at edo every other year. new laws fixed the the old social order rigidly in place and upheld a strict moral code.

why did the japanese visit china?

to study their culture.