East Asian Studies Exam 1 terms

Sugawara no Michizane

(845 - 903) A scholar and poet of the Heian period in Japan. Through emperor Uda's patronage he managed to rise far beyond the rank normally permitted to a man from a scholarly family. He is said to be the author of some of the best Chinese poetry ever produced by Japanese. He was sent to the exile because he was accused of plotting with Uda to force Go-Daigo to abdicate. He was given the title of Tanjin (heavenly deity) and he officially became a god after men who were involved in his political fall died and people thought that Michizane's angry spirit was responsible for their deaths.

Benkei

A Japanese warrior monk who lived in the latter years of the Heian Period . Benkei had a varied life, first becoming a monk, then a mountain ascetic, and then a rogue warrior. As he lived, he came to respect and serve the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. He is commonly depicted as a man of great strength and loyalty. He became Yoshitsune's retainer and fought with him in the Genpei War against the Taira clan.

Genpei war

A conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans during the late-Heian period of Japan. It resulted in the downfall of the Taira and the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate under Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192. Kiyomori defeated.

Minamoto no Yoshitsune

A military commander of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura periods. During the Genpei War, he led a series of battles which toppled the Ise-Heishi branch of the Taira clan, helping his half-brother Yoritomo consolidate power. He is considered one of the greatest and the most popular warriors of his era, and one of the most famous samurai fighters in the history of Japan. After the Heji insurrection, he is banished to Kurayama temple and gets into a fight with a warrior monk: Benkei. Eventually takes Benkei on as his retainer and fought with him against the Taira in the Genpei war.

Hogen uprising

A short civil war fought in order to resolve a succession dispute. When Minamoto no Yoshiie dies in 1106, the Taira's gain control of the North Gate (the imperial military force). Taira no Tadamori forms alliances with other warriors, especially the Fujiwara. Emperor's involved: Go Shirakawa and Sutoku and behind them were Fujiwara no Tadamichi and Taira no Kiyomori. The Taira are also supported by Minamoto no Yoshitomo--> Shirakawa is victorious.

Soga

Associated with a new and stronger Asuka court and increased the symbolic- and to some extent real- power of the Yamato kings. Kinship group that becomes powerful under the Keitai and Kinmei (Gain power through marriage politics). At the end of the 6th century, the Soga siezed power in the Yamato court. Other clans got upset about Soga power and wanted to oust them (Saw the Soga as foreigners and also Buddhists--> Soga brought Buddhism to Japan). Biggest threat was Mononobe clan (long term residents of Japan, no benefits from change).

Prince Shotoku

Asuka period. The Soga clan dominated the Japanese courts during the Asuka period after defeating the Mononobe clan. The head of the Soga, Soga no Umako assisnated the emperor and placed his niece, empress Suiko, on the throne. As her regent, he placed her nephew Prince Shotoku in the position. He had both imperial and soga blood. He handled political affairs while she handled religious affairs.

Japanese emperor's difference from Chinese emperor

Chinese emperors has more power and kept the kingdom more centralized. However, the main difference is that the Chinese emperor could lose the mandate of heaven (he/she was not a descendant of a heavenly being) while Japanese rulers could never lose the mandate of heaven (he/she was a defendant of the sun goddess). Also, Chinese society was far more patriarchal than the Japanese ands started off with women being unable to be empress. In Japan, the rule that women could not rule was a later invention.

Nihon Shoki

Chronicles of Japan. Also commissioned by Emperor Tenmu and Jito (also created a need for literate people). Similar to Kojiki--> Explains mandate of heaven, but unlike Kojiki, it does so by borrowing extensibly from Chinese cosmological and historical texts and generally modeling itself on the early Chinese dynastic histories. Mixes mythical legends/stories with facts.

Uji

Clan but the bonds were more than blood--> bonds of loyalty rather than blood. Basic political units at the time (can be compared to how the United States has 50 states, Japan had 60+ uji)

Samurai

Class of warriors in feudal Japan who pledged loyalty to a noble in return for land. Also known as Bushi. Ideal bushi exhibited martial skills and demonstrated valor and manly pride. Many features idealized and incorporated into a "Code of Samurai" centuries later. Samurai expected to disdain death and prize honor--> Ready to commit ritual suicide rather than face capture/dishonor. In reality, Kamakura warriors were far from this ideal.

Empress Jito

Consort of Tenmu. When Tenmu dies, she becomes Tenno. She then puts her grandson, Monmu, on the throne. When Monmu dies, his mother Genmei becomes Tenno (while preparing her grandson to take over). Genmei transfers the capital to Nara

Cap rank system

Created by Prince Shotoku. Replaced Kabane system. The system created 12 ranks in the courts. Each rank came with its own color. The colors were demonstrated on their hats--> based on merit (MERITOCRACY!!!)

Taika reforms (land)

Created new systems of land ownership and taxation on that land. Ordered all lands to be made public (meant clans had to give up their private land ownings, they were MAD--> meant to dampen clans' powers. Didn't really work though.). The imperial court split Japan into manageable chunks (provinces--> counties within the provinces--> and villages within the counties). a governor was assigned to each level (one of their duties was to collect taxes. meant to subvert power from the local clan leaders--> IT DIDN'T). If you worked for the state government you received a nice piece of land which you would have to return when you died (except this didn't work because many government positions became hereditary in practice meaning the land stayed within the family--> exactly that the government was trying to prevent). Public land was split and distributed among the people (men got more land than women, everyone was responsible for paying taxes on their land, this system only applied to common folk) People payed taxes in the form of goods (rice and fabric. Also had to do physical labor for a couple days every year). Monasteries, shrines, and government officials did not have to pay taxes.

Order of the periods

Early Japan -Jomon -Yayoi -Kofun -Yamato -Asuka Nara Heian Kamakura Muromachi

Jinshin disturbance

Emperor Tenji listed his younger brother, Oama, as his heir. However, he changed his mind and rumors started spreading that he wanted his favorite son, Prince Otomo, to succeed him. Kamatari stepped in and calmed things down. However, when Kamatari died, Tenji gave his Otomo the newly created position of chancellor (Took care of state affairs, basically highest ranked position other than emperor). When Tenji died, Oama took himself off the playing board (retired to be a monk) and allowed Otomo to take power. However, in 672, Oama heard that people from the capital were plotting against him so he decided to return to civilization and fight. Oama asked clan leaders from Ise and Iga for people for an army. He also sent an army to block a major road that would prevent the capital from getting chieftains on their side. Basically a race to see who could get the most chieftains on their side (whoever did won). Oama got the most support and Otomo killed himself--> Oama is victorious and becomes emperor (Names himself emperor tenmu and becomes the most powerful Japanese emperor).

Retired Emperors

Emperors who ruled for a period of time and then retired, so they could oversee the transition of power. Wanted to ensure Japan did not fall apart without them. They would place a family member on the throne and rule behind them. Started during the Heian period. The retired emperor would do the actual state duties while the actual Tenno would do the ceremonial and religious duties

Why Taika reforms failed in its attempt to diminish power of the clans

Even though clan leaders were forced tp give up their private land holdings, they often became the governors responsible for the land's taxation meaning they basically never even gave up the land. Also, the government allowed important clan chiefs to keep their land (private land did not pay texted to the courts). The government allowed these exceptions that went against their goal of centralization because such reforms are hard to implement (took decades to implement all of the taika reforms). Also, the people in charge (Naka no Oe and Kamatari) came to power through a coup--> They did not have the other government officials on their side.

Taiho codes

First declaration that the penal and administrative codes were enacted was in 689 c.e.--> Became nominal law of the land (after revisions) until the 19th century. Codes allowed for a vast bureaucracy below the emperor (Council of shrine affairs, Ministry of military affairs, ministry of the treasury, etc.--> Each had their own building in the palace compound). Also included an elaborate system of ranks: Members of government and elite society were regulated by ranks (People in power benefited from these connections: nepotism). Rank was extremely important--> determined eligibility for government office as well as provided an official stipend (Source of significant income). Also created a central administrative system (financed through taxation based on equal field system--> Transformed into something different than established Chinese system). Lastly, divided Japan into 60 provinces.

Minamoto no Yoritomo

First shogun of Japan. Creates a new system, the emperor appoints himself as semi taishogun (The barbarian suppressing general). First to establish an axis of power outside the imperial court. He did not remain within the emperor system, but was still in charge. When Minamoto gets power in 1185, he does not abolish the emperor system--> He uses it to gain legitimacy. Defeats Kiyomori in Genpei war. Consolidated his position in the East--> Built a secret base for warrior power.

Regents

Fujiwara no Michinaga's use of marriage politics began the regent system. Rise of regents during Heian period. There were two types Sessho (Ruled when emperor was young and could not do it alone) and Kampaku (Rule even when the emperor is an adult). There were also sekkankes which were a combination of both. The regents were often Fujiwara who would marry into the imperial family in order to exert influence.

Taika reforms

Goal was centralization. Used Tang China as a model. The governors were replaced by ministers of the left, right, and center (Goal was to take away governors autonomy). Called for constructing a permanent capital city, all weapons were to be confiscated and put into a government sanctioned armory (would prevent clans from rising up and defeating the government), abolished be.

Fujiwara

Japanese aristocratic family in mid-9th century; exercised exceptional influence over imperial affairs; aided in decline of imperial power. Gained their power through marriage politics and appointed themselves as regents.

Differences between Jomon and Yayoi

Jomon: Rope patterns were more complex, no agricultural economy (immediate gratification), Ainu people inhabited Japan (Indigenous), hunting and gathering Yayoi: Rope patterns less complex, agricultural society, class + clan society emerges (Yamato clan emerges victorious), new type of pottery emerges (smooth surface), Yayoi period sees a lot of bells (Changing structure of ritual objects), iron and metal, Yayoi dealt with their food shortages by increasing productivity--> using their tools and new technologies of agriculture to build dikes, ditches, and dams to bring eater to more elevated fields, had laws and a hierarchical society, has a ruler (Queen Himiko), more immigrants from Korea

17 articles constitution

List of ethical principles based on Confucianism and Buddhism. Meant to show government officials how to act virtuously. Write about a harmonious relationship between ruler and subject. Stressed the authority of the emperor (all confusion ideals). Wanted to create a system that placed the emperor at the top--> copy the Sui dynasty in China

Taira no Kiyomori

Military leader of the late Heian period of Japan. He established the first samurai-dominated administrative government in the history of Japan. Son of emperor Go-Shirakawa. After the Heiji insurrection, Kiyomori begins to increase his hold on the retired emperor system (Control 30/60 provinces). Becomes Prime Minister in 1171 and has his daughter marry the emperor (Go Shirakawa's son). In a few years, the Taira are everywhere.

Naka no Oe (Emperor Tenji)

Named himself Emperor Tenji. Instrumental in planning the Taika coup which placed him on the throne

Ritsuryo System

Part of Taika reforms. Official ranks (Not familial, given by emperor--> Solidifies emperor's importance) and titles (familial). Also, set up a formal central government (Department of worship and department of state with the emperor at the head). Heavily influenced by Confucian ideals

Kamakura period

Period spanning from 1185- 1333 A.D. Feudal Japan began in this period, and the first shogunate was appointed. The Mongols invaded twice but were repelled by Kamikaze Typhoon. Zen Buddhism Flourished and wars drained the economy.

Similarities between Jomon and Yayoi

Population struggles (grew too fast, food production could not keep up), use of ritualistic objects, sedentary lifestyle (yayoi more so, however), rope patterns

Eisai

Promoter of Zen Buddhism. Made two trips to China and brought back religious ideas and enthusiasm for tea (Connection between zen and tea). Follow of Rinzai school. Supported by Kamakura.

Dogen

Promoter of Zen Buddhism. Uncompromising in his attitude towards secular authority. Preached the Chinese idea of zen more.

Kojiki

Record of ancient matters in Japan. More fictional (Think The Odyssey). Narrates divine origins and succession, always legitimate, of early "emperors".--> meant to provide a legitimacy and authroity for the royal house and its rule over Japan. Included genealogies of Gods, emperors, their children, and their descendants.--> Established hierarchical ordering of noble kinship groups. Commissioned by Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jito. Created a need for literate people.

Queen Himiko

Shamaness queen in ancient Japan. She ruled over the unified parts of Japan during the Yayoi period. Chinese documentation claims that the people chose her as ruler following decades of warfare among the kings of Wa (Ancient Japan)--> Fact she was a queen suggests a matriarchal society

Prince Shotoku's effects

Shotoku began a string reforms meant to strengthen the emperor's power. When China unified under the Sui dynasty, Shotoku sent people from Japan there to learn their methods (led to heavy Chinese influence in Japan). Created cap rank system (to replace old Kabane system) and the 17 articles constitution--> Reforms were unsuccessful. Clans remained incredibly powerful and emperor remained fairly weak. Despite this, Shotoku got the ball rolling on the idea of a strong centralized government. He was successful at spreading Buddhism (Often called the father of Japanese Buddhism). Suiko was receptive to spreading Buddhism because it welcomed female rulers. Buddhism flourished in Japan with temples popping up all over.

Muromachi period

Started with the Kenmu restoration. When that failed the Ashikaga shogunate took control. The period in Japanese history between 1392 and 1568 that was initiated when the Ashikaga family gained control of the shogunate and established their center of power in the Muromachi district of Kyoto.

Taika coup

Take over of the Japanese government and wiped out (mostly) all of the Soga--> Soga no longer in power.

Heji Insurrection

Takes place after Hogen uprising. Fujiwara no Nobuyori and Minamoto no Yoshitomo abduct Go-Shirakawa and set fire to the Sanjo palace. However, Nobuyori and Yoshitomo are eventually defeated (killed) by Taira Kiyomori and Go-Shirakawa is saved. Consequence: Go-Shirakawa realizes he needs the help of warriors for protection. All of Yoshitomo's sons are killed except for his two younger sons (provided their mother become a concubine). This would later lead to the Taira clan's downfall.

Haniwa

Terra cotta figures that represented servants of the deceased emperor so they had people to take care of them in the afterlife.

The Noh Drama

The classic drama of Japan. Presented on a highly polished square wooden stage open to the audience on three sides. Most everything is symbolic. The actors and chorus are all male and they all wear highly stylized masks.

Heian period

The era in Japanese history from A.D. 794-1185, arts and writing flourished during this time. Capital moved to Heian. Aristocratic and elitist society. Heavy Chinese influence during this time. Heian society was rigidly hierarchical--> Society divided into about 30 grades. The top four grades were for princes and the top three (the kugyo) received all of the most important privileges. Heian period, known for its sophisticated political and cultural world, represents the highest form of development of the premodern monarchy and court before the dawn of medieval age. End of Heian period sees the birth of the samurai.

Kofun tomb period

Tomb period named after the tombs built for emperors. They were key hole shaped and massive in size. Some of the tombs are larger than others (Hierarchy), increasing centralization (complex web of allegiances bound them into a loosely centralized political order)

Oama (Emperor Tenmu)

Transformed the limited Yamato court into Imperial Japan paving the way for a strong central government. Made room for his allies by executing exiling his nephew's allies. Occupying the top levels of the government were his con story (empress Jito) and his sons. Also brought back the Kabane titles of nobility (Tenmu reduced the system to 8 ranks. He put Omi and Muraji near the bottom. The top titles went to Tenmu's allies during the war. Omi and Muraji titles still existed but were not as influential as they were before Prince Shotoku). Continued to make reforms to further centralize Japan: Created imperial armies around the capital and at strategic regions, making chieftains military commanders for the court, and improving roads so troops could move about freely. Also, pushed for the governmental changes that could create a unified state that could combat foreign advances--> Used China as a model. He and empress Jito commissioned the Nihon Shoki and the Kojiki. The texts legitimized Tenmu's claim that he was a heavily being because they stated that he had divine blood. He created title of Tenno (Heavenly king, what the emperor was called).

Nara period: Religious developments

Two new religious developments provide support for divine legitimacy: Massive state sponsorship of and control over a variety of Buddhist institutions. The second was a systemization of local gods (kami) into a hierarchy of shrines associated with divine narratives of the royal house.

Emperor Ojin

Yamato ruler who is controversial in the sense that it is unknown whether or not he is of Korean or Japanese decent. The Koreans believe he is of Korean decent--> If this is accurate, it poses a problem for the Japanese imperial line as he cannot be a descendant of the sun goddess (Only the Japanese bloodline are descendants of the sun goddess).

Yamato

Yamato's roots are in the Kofun period. The Kofun tombs were their symbols. The Yamato state controlled most of Japan starting from the southern Kyushu region all the way to the northern Tohoku region. Did so through militaristic means as well as marriage politics. Titles were invented during this period. Head of Yamato became the emperor. Clans were mostly autonomous, Yamato court did not interfere

Nara period

a period of Japanese history, 710-794, characterized by the adoption of Chinese culture and forms of government. Nara becomes the new capital. Nara also becomes the religious center of Japan (Todaiji temple built). Also, felt a lot of pressure from outside forces (Unified Korea and strong Tang China). Also faced domestic pressure (Change in royal lines)--> Starts a series of intense centralization (Ritsuryo state, taiho codes, taika reforms). Kojiki and Nihon Shoki created the need for literacy. Nara period ends because of the need to shift the capital (Nara may have been exhausted of its natural resources and taxable lands). Also, faced multiple natural disasters and the court was continually shaken with succession problems and power struggles that ended in the loser's exile or death. In 781, a great grandson of Tenji, Kanmu, takes the throne and decides to move the capital from Nara to Kyoto.

Bakafu

the military government of Japan between 1192 and 1868, headed by the shogun. Tent government established by Yoritomo. Gained legitimacy through emperor who made him "Barbarian suppressing general". In theory, the country was ruled from Kyoto by an emperor. Meanwhile, in Kamakura, the other place of governance, the power apparently delegated to the shogun was exercised by Hojo officials.

Kenmu Restoration

the three-year period between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, when the Imperial Court was brought back into power by the effort of Emperor Go-Daigo and his loyalists samurai. Eventually ended in 1336 when Takauji defeated Nitta Yoshisada and dethroned Go-Daigo.

Shogun

was the military dictator of Japan during the period from 1185 to 1868 (with exceptions). The shōgunate was their administration or government. In most of this period, the shōguns were the de facto rulers of the country, although nominally they were appointed by the Emperor as a ceremonial formality. The shōguns held almost absolute power over territories through military means.