Japan

What was fashion like during the Heian Period?

Women painted their faces white, their teeth black and shaved their eyebrows off. They then painted their eyebrows back on.

Archipelago

a chain of islands ex: Japan

Kanji

a mix of Chinese characters with the original Japanese writing

yukai

the Invisible World; a tenet of the relgion Shintism

During the military period who was the true leader of Japan

the Shogun

What was the World's very first novel?

the Tale of Genji

Japanese Alps

the longest mountain range in Japan; Mt. Fuji is here

Zen Buddhism in Japan

the religion practiced by the Samurai warriors. It focused on discipline and meditation.

Human Environment Interaction

the study of the interrelationship between people and their physical environment

Genpei War (1180-1185)

war between Taira and Minamoto; lasts 5 years; Heian renamed Kyoto; Minamoto win

Shogun

In feudal Japan, a noble similar to a duke. They were the military commanders and the actual rulers of Japan for many centuries while the Emperor was a powerless spiritual figure.

Ainu people of Japan

Indigenous people of Japan from the Jomon, marked by hunter-gathering communities. and strong ties to Shintoism. They experienced great levels of discrimination as they were pushed further up the islands of Japan.

The Tale of Genji is significant because

It is considered the World's first novel and was written by a woman.

Why did Japan become a military society?

Japan became dangerous as Daimyos (lords) were fighting each other over land. The Emperor was too focused on his love of beauty and art to run the country.

What was the Heian Period?

Japan's golden age

Prince Shotoku

Japanese regent, he was one of Japan's greatest leaders. He was influential in bringing Buddhism and Chinese ideas to Japan.

Armor of God

Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, Sword of the Spirit, Shoes of Peace

Wakizashi Sword

Short sword used by Samauri for ceremonial purposes

Yamoto Period

(500 - 700) "Great Kings" era; these people claimed to be decendents of Jimmo Tenno to obtain power; Buddhism enters Japan through Koreans; confucianism; language was kanji; by 600 AD, Prince Shotuku decides he wants to go to china to learn about their culture to add to China's culture (he sent 3 expiditions)

Prince Shotoku's Constitution

- Written in an attempt to remake Japan - Modeled after China's sophisticated political institutions - Based off of Confucian and Buddhist ideas - Influenced that good government depended on ethical behavior - States that the state must be run by ethical men (relationship of leader and subject)

Asuka era

-2nd half of the Yamoto Period. Buddhism has arrived along with many other Asian important -Prince Shotoku creates the constitution based on Confucius laws. -Shifts from matriarchal to patriarchal society.

Weapons of the Samurai

2 Swords (one ceremonial, one for battle)

Pure Land Buddhism

A school of Buddhism that proved to be immensely popular in China; emphasized salvation by faith in the Amitabha Buddha.

place

A specific point on Earth is distinguished by a particular character. or set of characteristics

Jomon Period

A stone-age cultural period from which Japanese culture began to emerge around 12,000 years ago.

region

An area distinguished by a unique combination of trends or features.

Kami

Any sacred being worshipped in Shinto including nature spirits and ancestors

Location of Japan

East of China

Minamoto no Yoritomo

He seized powers from the central government and aristocracy and established a feudal system in Kamakura in which the military(samurai) gained political powers. He was the first shogun of Japan.

Mt. Fuji

Highest mountain in Japan

4 major islands of Japan

Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu

5 themes of geography

Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, Region

kantana

Long swords primarily used by the Samauri

Shintoism

Religion is located in Japan and related to Buddhism. Shintoism focuses particularly on nature and ancestor worship.

Nihon Shoki

The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history;the most complete extant historical record of ancient Japan.

Kojiki

The earliest chronicle of Japanese ancient myths

Heian Period

The era in Japanese history from A.D. 794-1185, arts and writing flourished during this time

Kofun Era

The first half of the Yamoto period. During this time there is an emergence of Central governing powers around Yamoto Island providence They established a theocratic government centered around Shintoism. Nomadic warriors who would later become lords of feudal Japan arrived in this era.

Tenjin

The kami of education, originally the Japanese scholar Sugawara no Michizane.

location

The position of anything on Earth's surface.

The Samurai

Warrior Class of Japan

Suzerainty

a version of salutary neglect (countries are ruled by another country with minimal involvement by the ruling country)

Movement

how people, goods, and ideas get from one place to another

Japanese food culture

little dairy is consumed; lots of fish, rice, and vegetables; very little meat