JAPAN Geography Archipelago chain of islands 4 main

JAPAN

Geography • Archipelago- chain of islands, 4 main islands • Mountains (Japanese Alps) • Located on Rim of Fire (Volcanic activity common) • Sea of Japan (East Sea) between Japan and Asian mainland • Proximity (close to) China and Korea

How did Geography Influence Early Japan? • Lack of resources • Disasters -> typhoons, volcanoes • Dense population • Isolation from foreign world – Mongols tried to invade but never could--> “Magical Winds”

China’s Influence on Japan • Japanese cultural development was influenced by its close location to China. • Influence of Chinese culture: --Writing --Buddhism --Architecture

Shintoism • Ethnic religion unique to Japan • Natural features, forces of nature, and ancestors are important • Coexistence with Buddhism

Early History • Small clans • Early Rulers: Yamato never very strong but never overthrown • During the Middle Ages, landowners became very powerful and Japan settled into its own feudal system similar to Europe.

Feudal Society in Japan: Social How does Hierarchy Japan’s feudal society compare to Europe’s? Why did they both have the same type of society even though they were thousands of miles apart?

Feudalism in Japan A political, economic, and social system based on loyalty, the holding of land, and military service. Land Shoen Protection Samurai Peasant Shogun Daimyo Loyalty Daimyo Samurai Peasant Food Peasant

How does Japan’s feudal society compare to Europe’s?

Medieval Warriors vs. European Knight Samurai Warrior

Samurai’s followed the Code of Bushido Knights followed the Code of Chivalry *Justice *Fidelity * Loyalty * Defense vs. *Politeness * Courage *Virility * Faith *Simplicity * Humility * Nobility http: //www. history. com/topics/samuraiand-bushido/videos

ARMOR vs. Knight’s Armor Samurai Armor

Osaka Castle, Japan Caernorfon Castle, Wales