n a p a J t n e

: n a p a J t n e Anci t n e m Govern s w a L and By Jessica Xu

The First Emperor Chinese history tells the tale of a man sent by the Qin Emperor to But history was never seen again. It He istobelieved that he the find the secret immortality. begs towas differ. . . founder of Japan and its very first Centuries later, Japan’s his grave was found on By legend, emperor was the anfirst island east of China – the island of of the He took with him hundreds of theson Rising Sun: Sun Japan. Goddess. servants and child-priests upon ten ships.

THE FAMOUS Four Empero rs <Jimmu <- Emperor 神武天皇 Born (according to legend) in 660 BC. Supposedly divine, he ruled from birth till death in 585 BC WAS THE FIRST EMPEROR OF JAPAN, AND, TO THIS DAY, A CONTROVERSIAL CHARACTER IN BOTH MYTH AND HISTORY His birthday (according to the Japanese book of myths) was February 11 th of the Gregorian calendar and is now celebrated as National Foundation Day

Ruling Hierarchy Figurehead with no power of decision Emperor Generals with absolute power who act on own will (aka: Shogun shōgunates) Heads of Great families with influence over a certain district - considered warlords commanding Daimyo armies of their own Warriors in daimyo’s armies – the Japanese equivalent to knights complete Warrior with family crest, respect. Samurai and fairly good social status

THE FAMOUS Four Emperor s Emperor Ōjin: 15 th Emperor of Japan Birth name: or 誉 Homutawake 田別 The first emperor whose existence existed outside of myths and legends First appeared in Japanese history book Nihonshoski as son of Emperor Chūai and Empress Consort Jingū

THE FAMOUS Four Emperor Suiko 推古天皇 EEmmpperreoss rses 33 rd ruler of Japan First empress of Japan Reigned from 593 AD to 628 AD Known by as many as nine names including Princess Nukatabe and Toyomike Kashikiya Original painting of Empress suiko Distantly related to Emperor Yōmei making her unorthodox rise to the throne slightly bearable for those who opposed her rule

COURTS OF THE EMPEROR The two courts struggled for The Imperial court of the Japanese Emperor was divided power for over a decade into two in the mid 1200 s when the two sons of newly deceased Emperor, Go-Saga, fought over the throne The strife of the courts ceased only with the arrival of Emperor Shōgunates supporting the son named. Go-Komatsu Shōgunates supporting When Go-Komatsu died, however, the truce was the son named Go-Fukakusa kameyama created the Southern Court Northern Court broken and the courts returnedcreated to theirthequiet warfare

THE FAMOUS Four E mpr Em peesrseosr s Emperor Go-Komatsu Also kn Motohit own as o or 幹 仁 後小松天皇 100 th emperor of Japan Ruled from 1382 AD to 1412 AD Named after Emperor Kōkō who Go-Komatsu resembled in birth Unified the contending Northern and Southern courts

300 BC to 300 AD – Yayoi Era: Basic sciences (metal working, rice cultivation and the potter’s wheel) were introduced from china; Japan begins a development of religion which urged the formation of beginning political units 300 AD to 645 AD – Kofun era: Occupied regions joined and formed states; the most powerful clan called the yamato clan was allied with empires in mainland Asia and thus began the first dynasty 6 – Japan adopted Chinese characters and the bone structure of Japanese culture, society and government began to take shape under influence of China and Korea 645 AD to 710 AD – Asuka Era: Reforms took place and strengthened the power of the emperor under the pressure of newly formed aristocratic families 710 AD to 794 AD – Nara Era: New capital built based on capitals in mainland Asia, and emperors gain more political power through adoption of Buddhism 794 AD to 1185 AD – Heian Era: Imperial court moved in fear of being overrun by the Buddhist developments during the Nara Era and the alliances with China were cut thus weakening the hold of the Imperial court which resulted in the rose of the warrior class (Bushi) 1185 AD to 1333 AD – Kamakura Era: Era named after the military-based government established in Kamakura; the emperor now serves only as a figurehead and the Bushi (including Shōgunates) become the ruling class 8 – In 1274 ad and 1281 ad, the Bushi government of Kamakura was weakened by Mongol attacks

From Jimmu to Go-Komatsu Jimmu Go-Komatsu Absolute monarchy Bushi Ruling Class Only two class divisions: Royalty and Peasants Four Ruling Classes and Four classes of citizenship (Farmer, Craftsmen, Merchants and Women) Relied much on Mainland empires and states Cut all ties with mainland flourished in isolation Rulers selected by aptitude, pedigree, and influence Rulers selected by military prowess

BIBLIOGRAPHY W. G. Aston, trans. , Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A. D. 697, 2 vols. in 1. London: Keagan and Co. 1896. May Knapp, Arthur. Feudal and Modern Japan. Stanford University: J. Knight Co. 1896. Wikipedia. Feudal Japan Hierarchy. http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Feudal_Japan_hierarchy (Sept. 18. 2007) Smitha, Frank E. The Ancient Japanese. http: //macrohistory. com/japan/ancient_05 (Sept. 18. 2007) Asia Society. Background Essay: Japanese History. http: //askasia. org/background_essays_67009/ (Sept. 2007)