2. Mythology
• Amaterasu the sun goddess
• Emperor Jinmu 1st emperor of Japan
• 500AD – Yamato clan dominates Japan
for 1000yrs.
– Claim to be descendants of Amaterasu
3. Geography
• Archipelago chain of islands
• 4 main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu,
Kyushu, Shikoku
• Seas: provide protection and isolation
• Ring of Fire prone to earthquakes and
volcanoes.
• Tsunami killer tidal waves
• Mt. Fuji snow caped volcano, sacred
symbol of beauty and nature
4. Early History
Korean Bridge = Cultural Diffusion
– 600s monks sent to learn and bring back Chinese
culture
• Nara period – 710 capital built at Nara
– 1st strong Japanese state
• Buddhism spreads from India – China – Korea –
Japan affecting Pagoda Architecture
• Kana phonetic symbols representing syllables
• Heian Period – Capital moves from Nara Kyoto
• Fujiwara wealthy court families (mid800s –
mid1100s)
5. Samurai
• Shogun – military leader of Japan
• Local landlords hired warriors called samurai for
protection. Loyalty to lord or clan. Great skill with
swords.
• Samurai followed the code of behavior called
Bushido (“way of warrior”) It stressed bravery,
loyalty, and honor. Samurai would never
complain and fought to the death.
• If Samurai upset their master or lost in battle
they might practice seppuku, ceremonial
suicide.
6. Court Life and Literature
• Palaces with gardens and pools
• Elaborate rules for etiquette. Many rituals.
• Lady Murasaki-Shikibu – The Tale of the
Genji
– World’s first novel
– 1010ad Life and love of the Prince Genji and
his son.
– Displays the elaborate court life and rituals
7. Religion
• Shinto worship the forces in nature and
ancestors (state religion)
• Kami – clan gods
• There are spirits in all of nature
• Very important Shrine worship.
• Misogi – washing ritual before entering a
Shinto shrine.
• Co-existence with Buddhism
