The document describes a scenario where the reader is a noble serving the empress of Japan during the Heian period. While walking in the garden, the empress gives the reader a small blank book and instructs that nobles keep diaries to record their lives. The reader is then asked what they will write in their new diary.

1. 11/17/15 Bell Ringer
You are a noble serving the empress of
Japan and living in the capital city
during the Heian period. While
walking in the garden one day, she
gives you a small book with blank
pages. She tells you that nobles, both
men and women, keep diaries to
record their lives.
What will you write in your
new diary?
**consider your interests and lifestyle

2. Knowledge check!
• 1. How would you
describe Shintoism?
• 2. How would you
describe the
teachings of
Buddha?

3. Objective
• I can evaluate the Heian and the Nara time
periods of Japan.

4. Nara Period (710-794)
• Nara was the
country’s 1st
permanent capital-
it was modeled
after the Tang
Dynasty of China.
• Recall the Tang
Dynasty!
• There is still a city
named Nara today
in Japan!

5. Nara economy
• The economy
began to grow
due to the roads
that were built.
This was great for
trading and
transportation!

6. Nara
• This marked a height of
system of government and
introduction to Chinese
civilization (Buddhism)
– Buddhist sculpture and
temples refined
• The Emperor was the
head of everything- he
divided Japan into
provinces/districts

7. Heian Period 794-1185
• Last division of
classical Japanese
history!
• There used to be a
city named Heian
(now Kyoto) when the
emperor moved
there.
• Buddhism was at its
height!

8. Heian- Golden Age
• Fashion- a love for
elaborate outfits
• Literature- writing
was very popular.
Poetry was also
popular. Men wrote
in Chinese and
Women wrote in
Japanese.

9. Heian Golden Age
• The most popular art forms of the period
were…
– Paintings
– Calligraphy
– Architecture

10. Knowledge check
• Tell someone close
to you two things
you learned about
the Nara and the
Heian today.