Society in Shogunate Japan was organized around a strict feudal system. At the top was the Emperor, who was the nominal ruler but held little real power. Below the Emperor was the Shogun, who was the military commander and held the true power during periods of Shogunate rule. Local domains were ruled by Daimyo lords, who owed loyalty to the Shogun. Peasant farmers and artisans made up the bulk of society, with samurai warriors and merchants filling out the middle layers. All classes had obligations to those above them in the hierarchy, with Confucian ideals reinforcing the social order.

1. How was society
organised at the time of
the Shoguns?
PART A: ORGANISATION OF SOCIETY AND WAY OF LIFE

2. Reflecting Back
 VOCABULARALY QUIZ?
 What were key facts leading up to the rule of the Shoguns?
 What was Shogunate Japan?
 When did the Shogun’s rule Japan?

3. Check your Answers
 shogun, means ‘commander in chief’; the highest warrior rank
 emperor, the male ruler of an empire
 clan, a division of a tribe tracing descent from a common ancestor
 bakufu, name of the military government established by the shogun
 feudal system, the political, social and economic organisation of society in
which different classes owed services and obligations
 historical period, a period of history having a district feature
 hereditary ruler, a political system in which the position of ruler is handed down
from one generation to the next
 Daimyo - refers to large feudal land owners who became military leaders to
protect their lands

4. Feudalism
 What does ‘feudalism’ mean?
 Recall key features of Europe’s feudal system, including how it affected
way of life. With a partner, list 3 features about feudalism on life in Europe
or England at this time.

5. Japanese Feudal System
 Using the glossary of terms to help you, create a triangle hierarchy of Shogunate Japan, using
the correct titles for each class.
 Compare your model to that of the feudal system in medieval Europe.
 From your understanding at this point, what similarities' and differences exist?
Use the following sources to draw conclusions about the way of life for significant people and
groups: Open IMAGES OF SHOGUNATE JAPAN

6. Images of Shogunate Japan

7. Comprehending the pictures
 Questions:
 Make a list of all the different people and groups you can identify in these pictures.
 Choose two of the images that show groups of people and explain what these
people are doing.
 Choose images that show women. Describe what women are doing in these
images.
 Examine image I. List two things this image shows about Japanese warfare. They
use horses and swords in combat.
 Choose an image which shows a Japanese recreation activity and explain what is
happening.

8. Interpreting the Pictures
 Questions:
 Choose an image that indicates there were different social classes in Japanese society
and explain how the image shows this.
 Choose an image that shows an obviously important person (perhaps a political leader)
and explain why you think this person appears to important.
 During Shogunate Japan, society was very hierarchical. To demonstrate this hierarchy,
choose four images and arrange them in an order from most important person/group to
least important person/group. Justify your decisions.
 What new information have you gathered about the social structure and way of life in
Shogunate Japan?

9. Feudal System in Shogunate Japan
 Japanese society was a strictly hierarchal society based on a feudal
system
 The feudal system was a system of mutual obligations and responsibilities
where one group owed loyalty and obligations to the groups above it and
owed responsibilities to the group below it.
 This strictly defined system cam with advantages and disadvantages for
various groups and individuals
 Certain groups help political powers while other played a role in the
economy
 The feudal system was supported by the main religion in Japan,
Confucianism

10. Confucianism supporting JFS
 Confucianism teaches virtuous and ethical behaviour, emphasising
politeness, loyalty, respect for elders and ancestors and care for,
respect and obedience top parents.
 A central idea of Confucianism is that social harmony comes from
individuals and groups recognising their place in the social order and
fulfilling their roles in this order.
 Discuss your answer with those at your table:
How did Confucianism support the Japanese Feudal system?

11. This is a list of key individuals and groups in
Japanese society. Order them 1 to 7 (ascending order)
 Peasant farmers provided food for the country. They were the largest class.
 The emperor came from the most powerful clan, the Yamato, was thought to be descended
from the sun goddess, and was head of state. He had only ceremonial power in bakufu.
 Merchants did not make anything but became rich from trading and money lending.
 The shogun was the military commander and held the real power in Japan in periods of
Shogunate government (bakufu).
 Daimyo (lit. ‘large private land’) were the local clan lords who ruled local domains.
 Samurai were warriors who served the daimyo. They were the second largest group. The
wealthiest rode horses, but the majority were foot soldiers. In times of peace, some became
bureaucrats.
 Artisans were those who made material things and included the master craftsmen such as
sword makers and carpenters.

12. Check your Order: Page 406 – 407 Text

13. Keeping everyone in their place
 http://splash.abc.net.au/home#!/media/1253391/japa
n-s-shoguns-keep-everyone-in-their-places

14. Understanding Social Groups:
In your groups use the source material and your text book to create a presentation about
your nominated individual/group.
1. Emperor 2. Shogun 3. Daimyo 4. Samurai
5. Peasant Farmers 6. Artisans 7. Merchants Outcast

15. Presentations: 10 minutes
 MUST ANSWER:
 What role did your individual or group play in society and what duties did they
perform?
 What other individual or groups in society did your individual/group deal with?
What was the nature of this relationship in the feudal system? To whom did they
owe loyalty, obligations or responsibility?
 What are three interesting facts about your
individual/group?
 Who were the outcasts and why?
 Include text and images.

16. Presentations – As You Listen
 As you listen, complete your table.
 Presentations will be uploaded to the portal so if you miss anything, you
can check tonight for homework.
 Drawing Conclusions:
Explain and justify - The feudal structure of society impacted lives.
 Explain and justify the role of each individual or group as either: Primarily
political, economic, military, or religious/or ceremonial

17. Homework
 Complete the Summary Table – Feudal Society in Shogunate Japan
 Answer Question 3 Page 407 of your text book
 Work on your Essay Research Notes
 REFLECTION on this module:
1. Something NEW I learned today is …
2. Something that is not really clear to me is ….
3. So to clarify I need to ask …..