Section 1 VocabularySection 1 Vocabulary

JapanJapan – a chain of islands that stretches north to south in the N. Pacific Ocean – has 3,000+ islands

4 largest Japanese islands4 largest Japanese islands – Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu

clanclan – group of related (extended) families living together

JimmuJimmu– “emperor of heaven” who founded line of Japanese rulers

ShotokuShotoku – took charge of Japan for his aunt – looked to China as example – created 1st Japanese constitution

animism animism – belief that all natural things (including wind, rivers, mountains…) have a spirit

kamikami – nature spirits

shrinesshrines – holy places

JapanJapan is made up of over 3,000 islands. Most live on the is made up of over 3,000 islands. Most live on the 4 largest islands of: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku & 4 largest islands of: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku & KyushuKyushu

Japan’s mountains and islands isolated Japan and Japan’s mountains and islands isolated Japan and shaped its societyshaped its society

only 20% of Japan’s land can be farmed so many only 20% of Japan’s land can be farmed so many Japanese used the sea for a livingJapanese used the sea for a living

Japan has it’s own independent society with own Japan has it’s own independent society with own religion, art, literature and govt. due to the ocean that religion, art, literature and govt. due to the ocean that isolated Japanisolated Japan

Japan’s earliest known settlers came from NW AsiaJapan’s earliest known settlers came from NW Asia

Yayoi Yayoi are the first known Japanese settlers. They were are the first known Japanese settlers. They were farmers, made pottery and grew rice. They were also farmers, made pottery and grew rice. They were also skilled metal workers –knives, axes, hoes, spears skilled metal workers –knives, axes, hoes, spears etc… They lived in clans headed by warrior chiefsetc… They lived in clans headed by warrior chiefs

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Yamato Yamato clan ruled Japan in AD 500s – other clans held clan ruled Japan in AD 500s – other clans held their land but were loyal to Yamato chieftheir land but were loyal to Yamato chief

Jimmu was leader of Yamato clan who was called Jimmu was leader of Yamato clan who was called “emperor of heaven.” He started the line of Japanese “emperor of heaven.” He started the line of Japanese rulers that still exists today – they claim to be rulers that still exists today – they claim to be descended from the sun goddessdescended from the sun goddess

Shotoku Shotoku in AD 600s this Yamato prince took charge on in AD 600s this Yamato prince took charge on behalf of his aunt Suikobehalf of his aunt Suiko

Wanted strong govt and looked to China as example Wanted strong govt and looked to China as example (govt chosen for ability) – created 1(govt chosen for ability) – created 1stst constitution in constitution in Japan which gave all power to emperor who Japan which gave all power to emperor who appointed all govt officials. The constitution also listed appointed all govt officials. The constitution also listed rules for working in govt. These rules were taken from rules for working in govt. These rules were taken from ConfuciusConfucius

Shotoku also had Buddhist temples and monasteries Shotoku also had Buddhist temples and monasteries builtbuilt

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in AD 646 Yamato started the in AD 646 Yamato started the Great Change Great Change

1.1. dividing Japan into provinces (regional dividing Japan into provinces (regional districts) run by officials. districts) run by officials.

2.2. All land was controlled by emperor – not All land was controlled by emperor – not clans so emperor got the tax money not clans so emperor got the tax money not the warrior clan leadersthe warrior clan leaders

1.1. Constitution based on ConfuciousConstitution based on Confucious

2.2. Sent officials and students to study in Sent officials and students to study in ChinaChina

3.3. Built Buddhist monasteries and templesBuilt Buddhist monasteries and temples

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Taika ReformsTaika Reforms

Yamato created the first strong central govt in JapanYamato created the first strong central govt in Japan

Shinto Shinto is the Japanese religion based on nature. Early is the Japanese religion based on nature. Early Japanese people believed all natural things had a Japanese people believed all natural things had a spirit… mountains, rivers, trees, etc… they would ask spirit… mountains, rivers, trees, etc… they would ask the nature spirits- called kami- for helpthe nature spirits- called kami- for help

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