Describe Medieval Japan’s geography.
Chain of islands Covered by mountains Fisherman & traders Covered by water (easy to trade) Only 20% of land can be farmed
Who were the first settlers in Medieval Japan? Why were they important to Japan?
Yayoi (clan): Ancestors of the Japanese Introduced farming Grew rice in paddies Made metal
Who was Prince Shotoku? What inspired his reforms?
He wanted a strong government like the Chinese. Creates constitution. Organized
What was the Shinto in Medieval Japan? Give an example.
Animism- all natural things have Kami (Spirit) People ask Kami for help Belief that all natural things are alive. Examples: Mountains & Rivers
During Nara 700 AD in Japan, only the wealthy would be officials? Why might this be a limitation?
The lack of fair representation of everyone.
Who were the samurai?
Nobles formed private armies to protect their lands and gave the men land if they agreed to fight = samurai.
What code did the samurai follow?
Bushido
What is feudalism in Medieval Japan?
Feudalism in Medieval Japan was a hierarchical social and political structure where land was granted by the emperor to daimyos (lords) in exchange for military
Why was feudalism important to Japan?
it provided a system of governance and stability, facilitating local administration, military defense, and societal order during a time of decentralized power.
Be able to label the map of feudalism in Medieval Japan.
see image
