Japan: The Imperial Age

1
Japan The Imperial Age

• 7th and 8th Century attempt to borrow from
  China (I.E. army, bureaucracy, etiquette, art)
• Plunged into Civil Wars from 12th and 17th
  century
• Emperors sheltered provincial leaders/warlords
  took over
• Notes reference with Chapter 13 make sure you
  read this Chapter for next test!

2
Taika Reforms

• Taika Reforms was act of copying Chinese
• Examples
• Chinese characters/language
• Wrote history in dynastic terms
• Court etiquette
• Struggled to master Confucian ways
• Worshipped Chinese style temples
• Admired Buddhist art
• Buddhism Kami Shintoism

3
Japanese Language You Practice

• http//japanesetranslator.co.uk/your-name-in-japan
  ese.com

4
Crisis at Nara and the Shift to Heian (Kytoto)

• Emperors cant control Buddhist Monks who
  influenced the government
• Power given to aristocratic families
• Rank determined by birth, not merit
• Local leaders organized local militias
• Court Life polite behavior always, every action
  known by everyone, complex gardens and palaces

5
BENNETT BAKER
ABIGAIL BAKER
6
LITERATURE

• Writing in verse prioritized
• First novel Lady Amagasaki's The Tale of Genji
• Criticizes those who pursue aesthetic enjoyment
• Shows how poised/cultured nobility must act
• THIS IS A FAVORITE OF THE AP TEST WRITERS
  PLEASE REMEMBER!!

7
Rise of Warrior Elites

• Warrior Leaders Bushi
• Administered law, public works, collected revenue
  Actual Ruler! Emperor was just a figure head
  (I.E. Queen Elizabeth in England)
• Maintained armies
• Samurai armies loyal to the lords
• Called to protect emperor
• Age of danger/bandits samurai (bodyguards)
• Warrior class
• Used longbows and steel swords

8
Warrior Code

• 1. Courage
• 2. Seppuku (hari kari) ritual suicide if you
  dishonor your family or self
• 3. Prearranged battle locations, proclaimed
  ancestry
• 4. Respect women and elders!