Feudal Japan: Chapter 1-4 Notes

• Shinto is a polytheistic religion based on the respect of nature and ancestors worship

• This consists of the belief in divine spirits called Kamis that live in nature.

• Many japanese structures are called Torri which are devoted to shintoism

• The most important shinto god is the sun goddess ( a common belief amongst most Japaneses people )

• As Japan had more contact with Asia it adopted the chinese idea of an emperor

• They also ruled by dynasties; the emperor was stated to have come down from heaven ( religion played a big role in Japan's feudal system

• Unlike China emperors had no power and were just figure heads

• Samurai warriors were usually relatives or dependant of the Daimyo

• Although some were hired warriors called ronin

• In 1192 the first shogun was named by the emperor

• The emperor remained in place but the shogun had the power ( military lead )

• A shogun's power varied on many things

• From 1560 to 1600 3 powerful Daimyo known as the 3 unifiers began to restore Japan

• Oda Nobunaga's best general was Toyotomi Hideyoshi

• Who took over after his passing

• Toyotomi was resourceful and not ruthless like oda he used political alliances, adoption and marriage to gain power over the other Daimyo

• Controlled most of Japan

• Here's a mnemonic for you: "BAG of Puppets".

  B - Banraku is a type of puppet theater from Japan. A - And in Banraku, the puppets are controlled by three puppeteers. G - Geishas are traditional female entertainers in Japan. O - Often, geishas are trained in traditional Japanese dance. F - Finally, Banraku and geishas are both important parts of Japanese culture.

  So, to remember that Banraku is puppet theater and geishas are women dancing, just remember the BAG of Puppets!

  Tokugawa ruled after Toyotomi’s death

• He enjoyed trade and was dazzled by the european trading tactics

• Enforced the close country policy

• Ruled that any person who has converted shall beheaded

• The daimyo was in control of each region and were required to visit Edo every 2 years

• Constantly at war for more power

• The 3 Shogun given credit for unifying Japan are Oda Nabunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Leyasu

• ODA NOBUNAGA

• Reduced influence of buddhists

• Gained control over Japanese politics

• Built a series of castles to defend his land

• Introduced new practiced to pave the way towards a unified Japan

• Was the first of the 3 Shogun to rule

• TOYOTOMI HIDEYOSHI

• Centralized government

• Changed land ownership payment = rice = koku

• Created a formal class structure of samurai, merchants, Eta etc

• Tried to expand his land into Korea but failed

• Made people choose between being a warrior or a farmer not both

• Ordered missionaries to leave 26 were executed and those who survived were left with a warning

• TOKUGAWA LEYASU

• Ruled from 1542 - 1616

• Established government base in Edo

• Finalized unification of Japan

• Leyasu did not want Japan to be exposed to western ideas and wanted to ensure Japan's sovereignty by applying the closed country edict

• Why did Japan isolate itself ?

• Did not want any foreign influence

• Isolationists believed that Japan could advance on its own

• The Shogun could see europeans set up colonies and feared Japan's sovereignty

• Did not want people to convert from catholic missionaries on ships so they closed their port

• Francis Xavier converted 150 000 before the closed country edict was put in place

• The reason that people converting was seen as bad is because they did not view the Shogun as the highest power rather putting their beliefs first which worried and angered the Bakufu