Japanese History and Culture Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to key events, concepts, and individuals in Japanese history and culture.

Civil Code of 1898

A legal framework in Japan that restricted divorce without government permission and required women to obtain permission from their husbands for property rights.

Unequal treaties (1854-1899)

Agreements imposed by Western powers that limited Japan's sovereignty and granted foreign nations significant privileges, resulting from Japan's forced opening to international trade.

Meiji Constitution (1889)

The constitution that established the emperor as a sovereign divine ruler, created separation of powers, and maintained strong military control in Japan.

Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895)

The treaty that ended the First Sino-Japanese War, where China recognized Korea's independence and ceded Taiwan to Japan.

Comfort women

Military prostitutes used to increase morale among troops, which ultimately intensified a culture of violence against women during wartime.

Naisen ittai

Colonial policy in Japan aimed at erasing Korean identity and integrating Koreans into the Japanese empire.

Taisho democracy (1912-1926)

A period in Japan marked by democratic movements, an extension of civil rights, and increased political participation.

Kokutai no Hongi

A propaganda document published in 1937 that defined Japan's national polity and emphasized loyalty to the emperor.

Emperor-organ theory

The theory posited by Minobe Tatsukichi that the emperor is an 'organ' of the state, subject to the law and not above the government.

Manchukuo (1932)

A puppet state established by Japan in Manchuria to exploit its resources and establish a military foothold in Northeast Asia.

Great Kanto Earthquake (1923)

A catastrophic event in Japan that led to widespread fires and caused significant damage to Tokyo, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Blood oath gang

A radical nationalist group in Japan responsible for the assassination of political leaders in the early 1930s.

Jinmu

The semi-mythical first emperor of Japan who is said to have founded the imperial line based on ancient texts.

Seikanron

The debate concerning whether Japan should invade Korea in 1873; it reflected differing views on the use of military force or diplomacy.

Zainichi Koreans

Koreans who lived in Japan, facing discrimination and identity challenges, particularly after the repatriation movements post World War II.

Yasukuni Shrine

A controversial shrine in Tokyo that honors those who died in wars for Japan, including war criminals, leading to ongoing political debates.