Midterm Review

Yayoi Culture

An archaeological culture/period (ca. 300 BCE–300 CE) named after a Tokyo neighborhood; it marks Japan's transition to sedentary agriculture and social stratification.

Queen Himiko

A shamanistic ruler of the Yamatai polity (ca. 170–248 CE); the first named Japanese ruler in historical records, illustrating early political complexity.

Records of Ancient Matters (Kojiki)

Japan's oldest chronicle (compiled 712 CE) that legitimizes Yamato imperial rule and serves as a foundation for Shinto cosmology.

Soga Clan

A powerful aristocratic clan (538–645 CE) that promoted Buddhism and championed the establishment of a centralized state in Japan.

Fujiwara Clan

The most powerful clan in classical Japan, dominant from the late 7th to12th centuries, exemplifying the shift of power from the emperor to aristocratic families through regency.

Shōen

Private tax-exempt estates developed in the 8th-9th centuries that undermined central tax systems and contributed to the rise of warrior bands.

Retired Emperors (Insei System)

A political practice from the late 11th–12th centuries allowing emperors to rule from retirement; shows political creativity in circumventing regency.

Hōjō Clan

A warrior clan that controlled the Kamakura shogunate in the 13th–14th centuries and repelled Mongol invasions, yet weakened itself in the process.

Kamakura Legal Code (Goseibai Shikimoku)

The first warrior law code (1232) establishing legal norms for samurai, symbolizing the institutionalization of warrior rule.

Northern and Southern Courts

A period of rival imperial courts (1336–1392) highlighting the fragility of the imperial institution and the dependency on warrior support.

True Pure Land Sect (Jōdo Shinshū)

Buddhist sect founded by Shinran (13th century) that democratized faith, allowing even the wicked salvation through sincere belief.

Oda Nobunaga

A powerful warlord of the Sengoku period (1534–1582) who initiated the unification of Japan and used firearms in warfare.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

A general who completed Japan's unification (1537–1598) and enforced the Sword Hunt to separate warriors from farmers.

Four Status System (Shi-nō-kō-shō)

A rigid social hierarchy formalized under Hideyoshi and Tokugawa, delineating roles for samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Alternate Attendance System (Sankin-kōtai)

A Tokugawa policy (1635) requiring daimyo to alternate residence in Edo, aimed at controlling rebellious lords.