Social 12-13

Explain how Japan’s geography (island location) influenced its culture, economy, and interactions with other countries.

Since Japan was isolated from others because they were far away, they helped grow their own culture and they created their own economy so they became quite wealthy. In spite of this, they never got to experience other cultures and other countries way of life.

Describe two major geographic challenges Japan faced and explain how they affected the daily lives of the Japanese people.

The Japanese were isolated and

What was the relationship between the Japanese and Ainu? How were the Ainu treated? Give examples.

The Japanese and Ainu did not have a good relationship with each other. The Japanese were trying to assimilate the Ainu and remove their culture.

What is Shinto, and how did it develop from other belief systems?

Shinto is the ancient religion in Japan. Shinto is based off the belief that Kami’s (sacred spirits) took the form of objects in nature such as mountains. The most important Kami is the sun goddess Amaterasu. They also believed that when you die you become a Kami. To celebrate the Kami they hold festivals called matsuri. Shinto has no founder or religious laws, and it is a combination of China, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Why was rice so important to the Japanese? Compare its importance to a resource in another society.

It brought connection to each other, that they even their wealth is based on how much rice they could make. It’s like hockey for Canada, how it brings us together and we all make an effort to watch the games.

Describe the role of the samurai in Edo Japan. What values or code do they follow?

They were surveyors, and tax collectors. They followed the Samurai code of honour which stated that they had to live simple and thrifty lives.

Explain how the feudal system in Japan was structured. Include at least three levels of the social hierarchy and their values.