Medieval Japan Vocabulary

Shinto

The traditional religion of Japan focused on kami (spirits) and nature worship.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy that originated in India and became influential in Japan, emphasizing enlightenment and cycle of rebirth.

Archipelago

A group or chain of islands, Japan is an archipelago made up of thousands of islands.

Samurai

 The warrior class in feudal Japan who followed a strict code of conduct and served their lords.

Bushido

“The way of the warrior”, a code of honor and morals followed by samurai.

Daimyo

Powerful landholding lords who controlled large areas of land and had samurai under their command.

Emperor

The ceremonial and spiritual ruler of Japan, often with limited political power during feudal times. 

Merchant

Traders and sellers who were part of the lower social class in feudal Japan but important for commerce. 

Artisan

Skilled craftspeople who made goods by hand, such as pottery swords, and textiles.

Shogun

The military leader who held the real political power in feudal Japan, ruling on behalf of the emperor. 

Shogunate

 The government or rule of a shogun; a military dictatorship. 

Closed Country Policy

 A policy during the Tokugawa shogunate that severely limited foreign trade and contact with other countries to maintain control and stability. 

Tale of Genji

A classic work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu, often considered the world's first novel, depicting court life in Heian Japan.

Ancestralism

The belief in Honoring and respecting ancestors, which influenced Japanese culture and family traditions.

Ninja

Covert agents or mercenaries in feudal Japan skilled in espionage, sabotage and guerrilla warfare.

Figurehead

 A person who holds a title or position of power but has little real authority, such as the emperor during much of feudal japan.