Japanese Civilization Study Guide (Weeks 3–7)

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key terms and concepts from the lecture notes regarding Japanese civilization from early history to the Heian period.

Queen Himiko

A shaman-queen of Yamatai known for her spiritual rule and diplomacy with China.

She is often considered one of Japan's first historical figures, ruling in the 3rd century and playing a significant role in early Japanese state formation.

Longhouse

A communal Yayoi structure used for meetings, rituals, and storage.

These longhouses were typically made of wood and could house multiple families, reflecting the communal lifestyle of the Yayoi people.

Yoshinogari Site

A large fortified Yayoi settlement with granaries, longhouses, and watchtowers.

It served as a major center for trade and culture during the Yayoi period, showcasing advanced agriculture and craftsmanship.

Amaterasu

The Shinto sun goddess and divine ancestor of the imperial line.

She is one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology, symbolizing light, fertility, and the universe. She is venerated in Shinto practices and is crucial to the mythology surrounding Japan's creation and the imperial family.

Kami (神)

Spirits or deities found in nature, humans, and objects in Shinto belief.  

They represent sacred forces and can be ancestors or elements of nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings.

Tributary System

Practice of sending gifts or tribute to foreign rulers, especially China.

This system established political and trade relations, reinforcing the authority of the Chinese emperor and ensuring a stable diplomatic network.

Wa / Yamatai

Names used by Chinese sources for ancient Japanese polities.

Wa refers to the early Japanese confederation, while Yamatai specifically denotes the prominent kingdom during the Yayoi period. These names highlight Japan's early interactions with China and its emerging political structure.

Kofun (古墳)

Large keyhole-shaped tomb mounds built for early rulers.

These mounds, often surrounded by moats and featuring extensive burial goods, signify the social hierarchy and increasing centralization of power in ancient Japan.

Haniwa (埴輪)

Clay figures placed on Kofun tombs for protection or ritual purposes.

These figures often represented humans, animals, or objects, and were believed to serve as guardians for the deceased in the afterlife.

Great King (Ōkimi 大王)

Title for Yamato rulers before adoption of 'Emperor' (Tennō).

Chinese Mirrors

Bronze mirrors imported or gifted from China.

These mirrors, often ornate and highly polished, were used for ceremonial purposes as well as personal grooming, and they symbolize the cultural exchanges between China and Japan.

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese concept that rulers govern by divine approval.

It asserted that the right to rule was granted by heaven, and a ruler's legitimacy depended on their ability to govern justly and effectively.

Prince Shōtoku

Regent under Empress Suiko; promoted Confucian and Buddhist principles.

He is often credited with establishing the foundations of Japanese government and culture.

Empress Suiko

First recorded empress of Japan who supported Shōtoku's reforms.

She played a crucial role in promoting Buddhism and Chinese cultural influences in Japan.

Prince Naka no Ōe / Emperor Tenji

Led the Taika Reforms and strengthened imperial power after the Soga clan.

He was instrumental in centralizing Japan's government, adopting Chinese political systems, and promoting efficient administration.

Emperor Tenmu

Consolidated imperial power and codified law.

He was the first emperor of Japan to initiate a legal code based on Chinese principles, promoting stability and governance. He strengthened the imperial government and continued to develop the state by enhancing the bureaucracy.

Empress Jitō

Tenmu's wife and successor who continued his reforms.

She supported the development of the state and further implemented legal reforms, strengthening the position of the imperial family and promoting Buddhist practices.

Jinshin War

Civil war between Tenmu and Ōtomo for succession.

It arose after Emperor Tenji's death, resulting in the consolidation of power by Tenmu and the establishment of his reign.

Ritsuryō State

Legal and administrative system modeled after Tang China.

It established a framework for governance, encompassing land distribution, taxation, and the organization of the bureaucratic structure in Japan.

Uji (氏)

Clan-based system that organized early Japanese society.

It defined social structure based on familial ties, leadership roles, and collective identities within various tribal groups. 

Emperor Shōmu

Promoted Buddhism and built the Great Buddha at Tōdaiji.

Dōkyō

Buddhist monk and adviser to Empress Kōken.

He played a crucial role in the promotion of Buddhism and was influential in political matters during the Nara period.

Ennin

Tendai monk who studied in Tang China.

Bodhisattva

An enlightened being who aids others toward salvation.

Karma

The law of cause and effect governing rebirth.

It dictates that good deeds lead to positive outcomes in future lives, while negative actions result in suffering.

Tōdaiji (東大寺)

Major Buddhist temple built by Emperor Shōmu.

It houses the Great Buddha statue and serves as a center of Buddhist learning.

Fujiwara Michinaga

Most powerful Fujiwara regent; dominated imperial politics through marriage alliances.

He served as regent during the Heian period and significantly influenced the direction of the imperial court.

Murasaki Shikibu

Author of The Tale of Genji.

She is considered the world's first novelist, writing during the Heian period in Japan, exploring themes of romance and court life.

Sei Shōnagon

Author of The Pillow Book.

She was a contemporary of Murasaki Shikibu, known for her witty observations and lists that capture court life in Heian-era Japan.

Kanbun (漢文)

Chinese writing system used in Japan.

It consists of classical Chinese characters and was adapted for Japanese language, serving as a foundation for written communication until modern scripts were developed.

Hiragana (平仮名)

Simplified cursive script enabling vernacular writing.

It is one of the two phonetic scripts used in the Japanese writing system, primarily for native Japanese words and grammatical elements.

Katakana (片仮名)

Angular phonetic script used by men and monks.

It is the second phonetic script in the Japanese writing system, primarily used for foreign words, loanwords, onomatopoeia, and for emphasis.

The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari 源氏物語)

Novel by Murasaki Shikibu about court life and romance.

Considered the world's first novel, it explores the life and loves of Hikaru Genji in the Heian period, reflecting on themes of beauty, impermanence, and the complexities of human relationships.

It delves into the aesthetics of the Heian era and is a significant work in Japanese literature.

Waka (和歌)

Traditional 31-syllable poetry (5-7-5-7-7).

Waka is a form of Japanese poetry that expresses themes of nature, love, and the human experience, often characterized by its emotional depth and elegance.

Minamoto Yoritomo

Founder of the Kamakura shogunate.

He was a military leader who consolidated power in Japan during the late 12th century, marking the beginning of the feudal era.

Shogun (将軍)

Military ruler governing in the emperor’s name.

Prince Ōtomo (648–672)

Son of Tenji, briefly emperor before being overthrown.

Why It’s Important: His fall in the Jinshin War exemplifies succession struggles that defined early Japanese politics.

Battle of Paekch’on River (663)

Failed Japanese intervention in Korea.

Why It’s Important: Ended Japan’s major overseas ambitions for centuries and shifted focus to internal development.

The Battle of Paekch’on River was a crucial military conflict in 663 where Japanese forces attempted an intervention in Korea, ultimately failing. This defeat marked the end of Japan's significant overseas ambitions, leading to a renewed emphasis on internal consolidation and development.

Empress Kōken / Shōtoku (713–770)

The first empress to reign in her own right in Japan, Kōken/Shōtoku temporarily stepped down to become a nun before reclaiming power.

Ruled twice; associated with monk Dōkyō.

Why It’s Important: Her reign reveals tensions between religion and politics and the limits of clerical influence on the throne.

Expedient Means

A Buddhist doctrine that teaches the use of adaptable methods to convey the truth, allowing for varied approaches in teaching to accommodate different audiences. It emphasizes that the ultimate goal is enlightenment, rather than strict adherence to any one path.

Empress Shōshi (988–1074)

Michinaga’s daughter; empress and patron of Murasaki Shikibu.

Why It’s Important: Her salon produced key literary works that define classical Japanese culture

Fujiwara Michitaka (953–995)

One of the most influential members of the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period, known for his political power and for being the father of Michinaga. He played a crucial role in the consolidation of the Fujiwara dominance in the imperial court. Head of an earlier Fujiwara faction and rival to Michinaga.

Why It’s Important: His rivalry illustrates political factionalism within the aristocracy.

Empress Teishi (977–1001)

Also known as Teishi, she was the first wife of Emperor Ichijō and an important figure in the Heian court, known for her contributions to literature and culture. Why It’s Important: Her court reflects competition between Fujiwara branches and the flowering of Heian aesthetics.

Fujiwara Korechika (974–1010)

A prominent member of the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period, he served as a powerful regent and was known for his involvement in court politics. His influence helped shape the era's culture and governance. Son of Michitaka; lost political influence to Michinaga.

Why It’s Important: Demonstrates the fragile nature of power in the Fujiwara system.

Regent (Sesshō / Kanpaku)

A high-ranking official in the Japanese imperial court during the Heian period, who served as a regent to the emperor, often overseeing governance and political matters. There were two main types: Sesshō for underage emperors and Kanpaku for adult emperors. Why It’s Important: Show how the Fujiwara institutionalized control over the throne.

Man’yōgana (万葉仮名)

An ancient writing system in Japan that used Chinese characters phonetically to represent Japanese sounds, serving as a precursor to kana. <span>Why It’s Important: It played a crucial role in the development of Japanese literature and language, particularly in the Man'yōshū anthology.

Vernacular Writing

Refers to writing that employs the everyday language spoken by people rather than classical or formal language. It reflects the cultural and social context of its time, making literature more accessible to a broader audience, particularly in Japan during the Heian period. Why It’s Important: Allowed the creation of unique Japanese literature and a distinct cultural voice.

Narrative Handscrolls (Emaki 絵巻)

A form of Japanese painting on a long scroll that tells a story through images and text, often depicting historical events, legends, or notable figures. Emaki were popular during the Heian period and beyond, providing a blend of visual art and storytelling.

Emperor Go-Sanjō (1032–1073)

Tried to restore imperial power and curb Fujiwara dominance.

Why It’s Important: His reforms set the stage for the Insei (cloistered rule) system and greater imperial autonomy.

Emperor Go-Sanjō was a Japanese emperor known for his efforts to revive the authority of the imperial family, opposing the influential Fujiwara clan's dominance in political affairs. His initiatives contributed to the establishment of cloistered government practices, enhancing imperial power over time.

Emperor Go-Shirakawa (1127–1192)

Ruled through the Insei system; oversaw power struggles among samurai clans.

Why It’s Important: His reign connects the decline of court aristocracy with the rise of warrior rule

and the eventual establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, marking a significant shift in Japanese governance.

Taira Kiyomori (1118–1181)

A prominent samurai leader of the late Heian period, Taira Kiyomori was the first leader of the Taira clan to rise to power, effectively establishing a warrior government. His actions were pivotal in the rise of the samurai class, setting the stage for the Genpei War against the Minamoto clan, which would significantly shape the future of Japan. Samurai who gained political control after the Heiji Rebellion.

Why It’s Important: First warrior to dominate the imperial court, symbolizing Japan’s social transformation.

Minamoto Yoshitomo (1123–1160)

Leader of the Minamoto; rival of Kiyomori.

Why It’s Important: His defeat paved the way for his sons to avenge the clan and establish military rule.

Minamoto Yoshitomo was a prominent warrior during the Heian period, leading the Minamoto clan in conflicts against the Taira. His legacy is significant, as his defeat became a precursor for his sons to rally and ultimately secure military dominance in Japan.

Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159–1189)

Famous samurai general and brother of Minamoto Yoritomo; played a key role in the Genpei War against the Taira clan. His strategic brilliance and victories, including the decisive Battle of Dan-no-ura, elevated the Minamoto clan's power and solidified his legend in Japanese history.

Insei (院政)

A system of rule in Japan where retired emperors held significant power while their successors were still in place. This practice allowed emperors to maintain influence through political maneuvers without the direct responsibilities of monarchs.

Hōgen Rebellion (1156)

The Hōgen Rebellion was a conflict between rival factions of the imperial family and warrior clans in Japan, which ultimately led to the rise of the Minamoto clan's power. This event marked one of the early struggles for dominance in the era of samurai rule. Conflict among court factions involving samurai support.

Why It’s Important: Marked the first major entry of warriors into high politics.

Heiji Rebellion (1159–1160)

A conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans, this rebellion represented a significant power struggle that ultimately paved the way for the establishment of samurai dominance in Japan. Taira vs. Minamoto civil war.

Why It’s Important: Solidified Taira dominance and set up the Minamoto revenge that followed.

Genpei War (1180–1185)

A major conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans, marking the final struggle for power in the Genpei War. It resulted in the overthrow of the Taira and established Minamoto no Yoritomo as the first shogun of Japan.

Samurai / Bushi (侍 / 武士)

The term "samurai" or "bushi" refers to the warrior class in feudal Japan, known for their strict adherence to the code of bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and martial skill. They played a crucial role in the political and military landscape of Japan. Professional warriors loyal to lords.

Why It’s Important: Became the ruling class for centuries and defined Japan’s social order.

Tale of the Heike (平家物語)

An epic chronicle of the Taira clan's rise and fall during the late Heian period, detailing their conflicts with the Minamoto. It explores themes of impermanence and the nature of power. The Tale of the Heike is a foundational work in Japanese literature, reflecting on the samurai ethos and the consequences of war, ultimately portraying the transient nature of life and success.

Shogun (将軍)

The title "shogun" refers to the military leader of Japan, historically the de facto ruler who held power over the country while the emperor remained a figurehead. The position was established to govern the samurai class and maintain order in feudal Japan. Military ruler governing in the emperor’s name.

Why It’s Important: Became the foundation of Japanese political power for the next 700 years.