The Opening of Japan: Historical Context

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the opening of Japan, its feudal structure, and significant historical events surrounding the transition from isolation to modernization.

Edo

The former name of Tokyo during the Tokugawa period, from 1615 to 1868.

Samurai

A class of warriors in feudal Japan who served the daimyo and followed a strict code of conduct.

Daimyo

Feudal lords in Japan who ruled over different regions and had their own samurai.

Shogun

The military leader of Japan who held actual power during the feudal period, ruling on behalf of the emperor.

Tokugawa Shogunate

The last feudal Japanese military government which lasted from 1603 to 1868.

Treaty of Kanagawa

The first treaty between the United States and Japan, signed in 1854, which opened two ports for American ships.

Meiji Restoration

A period in Japanese history from 1868 in which power was restored to the emperor and Japan underwent significant modernization.

Sankin Kotai

The system of alternate attendance required by the Tokugawa shogunate for daimyo to reside in Edo for part of the year.

Extraterritoriality

The right of foreign residents in Japan during the 19th century to be tried in their own courts rather than Japanese courts.

Anti-Shogunate Rebellion

Movements in the mid-19th century aimed at overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate in favor of returning power to the emperor.

Choshu and Satsuma

Two of the main regions that opposed the Tokugawa shogunate and were key players in the Meiji Restoration.

Matthew Perry

A Commodore in the U.S. Navy known for his role in ending Japan's isolationist policies by leading an expedition to Japan in 1853.

Commoners

The peasant class in feudal Japan, distinct from the samurai and daimyo.

Cultural daughter of China

A reference to the period when Japan was heavily influenced by Chinese culture, particularly during the 7th century.

Most Favored Nation Status

A trade status that allows a country to receive the same trade advantages as other nations.

Mt. Fuji

The highest mountain in Japan, regarded as a sacred symbol and located near Tokyo.

Four Ports

The ports including Yokohama, Opened to American trade by the U.S.-Japan Commercial Treaty of 1858.

Hokkaido

The northernmost of Japan’s main islands, known for its natural resources and indigenous Ainu culture.

Kamakura

A city in Kanagawa Prefecture, historically significant as the political center during the Kamakura period (1185-1333).