Japan Under the Shoguns Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering Heian society, the rise of the Shogunate, and Japanese feudal hierarchy based on lecture notes.

Heian Imperial Court

A body that focused on refined culture, aesthetic refinement, and internal palace intrigue, which led to the neglect of regional administration.

Shoen

Private lands formed by wealthy nobles and regional clans as tax systems failed.

Minamoto (Genji)

One of the two rival clans that fought in the Genpei War between $1180$ and $1185$.

Taira (Heike)

One of the two rival clans that fought in the Genpei War between $1180$ and $1185$.

Genpei War

A conflict occurring from $1180$ to $1185$ between the Minamoto and Taira clans.

Kamakura Shogunate

A decentralized military government established in Kamakura that shifted power away from the aristocratic imperial court in Kyoto.

Shogun

The supreme military dictator of Japan's decentralized military government.

Bushido

The strict code of conduct and honour followed by samurai.

Shi-No-Ko-Sho system

A legal structure of strict social stratification that made it almost impossible to change social class, ensuring the Shogun stayed at the top.

Daimyo

Regional lords who were restricted from building new fortifications and were required to leave their families in the capital as hostages.

$$794$$

The year marking the beginning of the Heian period and the movement of the capital to Kyoto.

Battle of Dan-no-ura

The $1185$ event that marked the end of the Genpei War.

$$1192$$

The year the first Shogun was officially appointed.