Japan: From Isolation to Adaptation

Vocabulary flashcards covering the geography, mythology, social structure, and historical periods (Edo and Meiji) of Japan.

Izanagi and Izanami

The two divine beings in Japanese mythology who created the islands of Japan and produced the deity called kami.

Kami

Sacred spirits in the Shinto religion that take the form of objects in nature, such as mountains, trees, and stones.

Kamikaze

A term meaning 'divine wind,' referring to the ferocious storms that destroyed the Mongol fleets in 1274 and 1281.

Amaterasu

The sun goddess in Japanese mythology; the emperors of Japan were considered her descendants and thus divine.

Kanji

The Chinese system of writing in characters which was borrowed and adapted by the Japanese.

Kana

A Japanese writing system developed by combining Kanji with Japanese characters.

Ainu

The indigenous people of Japan who regard elements like fire and wind as gods called kamuy.

Shinto

The ancient religion of Japan based on the love of nature and the belief in sacred spirits called kami.

Stoic

A term used to describe the Japanese tendency to adjust and rebuild after natural disasters without being open about their emotions.

Tsunami

A massive wave often caused by an underwater volcanic eruption or shifts in tectonic plates; Japan has one of the world's most advanced detection systems for these.

Homogeneous society

A society where people see themselves as a unified family with common values and beliefs, regardless of where they live.

Edo Period

The period of Japanese history from 1600 to 1868, also known as the Tokugawa period, characterized by peace and isolation.

Shogun

The military ruler of Japan who held the real power, even though the emperor was the technical ruler of the land.

Daimyo

Powerful landowners or nobles in feudal Japan who competed for territory and power.

Alternate Attendance

A system where daimyo were forced to live in Edo every second year, keeping them financially weak and their families as hostages.

Bakuhan

A two-level government system where the shogunate (federal) controlled important matters and the daimyo controlled local affairs.

Samurai

The respected warrior class of Japan who followed the Bushido code and were the only ones permitted to carry swords.

Ronin

Samurai who were without masters, representing the lowest rank of the samurai class.

Artisans

Craftspeople who produced high-quality goods; they were ranked lower than peasants because they were not primary producers.

Merchants

The lowest class in the feudal hierarchy who traded goods and managed rice distribution, often acting like bankers.

Confucianism

A system of teachings from China that stressed proper behavior, hard work, and the importance of five key relationships.

Goningumi

Groups of five families organized by the samurai who were collectively responsible for each other's behavior and taxes.

Southern Barbarians

The name given to Portuguese traders who arrived in Japan in 1543 because they approached from the south.

Exclusion Laws

Strict isolation policies passed by the Tokugawa shogunate that prohibited most foreigners from entering and Japanese from leaving.

Dutch Scholars

Japanese scholars who were allowed to study the Dutch language and Western medicine to gain knowledge of outside ways.

Kabuki

A form of lavish theatre in Edo Japan where male actors played both male and female roles.

Bunraku

A form of puppet theatre featuring almost life-sized puppets that enact dramatic stories.

Haiku

A poetry form consisting of a formal structure of syllables that paints a brief word picture of life.

The Floating World

Areas in Japanese cities where cultural activities like theatre and entertainment took place, monitored by the shogun.

Commodore Matthew Perry

The American naval officer who arrived in 1853 with 'black ships' to demand that Japan open its ports for trade.

Treaty of Kanagawa

The 1854 agreement that opened two Japanese ports to American ships and established an American consulate.

Meiji Restoration

The era starting in 1868 when the shogun resigned and power was restored to the emperor, named Meiji meaning 'enlightened rule'.

Oligarchy

An unelected group of powerful leaders, such as the samurai advisors who ruled during the Meiji period.

Charter Oath

A document outlining the new rights and goals of the Meiji government, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge throughout the world.

Conscription Law of 1873

A law requiring all Japanese males to serve in the military for three years to build a strong national defense.

Junshi

The practice of ritual suicide after the death of one’s lord, performed by General Nogi upon the death of Emperor Meiji.

Freeters

A modern term for young people in Japan who do not pursue lifelong careers, often characterized by non-traditional clothing and hair.