japan + korea study guide

Nobles

Rich people who gained power over the imperial family and received high-ranking jobs.

Daimyo

A specific type of noble who were landowners.

Vassal

A low-ranking noble under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has vowed loyalty.

Bureaucracy

A system of government.

Samurai

A warrior who served a Japanese lord and lived by a strict code of loyalty.

Bushido

The code of honor followed by the Samurai.

Katana

A long sword used by Samurai.

Wakizashi

A short sword carried by Samurai.

Yumi

A Japanese longbow that allowed warriors to strike at enemies from a distance.

Odachi

A very long, two-handed Japanese sword used by Samurai.

Yari

A spear designed for thrusting, simpler than sword fighting.

Archipelago

A group of scattered islands, such as Japan's four main islands.

Celadon

A tea kettle made out of very fine porcelain.

Shinto

A religion emphasizing the worship of kami and purity.

Fujiwara Clan

The clan that became the real rulers of Japan in the 800s AD.

Feudalism

A system where power is distributed among regional lords.

Shogun

A powerful military leader who ruled in the emperor's name.

Emperor

A figurehead in Japan with no political power but recognized as a religious leader.

Minamoto Yoritomo

The first shogun who took control in 1192 and ruled all of Japan.

Oda Nobunaga

A ruthless land-gain general known for his military strategies.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

A general with a rags-to-riches story who expanded land significantly.

Tokugawa Ieyasu

The shogun who established a complete lockdown of Japan.

Silla Kingdom

A historical Korean kingdom known for its rich culture and unification of Korea.

Yayoi

A period marked by the introduction of rice agriculture and metalworking in Japan.

Taira

A powerful Japanese samurai clan during the 12th century.

Mongol Attacks

Failed invasions of Japan by Kublai Khan, thwarted by typhoons.

Koryo Dynasty

A Korean dynasty that established laws and a civil service system based on the Chinese model.