Japan's Geography and Warring Clans

These vocabulary flashcards cover the geography, early history, and rise of the shogunate in Japan based on the provided lecture notes.

Four Largest Islands

The main islands of Japan where most people lived, specifically Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

Volcanic Activity

The geological process that formed the Japanese islands, resulting in mountainous terrain with steep landscapes.

Farmland Scarcity

The condition where only about $20\%$ of land is suitable for farming, leading clans to fight for control of the limited resource.

Sea of Japan

The body of water that acts as a natural barrier between Japan and mainland Asia, contributing to the country's geographical isolation.

Kublai Khan

The leader of the Mongol forces who attempted to invade Japan in the 13th century but was unsuccessful.

Samurai

Professional warriors in Japan whose name means "those who serve" and who fought to protect their clan's land and power.

Yamato clan

A powerful clan that gained control of much of southern Japan in the 5th century and established the imperial family.

Amaterasu

The Japanese sun goddess from whom the imperial family believed they were descended.

Son of Heaven

The title used by Yamato leaders, who were considered sacred and divine, to refer to the emperor.

Nara

An important Japanese capital established in the year $710$.

Heian-kyo (Kyoto)

An important Japanese capital established in $794$.

Minamoto no Yoritomo

The military leader who established control in $1185$ and created a new system of government headed by a shogun.

Shogun

The top military leader of Japan, meaning "great general," who held real power while the emperor remained a figurehead.

Daimyo

Powerful land-owning lords who ruled regions of Japan and provided loyalty and service to the shogun.

Kamakura period

The historical period during which the first shogunate, led by the Minamoto clan, ruled Japan.

Muromachi period

The period when the Ashikaga clan ruled Japan from Kyoto.

Tokugawa period

The period when the Tokugawa family ruled Japan from Edo, also known as Tokyo.

Confucianism

A Chinese system of beliefs that emphasizes respect, order, loyalty, and proper behavior in society.