Ancient Japan

Izanagi and Izanami

The two gods who created the island of Japan, according to legend.

Jeweled Spear

Izanagi reached down and put his jeweled spear into the ocean, and the drop that fell from its point formed the islands of Japan.

“Amaterasu”

The Sun Goddess that was created by the two gods.

“Ninigi”

The grandson of Amaterasu, who was sent to take control of the island of Honshu.

Bronze Mirror, Jewel, and Great Iron Sword

The symbol of the emperor’s power that was sent by Amaterasu to ensure that the people will accept Ninigi.

Ainu

The first people of Japan, who lived on the island of Hokkaido.

Shinto

The religion of early Japan, the worship of nature, teaches that the world is full of divine spirit.

Kami

Japanese term for divine spirits, Amaterasu was the highest kami and believed to be the ancestor of Japan’s emperor,

Buddhism

The Japanese like Buddhism becaue it promised rewards if you were faithful.

Prince Shotoku

The prince who brought Confucianism to Japan from China taught people how to behave and gave rules for families.

Nara (Heijo-kyo)

The first permanent capital of Japan established in 710 AD

Kyoto (Heian-kyo)

Became the new capital in 794 where the emperor and his family resides.

Heian Period

When Emperor Kanmu moved the imperial court to Heian, it marked the Heian period. It also marked the Golden Age of Japan.

Golden Age of Japan

Wealthy nobles paid to help create beautiful arts such as Drama (Noh), Architecture, Stories, and Poems written by women.

Lady Murasaki Shikibu

The writer of the novel, “The Tale of Genji,” which is about a prince named Genji who was looking for love. Also tells the attitudes and customs in ancient Japan.

Pure Land Buddhism

During the Heian Period, Buddhism became popular; this type of Buddhism was enjoyed by the common people because it promised a paradise for chanting Buddha’s name over and over.

Zen Buddhism

Popular with Samurai warriors because it valued discipline.

Tea Ceremony

Practice the quiet appreciation for the tea, its smell, the room, and its sound, the people and their good manners, calm, and friendly conversation.

Zen Garden

A calm place for meditation where people appreciate nature.

“Ikebana” or flower arranging

It teaches balance in nature and beauty.

Painting and Calligraphy

It teaches carefulness, self-control, and artistic writing.

“Geisha”

Chinese term for “artist”, commonly used for women who study music, dance, poetry, and literature to entertain people.

Shogun

The actual ruler of Japan, but lower than the emperor in heirarchy.

Daimyo

They are nobles and wealthy landowners who controlled nearly all peasants and paid samurai for protection.

Samurai

They are the Japanese warriors, literally meaning “those who serve.”

Bushido

The code of loyalty, honor, and discipline between and within the Samurai.

Qualities of Samurai

Great endurance, physical/fighting skills, and great courage.

Peasants and artisan

The largest class in ancient Japan, the second lowest in heirarchy.

Merchants

The lowest class because they produced nothing on their own, only sells.

Kublai Khan

Offered to rule Japan after taking over China.

Kamikaze

The storm that destroyed the Mongol ships is also known as "the divine wind”, which is believed to have been sent by the gods to help them.

Guns

Brought by the Portuguese in the 16th century, far superior to swords and arrows.

Nobunaga

A shogun who armed his warriors with new weapons and took control of more than 3rd of Japan.

Christianity

Shogun saw the spread of Christianity as a threat since European countries are always at war and the people would shift their obedience to the Pope.

Commodore Matthew Perry

Sent by the US to lead several warships to Japan and force it to accept trade with America.