tuesday -- stalker chapter 4

Heian Period

A period in Japanese history characterized by the dominance of the Fujiwara clan, flourishing culture, and declining centralized power.

Fujiwara Clan

An aristocratic family that controlled imperial authority in the Heian period through marriage politics.

Tale of Genji

A classic piece of Japanese literature from the Heian period, considered one of the world's first novels.

Shoen

Private landholdings in Japan that were exempt from taxation, which weakened centralized land control.

Provincial Leaders

Local military leaders who gained power as court-appointed deputies became ineffective.

Taira and Minamoto Clans

The two major warrior clans in Japan that rose in importance, both claiming lineage to imperial ancestors.

Genpei War

A five-year conflict (1180-1185) between the Taira and Minamoto clans, sparked by disputes over imperial succession.

Battle of Dan-no-Ura

A decisive naval battle in the Genpei War where the Taira clan was annihilated.

Kamakura Shogunate

The first shogunate in Japan, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo, marking the rise of military rule.

Dual Polity Governance

The coexistence of the Kamakura Bakufu with the imperial government.

Mandokoro

The administrative branch of the Kamakura Shogunate that managed financial affairs and land distribution.

Monchujō

The judicial office in the Kamakura Shogunate that resolved disputes, primarily over land.

Samurai-dokoro

The office in the Kamakura Shogunate that oversaw military vassals and security.

Austerity in Samurai Culture

A valued principle reflecting the samurai ethos, focusing on discipline and rejection of opulence.

Opulence

Great wealth or luxuriousness; rejected by samurai in favor of austere values.

Ashikaga Period

The period from 1336 to 1573 characterized by the Ashikaga Shogunate and decentralized power.

Kemmu Restoration

The restoration of imperial rule by Emperor Go-Daigo that temporarily ended the Kamakura Shogunate.

Ashikaga Takauji

A former supporter of Go-Daigo who betrayed him and established the Ashikaga Shogunate.

Muromachi Bakufu

A decentralized government structure based in Kyoto during the Ashikaga period.

Onin War

A conflict that began in 1467 within the Ashikaga Shogunate, initiating the Sengoku period.

Zen-inspired Arts

Art forms that expanded during the Muromachi era, including Noh theater, ink painting, and tea ceremonies.

Samurai

Warriors in Japan who evolved from estate managers to political leaders, gaining power through martial skills.

Fealty

Loyalty sworn by samurai to a daimyo in exchange for land or protection.

Daimyo

A land-owning lord in feudal Japan who acted as a landholder for the shogun.

Primogeniture

The right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, favoring male heirs under warrior rule.

Mongol Invasions

Two failed invasions of Japan by the Mongols in 1274 and 1281, influenced by natural disasters.

Kamikaze

Divine wind believed to have saved Japan from Mongol invasions.

Sengoku Jidai

The period of regional wars and shifting alliances initiated by the Onin War.

Zazen

Meditation in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing personal discipline and enlightenment.

Ryoan-ji Temple

A famous Zen temple in Kyoto known for its rock garden designed for contemplation.

Sumi-e

A style of ink painting that emphasizes spontaneity and simplicity.

Nō Theater

A traditional Japanese theater form that combines poetry, music, and dance, exploring themes of impermanence.

Bushido

The way of the warrior, focusing on loyalty, honor, and acceptance of death.

The Tale of Heike

A literary work chronicling the Genpei War and the fall of the Taira clan, reflecting themes of karma.

Cultural Contributions of the Warrior Class

Support for the arts, including architecture and literature, by warrior elites.

Matricocal Marriage Custom

A marriage system where the husband lives with the wife's community, allowing women to retain some influence.

Warrior Governance

The shift from feudal power to military leadership, where samurai became political figures.

Economic Foundations of Samurai

Samurai relied on stipends from land revenue that created a patron-based system.

Vassal-Lord Relationships

The feudal structure where samurai provided military service to their daimyo in exchange for land.

Judicial Duties of Samurai

Samurai served as judges and tax collectors, responsible for maintaining order.

Decline in Women's Rights

Under warrior rule, women's rights diminished, favoring male heirs through primogeniture.

Impact of the Mongol Invasions

Strengthening of belief in divine protection and financial strain on the Kamakura Shogunate.