3-Japanese Ancient History and Mythology

Overview

• The lecture aims to explore the character and personality of Japan from a historical perspective.

• It includes an examination of the timeline of Japanese history, human engagement in society and culture, and religious developments.

• The lecturer emphasizes understanding Japan’s identity through its land and name.

Japan's Name and Identity

• Japan (Nippon): Derived from two Kanji characters:

  • Sun (日): Symbolizing light and the dawn.

  • Book (本): Represents origin or foundation.

• Together they convey the idea of "the land of the rising sun."

• Japan's identity is tied to being at the edge of the world and the beginning of life, emphasizing its unique geographical and cultural position.

Geographical Significance

• Japan was once part of the Eurasian Supercontinent, later forming its current structure due to geological shifts.

• Pacific Ring of Fire: A tectonic zone with numerous volcanoes and earthquake fault lines that shape Japan.

• Japan has 6,852 islands, with a new island, Nishinoshima, recently formed.

• Comparison with Prince Edward Island (PEI):

  • Japan is 66 times larger than PEI, ranking 7th in the world for island nations.

  • Population density: Japan has 337 people per square kilometer, while PEI has 25.

Cultural Comparisons

• Distinctive Features:

  • Karaoke bars: Japan has about 100,000, while PEI has only 2.

  • Population: Japan is approximately 800 times more populous than PEI.

• Economic Comparison:

  • Per capita income is relatively similar between both regions, with Japan at $38,000 and PEI at $27,000.

Anthropology and Cultural Evolution

• Cultural evolution in Japan ties closely to its geography and historical interactions with neighboring regions.

• Artifact developments (like ceramics and jewelry) provide insight into societal evolution and trade within East Asia.

Myth of Creation: Tenji Kaibyaku

• The creation narrative is crucial to understanding Japan's character:

  • Initial Chaos: The world begins as a chaotic wilderness.

  • Emergence of Deities: Seven generations of deities emerge, including Izanagi and Izanami.

  • Creation of Islands: Using a jeweled spear, they create Japan’s first island, Onogoro, and later the eight main islands from their union.

  • Birth of Kami: Their love and creativity generate countless kami, representing nature, life, and death.

• Themes of Love and Loss:

  • Izanami dies during childbirth, leading Izanagi to seek her in the underworld.

  • The creation of light and darkness through their actions highlights the integral dualities in Japanese culture.

Significance of Myths

• Myths reflect the present and are intrinsic to understanding the Japanese identity.

• They express vital cultural truths about the land, nature, and human existence.

• The cyclical nature of life, death, light, and darkness is exemplified through the stories of the deities.

• These narratives encapsulate the collective spirit and essence of the Japanese people, woven into their identity.

Conclusion

• The upcoming lectures will use timelines and maps to offer a broader historical perspective, but the foundational character derived from myths remains essential to understanding Japan’s unique identity.