Untitled Flashcards Set

Final Exam December 18th 3:30-5:30

Exam Format - Fillin the blank (ID) and short responses NO MULTIPLE CHOICE

What to Know 

Who they are and what they do

ID Answer Formats 

Write Period and what they do or know for 

Dates to Know 

Iwakura mission 1872 - group of samurai went around the world and looked form things they like 

• Navy from the brits

• The aim of the mission was threefold; to gain recognition for the newly reinstated imperial dynasty under the Emperor Meiji; to begin preliminary renegotiation of the unequal treaties with the dominant world powers; and to make a comprehensive study of modern industrial, political, military and educational systems and structures in the United States and Europe.
  
  

Theme#1

• Borrowing and Domestication

• There has been a tendency throughout Japanese history to import and borrow ideas, cultural expressions and cultural forms from other parts of the world and to transform and domesticate them into ideas, expressions and forms that reflect native tastes and inclinations.

Theme#2

• Impermanence/mujo - the notion that all things are transient and constantly changing

Theme #3 

• Accretion 

• Most cultural and artistic change in japan come about through accretion, that is the gradual accumulation of styles forms and taste that undergo an internal transformation creating new styles

Jōmon (c. 12,000–300 BCE) - Characterized by a hunter-gatherer society with distinctive pottery and early settlements, descended from siberia 

Yayoi (300 BCE–300 CE) - Marked by the introduction of rice cultivation, metalworking, and the emergence of social hierarchies. Elevated architecture for storage (keep animals out, away from flooding. People of mixed descent from the Jomon period and immigrants coming from Korea.

Asuka (552-710 CE) - A period of significant cultural and political change, including the unification of countries, taking writing style from China, introduction of Buddhism and early centralization under Prince Shōtoku.
Nara (710–794) - The first period with a permanent capital in Nara, heavily influenced by Chinese culture and Buddhism. Temples are built.

Heian (794–1185) - Known for courtly refinement, the development of kana writing, and classic works like The Tale of Genji. Moved capital from nara to kyoto.
Kamakura (1185–1333) - The era of the first shogunate under Minamoto no Yoritomo, marked by samurai rule and the 2 Mongol invasions. Moved capital from kyoto to kamakura
Muromachi (1333–1573) - Tea ceremony, Noh theater, Zen gardens. Danyo were fighting.

Azuchi-Momoyama (1573–1600) - A transitional period of unification under Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, leading to the establishment of Tokugawa rule.
Tokugawa/Edo (1600–1868) - A long period of peace and isolation under Tokugawa shogunate, with urban growth and flourishing art. Capital moved to Edo.
Meiji (1868–1912) - A transformative era of modernization, industrialization, and Westernization following the fall of the shogunate.

Taishō (1912–1926) - A brief period of liberal democracy and cultural vibrancy, earthquake in 1923

Shōwa (1926–1989) - World War II, and post-war economic recovery and growth, making Japan a global power. Shinkansen(train)

Heisei (1989–2019) - Marked by Japan's bubble economy collapse, emperor Heisei resigns.

Reiwa (2019–present) - The current era, Olympics and COVID-19.

People

Culture/Aesthetics

Katakana - A Japanese writing system used primarily for foreign words, technical terms.

Hiragana - A phonetic Japanese script used for native words and grammatical elements.

Kanji -  characters borrowed from Chinese

Hard v. Soft Impermanence -  Sudden, drastic changes, like death or destruction vs gradual, gentle changes, like the fading of flowers or the passing of seasons.

Kabuki - A traditional Japanese theater form known for its dynamic acting, elaborate costumes, and makeup.

Bunraku - Japanese puppet theater featuring highly skilled puppeteers, narrators, and musicians.

Kyogen - A form of comedic theater performed as an interlude during Noh plays.

Noh - a form of Japanese theater blending music, dance, and drama.

Misogi - A Shinto purification ritual involving washing with water to cleanse the body and spirit.

Miyabi -  The concept of courtly elegance, refinement, and the appreciation of beauty in Heian Japan.

Mono no aware - The fleeting beauty of life, often associated with cherry blossoms.

Aware - bittersweet feeling of awareness and sensitivity to the beauty and ephemerality of life.

Mujō - The Buddhist concept of impermanence

Tea Ceremony - A traditional practice of preparing and serving tea, embodying harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Wabi - Aesthetic simplicity and rustic beauty, often tied to imperfection and impermanence.

Sabi - The appreciation of aging and the beauty found in imperfection and natural wear.

Yugen - A profound sense of mystery and depth, often evoked in Noh theater and poetry.

Yokai - Supernatural creatures or spirits in Japanese folklore, ranging from mischievous to malevolent.
Ghosts - Supernatural spirits in Japanese folklore, often portrayed as lingering souls seeking resolution or revenge.

Moga-Mobo - Modern boys (mobo) and modern girls (moga), a 1920s Japanese subculture inspired by Western fashion, behaviors, and attitudes.

Iki - A Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasizes stylishness, sophistication, and a sense of effortless cool.

Shibui - A subtle and refined aesthetic quality characterized by simplicity, restraint, and an understated elegance.

Ideas

SPAM -  the social hierarchy during the Edo period: Samurai, Peasants, Artisans, and Merchants

Chonin - The urban merchant and artisan class that emerged as influential during the Edo period, despite their low status in the SPAM hierarchy.

Bakufu - The military government led by a shogun, the Tokugawa period.

Sakoku - Japan’s policy of isolation during the Edo period (1639–1854), limiting foreign trade and contact.

Giri/Ninjo -  giri (duty/obligation) and ninjo (human emotions).

State Shinto - The form of Shinto established during the Meiji era to promote nationalism, linking the emperor to divine ancestry.

Bushido - The code of conduct for samurai, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and discipline

Shogun - The military ruler of Japan who held actual power while the emperor served as a figurehead.

Kamikaze - Meaning "divine wind," referring to typhoons that repelled Mongol invasions in the 13th century and later to WWII suicide pilots.

Daimyo - Powerful feudal lords who controlled large domains and were subordinate to the shogun.

Nanbanjin - "Southern barbarians," a term used for Europeans who arrived in Japan during the 16th century.

Sankin Kōtai - The Tokugawa system requiring daimyo to alternate residence between their domains and the shogun’s capital to prevent rebellion.

Kokugaku - "National learning," a scholarly movement focusing on Japanese classics and Shinto, rejecting foreign influences.

Rangaku - "Dutch learning," referring to Western knowledge (primarily scientific) studied during Japan's period of isolation.

Bakumatsu - The final years of the Tokugawa shogunate (1853–1867), leading to the Meiji Restoration.

Sonno Joi - "Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians," a slogan advocating imperial power during the Bakumatsu.

Bunmei Kaika - "Civilization and Enlightenment," a Meiji-era slogan promoting modernization and adoption of Western culture.

Fukoku Kyōhei - "Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military," the guiding principle of Meiji-era modernization.

Japonisme - The fascination with Japanese art and culture in Europe, especially in the 19th century, influencing Impressionism.

Zaibatsu - Large, family-controlled industrial and financial conglomerates that dominated Japan’s economy during the Meiji and early 20th century.

Kōrei Shōshika - Japan’s demographic crisis characterized by an aging population and declining birthrate.

Good Wife, Wise Mother - A Meiji-era ideal promoting women's roles as homemakers and nurturers to strengthen families and the nation.

Historical Events

1868 Meiji Restoration - The overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, restoring imperial rule and initiating modernization in Japan.

Black Ships - Western ships, led by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853, that forced Japan to open trade with the U.S.

Taika Reforms (645 CE) - A series of political and land reforms inspired by Chinese Confucianism, aiming to centralize imperial authority.

Genpei War (1180–1185) - A conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans, ending with the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate.

Mongol Invasions (1274, 1281) - Failed attempts by the Mongols to invade Japan, repelled partly by "kamikaze" (divine winds).

Kemmu Restoration (1333–1336) - An attempt by Emperor Go-Daigo to restore imperial power, which ultimately failed with the rise of the Ashikaga shogunate.

Onin War (1467–1477) - A civil war that marked the start of the Warring States period (Sengoku Jidai) in Japan.

Battle of Sekigahara (1600) - A decisive battle that led to Tokugawa Ieyasu establishing the Tokugawa shogunate.

Kansei Reforms (1787–1793) - Economic and social reforms aimed at stabilizing Tokugawa Japan during financial crises.

First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) - Japan’s victory over China, establishing Japan as a major imperial power.

Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) - Japan’s victory against Russia, marking the first major Asian military win over a Western power.

Iwakura Mission (1871–1873) - A Japanese diplomatic journey to the West to study modernization and negotiate treaties.

Great Kanto Earthquake (1923) - A devastating earthquake that destroyed much of Tokyo and Yokohama, killing over 100,000 people.

Peace Preservation Law (1925) - A law banning anti-capitalist and anti-government ideologies, enforced by thought police.

Manchurian Incident (1931) - A staged event by Japanese troops to justify the invasion of Manchuria, leading to its occupation.

Marco Polo Bridge Incident (1937) - A skirmish between Japanese and Chinese troops, marking the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Kamikaze Pilots (1944–1945) - Japanese pilots who carried out suicide missions during World War II to defend Japan.

Hiroshima Bomb (1945) - The first atomic bomb dropped by the U.S. on August 6, 1945, killing tens of thousands instantly.

Nagasaki Bomb (1945) - The second atomic bomb dropped by the U.S. on August 9, 1945, leading to Japan's surrender.

SCAP (Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers) - The U.S.-led post-war occupation authority headed by General Douglas MacArthur.

AMPO (U.S.-Japan Security Treaty) - A treaty ensuring U.S. military protection in exchange for bases in Japan, controversial in Japanese politics.

Surrender of Japan (1945) - Japan's formal surrender on September 2, 1945, marking the end of World War II.

Tokyo Olympics 1964 - Symbolized Japan’s recovery and reintegration into the global community after World War II.

Tokyo Olympics 2020/1 - Held in 2021 due to COVID-19, showcasing resilience during the global pandemic.

Shinkansen - Japan’s high-speed bullet train, launched in 1964, revolutionizing transportation and modernizing infrastructure.

Bubble Economy (1980s) - A period of rapid economic growth followed by a major collapse in the 1990s due to inflated asset prices.

Triple Disaster (2011) - The earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear meltdown that devastated Japan and reshaped its energy policies.

Article Nine - A clause in Japan’s post-war constitution renouncing war and prohibiting the maintenance of a military force.

Art

Dogū - Small clay figurines from the Jōmon period, often depicting humans or animals, thought to have spiritual or ritual significance.

Haniwa - Terracotta clay figures placed on ancient kofun tombs during the Kofun period to protect the deceased and symbolize their status.

Kofun - Keyhole-shaped burial mounds built for Japanese elites during the 3rd to 7th centuries.

Emaki - Traditional Japanese illustrated handscrolls that combine text and images to tell stories or historical events.

Sumi-e/Suibokuga - Japanese ink wash painting, characterized by its simplicity, monochromatic tones, and use of brush techniques to convey emotion and nature.

Ukiyo-e - A genre of woodblock prints and paintings from the Edo period, depicting scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and famous figures.

Religion

Shinto - Japan’s indigenous religion centered on spirits and rituals celebrating nature and purification.

Buddhism - A religion originating in India that spread to Japan, focusing on enlightenment and the impermanence of life.

Lotus Sutra - A key Mahayana Buddhist text emphasizing universal salvation and the idea that all beings can achieve enlightenment.

Rokudo—Six Paths of Existence - The six realms of reincarnation in Buddhist cosmology, ranging from heavenly to hellish existences.

Shingon Buddhism - A sect of esoteric Buddhism introduced to Japan by Kūkai, emphasizing mystical rituals and mantras.

Tendai Buddhism - A Japanese school of Buddhism founded by Saichō, promoting the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and harmony among Buddhist practices.

Pure Land Buddhism - A devotional sect focused on faith in Amida Buddha to attain rebirth in the Pure Land, a paradise free from suffering.

Mappo - The Buddhist concept of the "Latter Days of the Law," a degenerate age when enlightenment becomes harder to achieve.

Amida Buddha - The central figure of Pure Land Buddhism, a Buddha who vowed to save all beings through faith in him.

Namu Amida Butsu - A chant meaning "I take refuge in Amida Buddha," central to Pure Land practice.

Zen Buddhism - A meditative school of Buddhism emphasizing direct experience, mindfulness, and the simplicity of enlightenment.

Neo-Confucianism - A philosophical system blending Confucian ethics with Buddhist and Taoist ideas, influential during the Tokugawa period.

AUM Shinrikyo - A religious cult founded by Shoko Asahara, infamous for the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack

Literature

Kojiki - Japan's oldest historical text, chronicling myths, legends, and the origins of the imperial family (712 CE).

Manyoshu - An ancient anthology of Japanese poetry, featuring over 4,500 poems from the 8th century.

The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon - A collection of essays, observations, and lists capturing Heian court life.

Waka - Traditional Japanese poetry composed in a 5-line, 31-syllable format (5-7-5-7-7).

The Tale of Genji - novel depicting aristocratic life in the Heian period.

Kokin Wakashu - An imperial anthology of waka poetry.

Tale of the Heike - An epic tale of the Genpei War (1180–1185), focusing on the fall of the Taira clan.

Story of My Ten Foot Square Hut (Hojoki) - A reflective work exploring themes of impermanence and Buddhist simplicity.

Otogi-zoshi - A collection of short, illustrated tales from the Muromachi period, often for entertainment or moral instruction.

Shuten Doji - A medieval Japanese tale about a demon leader defeated by a group of samurai.

Essays in Idleness - A classic collection of reflections on life and impermanence by the monk Kenkō.

Shinkokinshu - An imperial anthology of waka poetry, emphasizing refinement and depth

Haikai - A playful, humorous form of linked poetry, evolving into the more structured haiku.

Haiku - A concise form of Japanese poetry with 3 lines and a 5-7-5 syllable structure, focusing on nature and simplicity.

Narrow Road to the North - Matsuo Bashō’s travelogue, blending haiku and prose to capture his journey and the beauty of nature.

Love Suicides at Sonezaki - A tragic play about lovers driven to double suicide by societal pressures.

Chushingura (47 Ronin) - A famous tale of samurai loyalty and revenge, based on historical events.

Gesaku - Satirical, comedic literature popular in the Edo period, often critiquing society and culture.

Kibyōshi - Early Japanese graphic novels, combining illustrations with satirical, often humorous storytelling.

“Her Daily Life” - A literary  piece depicting the details of a woman’s daily routine.

Tokyo Story - A 1953 film by Yasujirō Ozu, exploring family relationships and generational conflict in post-war Japan.

Genbunitichi - writings reflecting Japan’s gradual adoption of Western ideas and technology.

In Praise of Shadows - An essay by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki celebrating traditional Japanese aesthetics and subtlety.

Manga - Japanese comic books or graphic novels, spanning various genres and styles.

Shojo Literature - Fiction targeting young women, often focusing on themes of romance, growth, and relationships.