japan and korea

Unit 1: The Global Tapestry

Japan and Korea

1200-1450

China and Japan

Selective Borrowing

  • Japan often borrows culturally from China.
  • However, the adoption is selective, meaning Japan picks and chooses what it takes from Chinese culture.
  • Geography plays a crucial role in facilitating this selective borrowing.
  • The most successful cultural borrowing from China is Zen Buddhism.
  • Confucianism and the Civil Service system were never fully integrated into Japanese society.

Kamakura Shogunate

1185-1333

  • This era established the Samurai Warrior Class and the system of Feudalism in Japan.

Features of the Kamakura Shogunate

  • Regional Lords (Bushi)
    • Administer small kingdoms
    • Responsible for collecting taxes
    • Build up private militaries
  • Samurai
    • Begin as loyal warriors to bushi.
    • Martial arts are highly esteemed within this class.
    • The Code of Bushido emphasizes family honor and ritual suicide (seppuku) over the notion of defeat.
  • Serfs
    • Experience a loss of status and personal freedom.
    • Treated as the property of the local lord.
    • Many turn to salvationist Buddhism as a refuge.

The Emperor and Feudal Society

  • The emperor reigns but does not necessarily rule.
  • Political hierarchy includes:
    • Nobles
    • Warriors
    • Paid Soldiers
    • The Emperor (Figurehead)
    • The Shogun
    • Daimyos (Regional lords)
    • Samurai (Warrior class)
    • Farmers and Fishermen
    • Craftspeople
    • Artisans and Merchants (lowest class)
  • Population Distribution
    • Peasants make up 90% of the population.

Comparison: Feudal Europe vs. Feudal Japan

Similarities:

  • Both have similar political structure, social hierarchy, and codes of honor.

Differences:

  • Europe: The relationship is based on a land-for-loyalty exchange.
  • Japan: The system is based more on group or family identity and loyalty rather than just individual fealty.

The Code of Bushido

Core Values:

  • Loyalty
  • Politeness
  • Virility which includes vigor, health, and sturdiness.
  • Simplicity

Seppuku (Harakiri)

Definition:

  • Ritual suicide practiced by samurai to restore honor, particularly in the face of defeat or disgrace.

Medieval Warriors Compared

Samurai vs. European Knights

  • Analysis and a detailed discussion of the differences and similarities between Samurai warriors and European knights.

Mongol Invasion Attempts

Timeline and Details:

  1. First Attempt (1274)
  2. Second Attempt (1281)
  • The Mongols were to invade Japan from China with a force of 4,400 ships and 140,000 men.
  • However, kamikaze winds thwarted their plans, leading to their defeat.
Geography Mentioned:
  • Regions such as Korea, Hokkaido, Mt. Hiei, Sakai, Tsushima, Inland Sea, Shikoku, Hakata, Kyushu, and Honshu are mentioned in relation to these invasions.

Chan/Zen Buddhism

Overview:

  • A Japanese variation of the Mahayana form of Buddhism.
  • Originated from India, passed through China.
  • Syncretism: It blends Shinto and Buddhist elements.
  • Reinforces Bushido values through mental discipline and self-discipline.

The Influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese Society

Key Concepts:

  • Encourages giving up selfish desires.
  • Promotes meditation and devotion to duty.
  • The ultimate goal is enlightenment.

Shintoism

Key Beliefs:

  • Indigenous faith of Japan characterized by ancestor worship.
  • Reverence for nature and spirits, believed to embody sacred powers (kami).
  • Buddhism has incorporated Shinto traditions into its practices within Japan.

Korea

Sinification

  • The term refers to the adoption of Chinese culture within Korean society.
  • Increases after the Han dynasty, which led to organized cities, schools, and court systems mirroring those of the Chinese.
  • The power of the aristocracy in Korea prevents the full adoption of Confucianism.
  • Notable influences include Buddhist art, the establishment of monasteries, and the adoption of Chinese writing and legal codes.

Historical Context:

  • In 1231, Korea experienced a Mongol invasion, followed by extensive turmoil.
  • The Yi dynasty was founded in 1392, which lasted until 1910.

The Effects of Chinese Cultural Tradition on East Asia

  • A comprehensive analysis should be conducted to detail how Chinese cultural practices have influenced the surrounding regions, particularly Japan and Korea.