Lesson 1
Land of the Rising Sun

The Effect of Geography on Japan

120mi. off the coast of East Asia coast

4 large islands and +4000 small islands

Mild climate meant rain good for crops and green hills/
people often fished

Shinto religion was popular- meant "way of the gods"/
people respected land in religion

China gave Japan its name
- China called the islands "Land of the Rising Sun"
- Japanese called the land Nippon

Early Japanese Society

Clans battled other clans for land
- land was scarce and was sign of wealth and power

Shinto reunified force among all levels of society

Emperors were considered human and divine

Clans were led by nobles and led the common people

Common did jobs such as fishing, farming, pottery, and weaving

Slaves were included but often did cooking and cleaning

All used the Shinto religion as a unifying force

Prince Shotoku- one of most imps regents
- regent is an official appointed to rule temporarily as emperor

The Reign of Prince Shotoku

Asked by Empress Suika (aunt) to be regent
- held power 593- 622

Opened embassy in China
- embassy is an office of government in another country

Impressed by Chinese culture; urged Japanese to learn from China

Created guidelines for rulers based on Confucian principles
- known as Seventeen Article Constitution

Main Ideas

Geography
Japan's development was influenced by its landforms,
it's climate, and its closeness to Korea and China

Government
Prince Shotoku wrote Japan's first constitution and
also brought Chinese culture to Japan

Culture
The Japanese developed distinctive family and
social structures

Main topic

Subtopic