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