Nara and Heian Period Japan

Centralization of Japan, Cultural Diffusion from China, and the

breakdown to the Feudal Period

Nara Period• Tribal society • 1st official gov’t Japan ruled by the Yamato

Clan/capital at Nara around 400• Longest ruling family in the world

– Emperor = divine/descendent of Sun Goddess

• Taika Reforms secure gov’t system • Show influence of China but two major

differences:– No Mandate of Heaven– Not Confucian

Shinto & Buddhism

• Native religion = Shinto

• Shinto = animistic/nature spirits

• Buddhism and Shinto were not opposed. -Syncretism

Tōdai-ji東大寺

Heian Period- 794-1185• Government eventually becomes

decentralized

• Emperor lost power, outlying provinces gained power; Japan enters feudal stage.

• Culturally, a Golden Age/many women had prominent cultural roles

• Tale of Genji- Woman wrote the world’s first novel, about court life among the nobility

• Spiffy culture: Origami, tea ceremony,

haiku, sumo

Zen Buddhism– "meditation." – teaches that enlightenment is achieved

through the realization that one is already an enlightened being. This awakening can happen gradually or in a flash of insight

– But in either case, it is the result of one's own efforts. Deities and scriptures can offer only limited assistance.

Feudal Period

• Noble families fought = increasing decentralization

• Emperor = figurehead. Shogun = powerful ruler/warlord

• Daimyo = equivalent to European Lords• Samurai = warriors in vassal position to

daimyo• Bushido = Samurai code of ethics• Samurai failure = Seppuku (belly-splitting)

Prepare for Cuteness