Test Guide Japan

Japanese test prep Regent-a ruler or governor Golden Age- the most flourishing period in the history of a nation Courtier-a person who is often in attendance at the court of a king or other royal personage Shinto- the native religion of Japan Samurai- a member of the hereditary warrior class in feudal Japan Bushido Code- the way of the warrior Cultural diffusion- the process by which a cultural trait, material object, idea, or behavior pattern is spread from one society to another Heian period- It is the period in Japanese history when Confucianism and other Chinese influences were at their height Calligraphy- beautiful writing Shogun- the title applied to the chief military commanders Tale of the Genji- a Japanese love story on the life of Genji, a fictional Prince. By Murasaki Shikibu Seppuku- suicide or any suicidal action committed by a samurai when they did a dishonorable thing. Meditation- To train, calm, or empty the mind Corrupt- destroy Isolation- the separation of a nation from other nations Daimyo- feudal landowner Zen Buddhism- a religion that stressed the importance of the moment Kamikaze- the typhoon destroying the Mongol fleet

GEOGRAPHY OF JAPAN -Japan: Millions of years ago, volcanic mountains pushed out from the Pacific Ocean -Japan is about the size of Montana. -Mountains and hills cover most of Japan ISOLATION FACTS -Japan is isolated from much of the world -Japan is isolated by its seas -seas also shielded Japan from foreign attacks EARLY RELIGEON -Shinto is the earl religion of Japan -Shinto revolves around nature -teaches that natural world is filled with divine spirits CULTURAL DIFFUSION BETWEEN CHINA, KOREA, AND INDIA -trade began a concentrated culture -Buddhism came from China -changes called “taika reforms” DIARIES AND TALES -diaries were the favorite form of writing, they could keep accounts of people’s lives KYOTO COURT -limited Buddhist temples, afraid Buddhism would influence the government SAMURAI CODE -samurai would die to protect his general -is ashamed, he would kill himself -code of honor

SAMURAI EQUIPMENT -mask -designed to scare enemies -long sword -soul of the samurai -armor -protects the body from attack -helmet -protects head from attacks, and he put incense in it so if someone chopped off his head, it would smell nice MENTAL TRAINING -thought of themselves already dead -imagined some of the most gruesome things that would happen to them, like getting their head chopped off, so that they wouldn’t fear death MONGOL INVASION -enemies of Japan -typhoon called the “kamikaze” luckily blew away the Mongol fleet THE SOCIAL CLASS 1. Shogun- highest social class 2. Daimyo- serves the shogun, gives food and land to the samurai 3. In return, the samurai guard and protect the Daimyo, or “master” NOH DRAMA -masked dancer with minor players and a chorus -very poetic and simple JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY -they get together, have tea, and socialize -examining scrolls