Japanese Background

1. Japanese Background

2. Many Aspects Borrowed From China • Chinese system of writing • Japan had no written language, therefore no written literature • However, the Japanese culture and writing evolved its own character and style over time

3. Politics • Early political structure based on clan, or family divisions • Hierarchy of classes within each clan • Constantly fighting until one clan, Yamato, grew powerful enough to control and subdue the other clans

4. Samurai • Ambitious aristocrats begin to amass huge estates and need protection • Insert Samurais or professional warriors • These Samurais followed a strict code of conduct based on absolute loyalty to their lord and personal honor—not so much religion

5. Purity of Culture • Although much of Japans culture may appear to be “borrowed” the country was actually sealed because the leader was concerned that the Western world would attempt to overthrow his power. • All foreigners forced to leave • Japanese Christians persecuted • Japanese people were forbidden to leave the country under penalty of death

6. Purity of Japan • Matthew Perry steams into Tokyo Bay in 1853 demanding that Japan open up its ports and trade with the West. • Treaties negotiated, Japan opens borders • As feared, trade with the West alters Japanese culture

7. Shintoism • Followers of Shinto revere divine spirits, called kami which reside in natural places or objects. • Ex: Springs, mountains, etc. • Ancestors and Emperors are also regarded as divine • Less developed than most religions; follows Confucianism concepts for the most part

8. 4 Affirmations • Tradition and the family: The family is seen as the main mechanism by which traditions are preserved. Their main celebrations relate to birth and marriage. • Love of nature: Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the Gods. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits. • Physical cleanliness: Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouth often. • "Matsuri": The worship and honor given to the Kami and ancestral spirits.

9. Buddhism/Zen Buddhism • Originated in India, then branched of into sects. One of which = Zen Buddhism • Followers of all schools seek spiritual freedom and inner tranquility. • It’s the way they get there that changes. • Zen Buddhists challenged the intellectualism of older sects and advocated meditation, concentration, and self-discipline as the way to enlightenment. • Zen priests developed the tea ceremony, landscape gardening, and judo

10. Great Female Writers • Many scholars believe the first novel was written by MurasakiShikibu, a lady- in-waiting to the empress. • She is regarded as Japan’s William Shakespeare • Also, SeiShonagon wrote about her life in a witty, revealing journal (which we will be reading) The Pillow Book. • The book offers insight into what daily life in Japan was like in the tenth century. She keeps detailed lists of “annoying things” or “happy things” even “embarrassing things.”

11. Japanese Drama • Noh is the most distinctive form of Japanese Drama. It means “talent, or skill.” The purpose of the Philosophical Noh is to invoke a moment of wisdom in the tradition of Zen Buddhism. • Kabuki is a more theatrical kind of play involving dancing and singing. • More popular with a general audience.