Japan+Information


 * __Act. 4.2 Japanese Culture__**


 * Dry-Landscape** **Garden**
 * Shinto: gardens capture the spirit of nature and replicate the natural world**
 * Japan’s Geography: The rocks suggest mountains, the raking of the stones creates water like patterns, the small size reflects limited space in Japan**
 * Zen Buddhism: recreate the natural world with simplicity and produce a meditative calm and invite contemplation**


 * Ikebana**
 * Shinto: shows reverence for nature; the seasonal flowers are arranges to recreate the natural world**
 * Japan****’s Geography: seasonal trees and flowers suggest time and season as well as the beauty of the growth process**
 * Zen Buddhism: inspires tranquility and peace of mind; is purposely simple and uncluttered—like the state of mind during meditation**


 * Japanese Houses**
 * Shinto: Designed to keep the natural world close by having its principle room, the zashiki, face and open out to the garden; has ikebana and seasonal hanging scroll to reflect the Japanese reverence for nature**
 * Japan****’s Geography: Homes are designed to keep occupants cool when days are hot and humid**
 * Zen Buddhism: simple furnishings, ikebana, openness, crisp lines—produce a calm feeling and a non-distracting environment**

Act. 4.1
 * //Chanoyu//—Tea Ceremony**
 * Shinto: guests are lead to the tea room through a garden**
 * Japan****’s Geography: //tatami// mats, flower arrangements, and the tea itself reflect** **Japan**’s natural resources and the small room reflects use of space
 * Zen Buddhism: the ceremony reveres simple and selfless tasks; the décor and gestures used in the ceremony reflect the harmony of the moment and the beauty of simple things**

Chinese Influences on Japan

Japan’s culture and government is a unique mix of native traditions and borrowed Chinese elements. Very proud of their heritage, the Japanese were, however, within China’s direct sphere of influence. Starting in the sixth century, Japanese envoys and traders traveled to nearby China to learn about Chinese art, technology, religion, and political thought. Over the next 400 years, the Japanese selectively borrowed elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, written language, government organization, law, tax systems, architecture, and dress from Chinese culture. In later times—particularly during the Tokugawa period when contact with foreign countries was prohibited—the Chinese influenced subsided. Still, Chinese influences on Japanese culture are visible today.

Act. 3.2 Development of Feudalism in Japan • Clans were united by a common religion called Shinto. They worship nature by revering //kami//—divine spirits of nature • Taika Reforms made the emperor supreme, not just religiously, but also politically • This put the power over land in the hands of the emperor; he appointed the regional leaders as tax collectors

• Heian nobles at the Kyoto court led a life focused on beauty and manners. • They spent time playing games like “Go”, memorizing and writing poetry, and having ceremonies, festivals, and parties. • Provincial nobles were rugged and self-sufficient. Kyoto court nobles refined and spent time doing leisure activities. • Beauty was…multicolored robes, white powder on the face. Women blackened teeth and shaved their eyebrows and added 2 small painted artificial eyebrows high on the forehead. Men wore pointy beards on their chins. Bafuku

(Military Government) __Shogun:__ Military and political leader of Japan __Daimyo:__ High-ranking samurai lords who provided shogun with warriors in exchange for land __Samurai:__ Lower-ranking warriors who served their daimyo in exchange for small manors __Peasants:__ Lowest class; worked land for their lord

• There were years of civil strife among warring states. • Oda Nobunaga (ruled A.D. 1534-1582) was able to consolidate control of central Japan—32 of the 66 provinces. • Toyotomi Hideyoshi used negotiations to bring all 66 provinces together and reunify Japan.

• Tokugawa family ruled Japan and there was a time of peace during this era. • The Samurai’s code of conduct, Bushido, was developed during this time. “Way of the Warrior” • Castle towns were set up and became the center of feudal society.



• Wigs used to heighten emotion • Faces painted red for strength, blue for evil • Elaborate costumes • Quick costume changes • Revolving stage and trap doors • Ramp leading to stage for ghosts and magicians • Music provided by shamisens, drums, bells, and flutes • Melodies reflect certain characters, emotions, or natural sounds
 * Kabuki Dramas of Life in Feudal Japan**

• -Zen Buddhism and Shinto were the primary religions • -Samurai acted as bureaucrats • -the merchants were viewed as lowest social class • -Christianity was the primary religion • -church officials acted as bureaucrats • -serfs were viewed as the lowest social class BOTH • Soldiers promised • to wage battle for <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">• their lords <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">• -Some individuals devoted themselves to the monastic life <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">• -Lords built castles for protection <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">• -Peasants were bound to turn their crops over to their lords <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">• -craft guilds trained artisans and monitored the quality of goods they produced
 * Feudal Japan**
 * Medieval Europe**