Pre-MODERN JAPAN	JAPAN: ca. 300-1000
POLITICAL CHANGE
Jomon culture: a Mesolithic culture, thrived in Japan from the 11^th-century to the 3^rd-century B.C. Yayoi: immigrants to Japan via Korea; originally from northern China. Uji: clans led by single patriarch (warrior/shaman) The Mythical Past Izanagi: central deity, along with his spouse, in the Japanese creation myth. Izanami: Shinto primordial deity and embodiment of the Earth and darkness; fatally wounded when giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi. Senbiki no iwa: the rock that divides the underworld and this world Amaterasu: Izanagi’s daughter and Shinto sun goddess, ruler of Heaven, whose name means 'shining heaven.'		Yamato “State” (Height of power ca.550-ca.710): confederation of uji, led by priests/king. Ruler-led cult of Amaterasu. Good Relations between Yamato court and Korean Paekche kingdom through 6^th-century Empress Suiko (r. 592-628 A.D): Prince Shotoku (573-621): regent of the Yamato court oversaw the adoption of Chinese institutions. The Seventeen Article Constitution (604) Tenno or "Heavenly Emperor"
INTELLECTUAL CHANGE
Early Yayoi society began the practice of worshipping kami, gods that represented forces of nature. Emperors were later considered kami as well.	Confucianism takes hold of court life, beginning in the early 7^th century.
SOCIAL CHANGE
Yayoi practiced polygamy. Women could serve as priests.	Local practices remain strong. Court culture mixes Confucian practices, Shinto beliefs and Buddhism.

"FEUDAL JAPAN "

KAMAKURA (1185-1333) & ASHIKAGA (1336-1580) SHOGUNATES

POLITICAL CHANGE

Minamoto Yoritomo (1147-99): founder of the Bakufu (Tent Government) style of central rule, with the new type of central authority the Seii-tai-shogun "Barbarian-Subduing General" (later Shogun), by which feudal lords would rule Japan for 700 years. In 1192, Yoritomo eliminated all rivals to become the supreme commander of the feudal lords through the Kamakura shogunate.

Daimyo: feudal lords who serve the Shogun.

Mongol invasion attempts of 1275 and 1281 with myth of the Kamikaze "Divine Wind" (August 1, 1281).

Onin War (1467-77): end of Ashikaga power and beginning of civil war. Rise of Daimyo administration as dominant local administration.

INTELLECTUAL CHANGE

Spread of Buddhism, particular the Pure Land and Zen sects. Largely illiterate warrior class preferred the non-text dependent Zen style of Buddhist worship. Pure Land worship was based on individual practice, seeking salvation through faith and meditation.

The emergence of a samurai/ bushi culture; notable trait is the adoption of cherry blossom and swordplay as group symbols.

SOCIAL CHANGE

Emergence in Heian Period of privately held Shoen (estates) as political force. By 12^th-century, the Shoen and large Buddhist monasteries were constantly at war, undermining the central court. Fujiwara court became largely symbolic.

Lower-level members of Fujiwara clan became mangers of Shoen, displacing persons who claimed family ties with the Uji. Under shogunate, these Daimyo-led estates emerge as powerful feudal domains, centered on the leader's garrison.

Aristocratic women continued to exercise rights in society by owning property and participating in government.