Term 1

Why did Emperor Kammu move the capital away from Nara?

Definition 1

He thought that the Buddhist priests were becoming more powerful than the emperor and government officials.

Term 2

What is Heian-kyo's English translation and when was it built?

Definition 2

The City of Peace and Tranquility and 794.

Term 3

Describe Heian.

Definition 3

Heian's streets were laid out in a checkerboard pattern and it was very beautiful. There were many waterfalls, forests and lakes. The streets were lined with shrines and temples.
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Term 4

What were two ways that the Fujiwara clan seized power?

Definition 4

They married many of their daughters into the royal family and became regents to child emperors that ruled. Regents ruled in place of an emperor who is too young.

Term 5

What did Fujiwara Michinaga think of himself?

Definition 5

He thought that he was the most powerful man in the world, even though he wasn't an emperor or government official.

Term 6

What was Fujiwara Michinaga responsible for?

Definition 6

Keeping Japan out of war for a long time, building palaces, mansions and temples and ruling from 995 - 1028.
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Term 7

What determined the rank that a person held during the Heian period?

Definition 7

The family that a person came from.

Term 8

What was the Heian period's rank system?

Definition 8

Nobles 1 -3: High court nobles, received rice and money from peasants.

4 -5: Same privileges.

6 - 9: Kept records and set budgets. Clerk, minor official, lawyer and doctor.

Term 9

How did the rank a person was born into affect their life?

Definition 9

Governed what kid of carriage you owned, what kind of house you lived in, how many servants you had, what you punishment would be if you broke a law and much more.
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Term 10

How was a person judged during the Heian period?

Definition 10

How good their taste was.

Term 11

What did Japanese women look like during the Heian period?

Definition 11

Really long hair, black teeth, perfumed, white face powder, red lipstick, eyebrows high on their foreheads.

Term 12

How did the process of carving statues change?

Definition 12

Instead of making artwork only using one piece of stone, they carved seperate pieces and joined them together.
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Term 13

What changes were made in paintings?

Definition 13

Early: Buddhist scenes.

Later: Non-religious scenes, landscapes, people doing jobs, nature, literature.

Term 14

How did the Japanese view caligraphy skills during the Heian period?

Definition 14

It was extremely important; revealed a person's character and goodness.

Term 15

What was the first novel?

Definition 15

The Tale of Gengi.
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Term 16

Why did the Heian period come to an end?

Definition 16

Wealthy ignored the poor people's problems. Wealthy landowners paid no taxes. Law enforcement broke down and bandits roamed the land. Struggles over land and power led to a civil war.

Term 17

Important dates of the Heian period?

Definition 17

781 - 806: Emperor Kammu becomes emperor.

794: Kammu moves capital.

858: Fujiwara clan gains power.

995 - 1028: Fujiwara Michinaga rules

1180 - 1185: Civil war

Term 18

Who was the leader of the winning clan of the civil war?

Definition 18

Minamoto Yoritomo
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Term 19

What is a shogun?

Definition 19

The supreme military ruler of Japan.

Term 20

How long did the shogun era last for?

Definition 20

1192 - 1868

Term 21

What were the social classes of the shogun era?

Definition 21

Shogun: Supreme military ruler. Government called a shogunate.

Daimyo: Warrior lords controlled land and armies of samurai. Helped shogun rule. Sometimes battled each other for power.

Samurai: Profession warrior. Means those who serve. Protect and fight for daimyo. Get land and rice in return.

Peasants: Majority of population. Farmed. Paid high taxes.

Artisans: Made goods like swords and armor.

Merchants: Traded goods. Were not honored because they made nothing.
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Term 22

Definition 22

Term 23

What was Bushido?

Definition 23

An important code that samurai lived by. Highlighted loyalty to daimyo, courage, honesty and honor.

Term 24

What was seppuku?

Definition 24

Ritual suicide. Plunged sword into stomach. Had to show no fear. Assistant was allowed to behead.
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Term 25

What were the weapons used by samurai?

Definition 25

Bows and Arrows: Bows made of silk and bamboo. Arrows had spikes.

Katana: Long curved sword.

Pole: Blades were attached to the ends.

Rarely used shields.

Term 26

What kind of armor did the samurai wear?

Definition 26

Composed of tiny pieces of metal, leather and fabric. Wore a long single piece of armor at the neck. Helmets were scary, as well as masks.

Term 27

Why would a samurai commit seppuku?

Definition 27

Failing to live up to Bushido. Punishment for a crime. When his lord is killed.
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Term 28

How did the position of samurai women change?

Definition 28

Before: Inherited property when husbands died. Had rights. Were warriors.

After: Fewer rights. Couldn't choose husbands. Must kill self when husband died. Household tasks.

Term 29

What were two branches of Mahayana Buddhism that were practiced by samurai?

Definition 29

Zen and Amida Buddhism

Term 30

What do Amida Buddhists believe?

Definition 30

Following the Noble Eightfold Path is too hard. Much easier to reach Pure Land. Feel pure happiness. Must chant Bodhisattva Amida's name.
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Term 31

What do Zen Buddhists believe?

Definition 31

Most Samurai were Zen. Meditation and answering koans (puzzling questions that cannot be solved by logic) helped you reach enlightenment / nirvana. Taught samurai focus, discipline and not to fear death.

Term 32

What are benefits of feudalism?

Definition 32

Everyone recieves something. Organized society. Experts at their jobs. Everyone is loyal.

Term 33

What are drawbacks of feudalism?

Definition 33

People are not treated equally. Peasants only pay taxes and don't recieve money. Military society. Samurai kill one another.