Japan Storyboard
Storyboard Text
- The Effect of Geography on Japan
- How was Japan's development influenced by its landforms, its climate, and its closeness to China and Korea?
- Well, since only 15 percent of the land is flat to farm, it is very hard to find and farm. But, since we have lots of rain and the climate is pretty mild, rice grows well here. China also influenced the way we grow rice. We adapted their wet-field cultivation to fit our needs and climate on our island environment.
- Early Japanese Society
- What was the structure of early Japanese society?
- At first, we were split into many different clans. These clans fought each other frequently to gain control of land. Then the Yamato clan, the strongest at the time, took over and made one of their leaders the emperor.
- The Reign of Prince Shotoku
- What role did Prince Shotoku play in Japanese history?
- Prince Shotoku was very impressed with Chinese culture, so he brought it over to Japan. He opened an embassy to China and wrote the Seventeen Article Constitution, which were guidelines based on Confucian principles. He also promoted Buddhism, which is now practiced along with Shinto.
- Legends say that Japan was formed by drops of water. Each drop formed one of the 4,000 islands that make up Japan. Only 15 percent of the land is flat enough for farming. Many natural disasters occur in the area. But, it has a mild climate, so rice grows well there. The ocean also provides fish to eat, and a defense, one that the rest of Asia didn't have. The nature in Japan also influenced their religion, Shinto. It is based on respect for nature and the ancestors.
- Early Japan was divided into clans. Very often, clans fought each other for land. Each clan was ruled by a few nobles. Slaved served in houses of nobles. They were forced to clean, cook, or care for the house. In the 400's, A clan known as the Yamato was the most powerful clan. The very first emperors came from the Yamato clan. The emperors claimed to rule, but the military leaders usually had the real power.
- Prince Shotoku was a regent from 593 to 622 for his aunt, Empress Suiko. Shotoku was very impressed by Chinese culture. He sent many scholars to China to learn about Chinese society. He also allowed Chinese workers to work in Japan. Shotoku opened an embassy in China. He also created the Seventeen Article Constitution, setting rules and guidelines for Japanese leaders, based of of Confucian principles. Shotoku was very impressed with Buddhism. It began to spread in Japan with his support. It was soon met with opposition, but later accepted and fused with Shinto.
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