Warm-up #4

• Which of Prince Shotoku’s contributions to Japan were the most important? Why?

• Compare and contrast Shinto to another religion we have studied this year?

Religions Clip

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWRSjieo0CY

Essential Question

In what ways did Japan try to be different from China?

http://www.mrroughton.com/teachers/japan-notes

Chinese Influence• much of Japan’s society was

based on China’s.

• Ideas spread through Korea and then into Japan.

Chinese Influence (through Korea)Buddhism (originally from India)RiceDivine Emperor (descended from God)Love of NatureWriting

Court Life• Nobles moved to Heian to be close to the

emperor and gain his favor. This was called the court.

• Privileged lives, so easy they called themselves “dwellers among the clouds.”

• The main idea was miyabi, appreciating the small things in life for their beauty.

• (ex: flowers)

• Were expected to be calm, respectful and beautiful at all times.

Basically Japan was a typical middle

schooler!

They want to be just like everyone else but still be unique.

Writing and Literature

Writing

• Brought over from China.

• Eventually split into two different styles.

• The Japanese needed their own style to help break away from China.

• Poetry was very popular.

The Tale of Genji• The world’s first novel.• Written around 1,000 A.D. by

Lady Murasaki. (a woman!)• A long romantic story about

the life of a prince.• Most amazing because

girls were not taught how to read and write.

Haiku

Always has 3 lines

Syllables: five, seven, five

Deep meaning, few words.

That was a haiku!

A Japanese form of poetry.

Japanese Buddhism

•It came from China

•Encouraged by Prince Shotoku.

• Japan made it into two different types.

Buddhism in Japan• Pureland Buddhists chanted the

Buddha’s name to help clear their minds.

• Popular with lower classes

Zen Buddhism

Basics

• Followed mostly by the upper classes.

• Practiced self-discipline and meditation to reach enlightenment.

• Discipline and honor were focused on more book learning.

Zen Gardens

... .

Draw a Zen Garden.

Zen Gardens

• Zen put a heavy focus on meditation.

• You must clear your mind and be calm to do so.

• Garden must have a simple layout.

• Some used only rocks and sand.

Fun Stuff

Sumo

• Form of Japanese wrestling.

• Legend says control of Japan was decided by a sumo match among the gods.

• Rikishi- wrestler

• Practiced by many samurai.

Origami

• art of paper folding.

• Invented in China.

• Japan learned of it later and built legends around it.

• “if you build 1,000 cranes your wish will be granted”

Homework • Read Chapter 8.2

• Chapter 8.2 Assessment pg 208 #s 1b, 1c, 2a, and 2b