Medieval Japan

The Yamato Clan took control of Japan. Some contact with China in the 400's due to Korean travelers.

From the Yamato Clan - born to Emperor Yomei
In 593 was appointed regent, which is one who rules when the technical leader is ill, absent or too young. He is credited with establishing a strong relationship with China, which created a heavy Chinese influence in Japanese society primarily through Buddhism, writing, and art. He succeeded in establishing a centralized government during his reign. After converting to Buddhism, he sent missions to China to learn about Chinese culture. Although influenced by Chinese culture and religion, the Japanese were able to balance their Shinto religion with Buddhism. He tried to implement civil service exams like the Chinese but Japanese society was structured too strictly.

Emperor Kammu moved the Japanese capital to Nagaoka because he thought the priests were corrupt. He moved the capital again 10 years later to a village on the Yodo River and renamed it Heian-Kyo.

The Heian period was the golden age of Japan where artistry and culture flourished. Strict etiquette was expected. Beauty and sophistication were important, especially to the well-groomed upper class. White teeth were seen as ugly and black teeth were a staple of beauty. Women could be seen wearing 12 silk under robes at once. Activities and games like sumo wrestling flourished and Chinese influence was very noticeable. Being able to write poetry and paint were expected. Well-known works like the "Tale of Genji" were produced in this period. In the Heian period, Japan began transitioning from the previously high centralized government to a feudalistic system due to private landowners gaining power and influence. The Daimyo or wealthy landowners began to act as local rulers, eroding the imperial system. This lord-vassal system used private armies for protection and gave rise to the samurai warriors.

Original Japanese writing characters that were kept were called Kanji and modified Chinese characters were called Kana.

The Samurai Warrior Class became a dominant force in the Japanese government. The samurai set the moral standard for society and kept order for the Shogun. The samurai followed a code called the Bushido (or the way of the warrior) which expected them to :
• Show reckless courage
• Have reverence for the gods
• Show fairness
• Show generosity towards those weaker
• Die an honorable death instead of living a long life
Samurais were taught fighting skills as well as mental training in sword fighting, martial arts, and archery. They had a traditional set of armor with lacquer over pieces of silk.

1180 civil war erupted in Japan and by 1185, the Heian period was over, Minamoto Yoritomo took control and Japan transitioned into a Shogunate.

In 1192 Yoritomo who was the Samurai leader for the victorious Minamoto clan was given the title of shogun which made him a military dictator but left the emperor in his position as a figurehead. At this time the Shogun had all the power.