Ancient Japan Flashcards
What is Shintoism?
Shinto means ‘way of the gods’ and it is the oldest religion in Japan. Shinto’s key concepts include purity, harmony, family respect, and subordination of the individual before the group. The faith has no founder or prophets and there is no major text which outlines its principal beliefs.
What are Kami?
Nature Spirits
Who was Prince Shotoku?
He created a constitution saying that the emperor was the all-powerful ruler.
What is Confucianism?
A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius and developed by Mencius.
What is a shogun?
A military dictator
What are Samurai?
Warriors who agreed to fight for nobles.
What is the Bushido?
The code of honor and morals developed by the Japanese samurai.
What is Daimyo?
Any of the largest and most powerful landholding magnates in Japan.
What was the Hein Period?
Courtly refinement and poetic expression During the Heian period, the new capital, Heian or Heian-kyō, was the city known today as Kyoto. There a lavish culture of refinement and poetic subtlety developed, and it would have a lasting influence on Japanese arts.
What is the Torii?
The opening to Shinto shrines
What is Animism?
A religious belief that everything on earth is imbued with a powerful spirit capable of harming and helping human needs.
