Japanese History and Culture Late Yamato Period–PresentMegan McDowell

Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the University of South Alabama Office of International Education, and CISAbroad for coordinating the travel necessary for this project. I would also like to thank the USA Honors Program, Mohan-Brandon Fund, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, and individual donors for funding this project. Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Harrison Miller for all of his guidance on this projects and the resources provided by him and his family.

Traditional and Societal Norms

Though modern Japan is relatively progressive in its technological

and scientific advancements, the country as a whole tends to hold on

to traditional practices and beliefs of the past. Much of the country’s

cultural traits come from ancient traditions rooted in religious and

superstitious beliefs. The impact of these belief systems can be

clearly seen in Japanese nature conservation. Because of the

Shinto belief that kami– gods– are found in peculiar natural forms it

has become extremely important that nature be protected throughout

the nation (Miller). Traditional beliefs have also influenced the

Japanese people to hold many superstitions– keeping charms and

idols for luck and good fortune in their cars, homes, schools, and

seeing omens in things as mundane as chopsticks sticking upright in

a bowl of rice.

Government Influence on

Society Norms

Japan was ruled under strict, militaristic government up until the

post-World War II era (Miller). Starting with the formation of the

Imperial government and first Japanese army in the late Yamato

period, moving to the era of martial law with the Shogun and the

samurai class of the Tokagawa Period, and ending with Japan’s

fascist imperialistic goals and actions during the two world wars,

Japan has an extensive history of military pride and dependency

(Miller, Hillsborough). This militaristic mind set invaded most every

part of Japanese culture, including social classes. For much of

Japanese history, the highest social rank you could have (Under

the Emperor, of course) was one of military status– the Shogun or a

samurai (Miller). With this militaristic government came the popular

samurai code of bushido, which influenced an honor and humility

bound society that persists to today’s modern culture (Miller,

Hillsborough).

With the US occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1951 Japan was

forced to abandon their military run government and enter an era of

pacification for the first time (Miller). While many aspects of earlier

Japan’s extreme honor system and fascist, ultra nationalistic

government have vanished from modern Japanese culture, some

characteristics of the past still persist to present day. Examples

being the patriarchal society, strict social expectations (such as not

serving oneself or allowing someone to serve themselves) and

remaining ethno-centric, xenophobic prejudices.

Abstract

Japan is a diverse and complex nation. Throughout history it’s role a

major or minor country in the world sphere has shifted and change

to fit the demands of time. The cultural norms and history of Japan

can be hard to grasp for people of the western world and thus

require and open mind and dedication to understanding. Through

intense study and exploration, the following observations were made

and facts researched about Japan’s history and culture over the

course of one month’s stay in the country. The following includes

information, historical facts, and personal observations made on

Japanese history, culture, and geography. The information

presented provides historical context starting in the Late Yamato

period through to modern day Japan as well as personal statements

by the researcher, Megan McDowell.

Methods of Research

Textual Research

Factual information and popular opinions found in Japanese culture

were found through the listening of lectures on Japanese history for

one-two hours a day throughout the researcher’s month long stay in

Japan and personal readings of historical monographs, personal

essays, poetry anthologies, and journalistic writings. Careful note

was taken on the topics covered in listed texts and lectures.

Personal Observation

Some of the information listed was found through the personal

observations of the researcher during their month long immersion in

the Japanese culture and exploring the landscape of the rural and

urban parts of the country. Geography and Environment

Japan is an island nation with 4 chief islands: Hokkaido (the northern

island), Honshu (the central island), Kyushu (the southern island), and

Shikoku (the south east island). The nation is also in possession 6,000

smaller islands– though only 430 of these islands are inhabited (Miller).

The terrain of Japan is mountainous and hilly with lots of vibrantly

colored, leafy, floral vegetation. Japan also contains numerous

volcanoes, rocky coasts, and black sand beaches. The nation is one

that frequents natural disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, and

more.

The climate of the country varies from island to island and region to

region. On average temperatures are is relatively mild during the

summer, spring and fall seasons, though the winter months can be

extreme. Frequent storms and winds are not uncommon– especially

during the islands’ rainy seasons.

Lastly, the researcher noted that the country is called the “Land of the

Rising Sun” for a reason; sunglasses are highly recommended.

Literature Cited

Hillsborough, Romulus. Shinsengumi: The Shogun's Last Samurai Corps. North

Clarendon, VT: Tuttle Pub., 2005. Print.

Miller, Harrison. Japanese History and Culture Notes. June, 2015.

Tanizaki, Jun'ichiro. In Praise of Shadows. New Haven, CT: Leete's Island, 1977.

Print.

One of the greatest factors contributing to cultural change, as well as

conflict, throughout Japan’s history has been the matter of accepting or

resisting westernization (Miller). This is can be seen in the change of

dress and architecture, adoption of western religions such as

Christianity and Judaism as opposed to eastern religions such as

Buddhism and Shintoism, and the shift in government towards a more

democratic system. Japan has often borrowed ideas and policies from

other nations in order to bolster their own country on the world stage.

This tradition started with China– seen in the pictorial writing system,

the creation of an imperial royal class, and large popularity of

Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism pre-westernization (Miller).

Once China began to decline in power and western countries began to

gain strength, Japan turned to Europe and America for inspiration in

how to run a country.

While many people have accepted this course leading away from

Japan’s origin’s as a natural turn in time, there have been just as many

people who have tried resisting western ideals. Whether through

popularized notions such as “Western science, Eastern ethics” (an idea

that insisted that Japan must only take from western technological

advancements, but not their “barbaric” ways of living), or by total

condemnation of westernization, as done by writer Jun’ichiro Tanizaki

in his essay “In Praise of Shadows” (Miller). A modern example would

be the presently existing Imperial Restoration groups.