The Japanese Shogunate

c. 794 - 1867

Some basic information

• Two main religions – Shinto and Buddhism• The national capital moved from Nara to Kyoto

and finally to Tokyo• The Japanese call their country Nippon or

Nihon• Japan is a constitutional monarchy with

Emperor Akihito as its head of state• Population around 126 000 000

Sources of Information about historical Japan

• Architecture

• Arts and Crafts

• Literature

• Traditions and Festivals

Architecture

• Despite having such a high natural disaster risk many old building do remain however they may have been rebuilt

• Even when rebuilt older sections may remain or older techniques used

• Important public buildings such as temples and shrines often feature in written records or maintain their own

• Buildings can give information about lifestyle, culture and customs

Nara (Todai-ji Temple)

Kyoto

The Golden Pagoda (Kinkau-ji)

Rock Garden at Ryoan-ji

Kamakura Buddha

Challenge

• 1. Until 1998 Todai-ji was the largest….?

• 2. Todai-ji was built without using…?

• 3. Why was the current Kinkaku-ji rebuilt in 1955?

Arts and Crafts

• Paintings provide details about ways of life, clothing and living conditions

• Origami (paper folding), print-making and pottery can also give information about Japanese life in past centuries.

Woodblock Printing

Traditions and festivals

• Traditional festivals and cultural practices are still very popular in Japan.

• At festivals (matsuri) old games, music and food usually feature and these help to remind people about their past.

• Matsuri are often associated with religious festivals

Some famous Japanese matsuri

• Omizutori• Takayama Matsuri• Aoi Matsuri• Hakata Gion Yamakasa• Awa Odori• Bon matsuri• Tōrō nagashi• Yosokoi Soran• Hanami matsuri