How Did Japan Change Today's Society
Japan Writing Assignment
Japan has changed very much from ancient times to what it is today, but many of the ancient influences formed today’s foundation. From powerful princes to blended religion to a major change in society, Japan’s ancient beginnings created the Japan of today. Prince Shotoku was the regent for his aunt, Empress Suiko and was a very powerful influence to Japan during changing times. His interest in China opened the gates for several influences from there that are still present in Japan today. Prince Shotoku sent several ambassadors to China and even set up an embassy there. China gave Japan the foundation for many aspects such as farming rice using a unique method, China also changed the language of Japan by filling …show more content…
As the government slowly ran out of money, the daimyo (landowners of the time) refused to pay more taxes to the withering government. These daimyo eventually took power into their own hands as they fought other daimyo for land and even more power. These daimyo hired samurai warriors to battle other daimyo and protect themselves. As certain daimyo increased their power, less powerful daimyo pledged loyalty and military service to them in return for protection and land. These protected and rewarded allies were also known as vassals. The trade between the daimyos and their vassals was also known as the lord-vassal system and it increased the power of the daimyo and marked the beginning of feudalism in Japan. Samurai fought for their lords and risked their lives and families. Because the samurai were unable to protect their families all the time, women gained more power by they learning how to use weapons, owning land, and some even becoming samurai. These samurai also followed the code of bushido which was a code of honor, loyalty, and bravery (similar to the code of chivalry in medieval Europe). The shogun ruled over the daimyo, the samurai warriors, and the entire country for the emperor; however, needs and desires of the shogun often preceded the emperor’s. Japan changed substantially due to the feudal system and a military
Japan has changed very much from ancient times to what it is today, but many of the ancient influences formed today’s foundation. From powerful princes to blended religion to a major change in society, Japan’s ancient beginnings created the Japan of today. Prince Shotoku was the regent for his aunt, Empress Suiko and was a very powerful influence to Japan during changing times. His interest in China opened the gates for several influences from there that are still present in Japan today. Prince Shotoku sent several ambassadors to China and even set up an embassy there. China gave Japan the foundation for many aspects such as farming rice using a unique method, China also changed the language of Japan by filling …show more content…
As the government slowly ran out of money, the daimyo (landowners of the time) refused to pay more taxes to the withering government. These daimyo eventually took power into their own hands as they fought other daimyo for land and even more power. These daimyo hired samurai warriors to battle other daimyo and protect themselves. As certain daimyo increased their power, less powerful daimyo pledged loyalty and military service to them in return for protection and land. These protected and rewarded allies were also known as vassals. The trade between the daimyos and their vassals was also known as the lord-vassal system and it increased the power of the daimyo and marked the beginning of feudalism in Japan. Samurai fought for their lords and risked their lives and families. Because the samurai were unable to protect their families all the time, women gained more power by they learning how to use weapons, owning land, and some even becoming samurai. These samurai also followed the code of bushido which was a code of honor, loyalty, and bravery (similar to the code of chivalry in medieval Europe). The shogun ruled over the daimyo, the samurai warriors, and the entire country for the emperor; however, needs and desires of the shogun often preceded the emperor’s. Japan changed substantially due to the feudal system and a military