The history of Japan is not counted from any particular date. The settlement of the territories began about 40 thousand years ago, although, of course, there was no talk of any state then. The ancient Japanese lived in small communities of 20-30 people, hunting, fishing and gathering. Approximately three centuries BC, technologies of rice growing and blacksmithing were brought to the islands from Korea and China. Agriculture meant a settled way of life, and the cultivation of rice, which required constant watering, led to the fact that communities began to move to the river valleys. It was with the advent of agriculture that tribal unions began to unite in the likeness of small states.

The first mention of the states located on the territory of modern Japan appeared in the Chinese chronicles of the 1st century AD. Three dozen out of a hundred, which are mentioned in the historical chronicles of those years, established contacts with China, sending their embassies and tribute there.

Under the rule of the Yamato tribe, the country began to gradually unite. It was Yamato who gave Japan an imperial dynasty, the first representative of which was Emperor Jimmu, who allegedly ascended the throne in 660 BC. However, most historians tend to consider Jimma a mythological character, and the very emergence of the dynasty is attributed to the period no earlier than the middle of the 1st century BC.

Kofun period

By the end of the 3rd century AD, the unification of small states into a kind of federal formation under the rule of the emperor, who lived with his court in the capital, was practically completed. Each new emperor moved to a new capital, since custom did not allow him to live in the place where the grave of his predecessor remained. And only in 710 the permanent capital of the state, the city of Heijo-kyo (modern Nara), was founded, and just 9 years before that, the first legislative code was drawn up, which was formally valid until the adoption of the Constitution in 1889.

Around the middle of the 6th century, Buddhism began to spread. Despite the opposition of Shinto priests, which led to conflicts and several wars, over time, the teaching gained popularity in the upper strata of aristocratic society and became the state religion. However, the lower strata of society continued to practice Shinto.

In 645, the aristocratic Fujiwara clan came to power, which concentrated actual power in their hands, while the emperor was left with only the role of high priest.

Nara and Heinan period

The countdown of the period begins with the construction of the capital of Heijo in the territory of the modern city of Nara. At that time, more than 60 provinces were subordinate to the capital, each of which was headed by its own governor appointed from the center. According to the code of laws adopted a few years earlier, the land and the population living on it were considered the property of the state. During the Nara period, which lasted about 80 years, the influence of Buddhism greatly increased. The largest temples and monasteries were built in the capital. One Buddhist monk from a seedy provincial family managed to subjugate the Empress Koken, who was living at that time, who received the name Shotoku upon her second accession to the throne, to such an extent that he even desired to become emperor. However, the death of the empress interfered with his plans, and in order to avoid the influence of Buddhists on members of the imperial family, the capital is transferred to the city of Heian. Not a single Buddhist temple was built in the new capital.

During the Heian period that followed, actual power was concentrated in the hands of the Fujiwara clan. For several centuries, the girls of this clan married members of the imperial dynasty, strengthening family ties more and more. This led to the fact that people incapable of state activity often found themselves in key positions.

At the end of the 9th century, Japan terminated official relations with China, which had been quite limited until that time. If until that moment China was considered a kind of standard, then in subsequent centuries, due to the absence of Chinese influence, Japan developed a unique and isolated culture, reworking all previous borrowings in its own way.

Emperor Gosanjo, who ascended the throne in the middle of the 11th century, had no family ties with the Fujiwara family and wanted to rule the country on his own. Having abdicated in 1086 in favor of his minor son, he actually ruled the state from the monastery. Subsequent rulers did the same, and until 1156 the country was ruled by monk emperors.

Kamakura period

Starting from the XII century, provincial military clans began to exert increasing influence on the political life of the state. The main rivalry unfolds between the Taira and Minamoto clans. The more fortunate Taira, who established ties with the imperial dynasty, aroused the discontent and envy of their rivals, which led to a protracted war in which the latter were victorious. The representative of the Minamoto Yoritomo clan, having consistently eliminated all competitors, receives from the emperor the position of sei taishogun, and in Japan, an actual dual power is established for many centuries. The administration of external rituals remains behind the imperial house, and all real power belongs to the military rulers of the shoguns. A new government (shogunate) was established in Yoritomo's hometown of Kamakura.

In 1274, the Mongols, having conquered China, set off to conquer Japan. The 30,000-strong fleet, having previously plundered the islands of Iki and Tsushima, is sent to Hakata Bay. The Japanese troops, inferior to the Mongols both in numbers and in armament, were doomed to defeat, but a typhoon swept the enemy fleet, and it did not come to a direct collision. A second attempt, made by the Mongols in 1281, ended with the same result - a storm that had flown buried most of the Mongolian ships. It was then, apparently, that the concept of "kamikaze" was born, which literally translates as "divine wind" that destroys enemies.

Muromachi period

In 1333, the split between Emperor Godaigo and his former associate Ashikaga Takauji resulted in an open military confrontation. Victory remains with Takauji, and the emperor has to flee for his life. He chooses Yoshino as his new residence and establishes the Southern Court. At the same time, another emperor ascends the throne in Kyoto, supported by the Ashikaga clan. The Muromachi district, where government buildings were located, gave its name to this period of the country's history. Until 1392, there were two emperors in parallel in Japan, and two courts - Northern and Southern, each of which appointed its own shoguns.

However, neither the Ashikaga clan, nor the Minamoto dynasty of shoguns that preceded them, possessed full power - the provincial military houses were in constant rivalry for positions and patronage of the ruling house. Naturally, someone remained deprived, which eventually resulted in an armed confrontation. As a result of the ten-year military conflict of 1467-1477, the capital Kyoto was destroyed, and the Ashikaga shogunate lost power. The loss of central control led to the strengthening of the provincial military clans, each of which began to issue their own laws within their domains. Japan entered a period of feudal fragmentation that lasted over 100 years.

It was at this time that the first Europeans entered the country, who turned out to be merchants who, among other goods, brought muskets with them. On the basis of the purchased samples, the Japanese are establishing the actual manufacture of firearms. Following the merchants, missionaries arrive who convert some Japanese feudal lords to Christianity. The religious tolerance of the Japanese quite allowed the practice of several religions at the same time, the adoption of Christianity did not mean a rejection of the faith of their ancestors, but it contributed to the establishment of strong contacts with Europeans.

Azuchi-Momoyama period

It is called so due to the castles of Azuchi and Momoyama, which were owned by Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The troubled period of feudal fragmentation ended in 1573 with the expulsion of the last shogun Ashikaga from Kyoto, for participating in a conspiracy against one of the future unifiers of Japan, Oda Nobunaga. Starting from 1568, Oda systematically and consistently destroyed his enemies, fighting, among other things, with Buddhist schools, which completely controlled some provinces. After the death of Nobunaga, the unification of the country was continued by his associate Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who subjugated the northern provinces, as well as the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu.

Hideyoshi confiscated weapons from monks and peasants, forced the samurai to move to cities, conducted an audit of state lands and a population census. By a special decree, all Christian missionaries were expelled from the country, to intimidate them even several dozen Catholic monks had to be executed.

After the unification of the country, Hideyoshi began to plan for expansion to the mainland, dreaming of conquering China and Korea. However, his death put an end to the unsuccessful military campaign on the Korean Peninsula, after which, until the end of the 19th century, Japan abandoned attempts to invade other countries.

Edo period

The unification of Japan was completed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ruled his lands from Edo Castle. In 1603, he became the founder of the last dynasty of shoguns. During this period, a 5-class system was created: samurai, peasants, artisans, merchants and "eta" - pariahs of Japanese society, engaged in the dirtiest work. It was impossible to change the status.

After Tokugawa dealt with his last opponents in 1615, a time of peaceful calm came. An attempt at a peasant revolt in Shimabara, which had Christian slogans at its base, led to the fact that the shogunate issued a decree forbidding Europeans to be on the territory of the country, and the Japanese to leave its borders. From 1639 until the middle of the 19th century, Japan entered a period of voluntary self-isolation.

Peaceful life led to the flourishing of culture, creativity and various crafts. Literature and theater developed actively.

However, the restriction of contacts with the outside world was not to everyone's taste. The merchants needed markets, and the outside world did not want to ignore the existence of Japan. In 1853-54, the American officer Parry forced the Japanese government to open several commercial seaports. His actions, coupled with a complex of accumulated problems, led to dissatisfaction with the shogunate, which, under pressure from the military, was forced to transfer power to the emperor. The 6-century rule of military houses has ended.

Meiji period

After the Restoration, the emperor moved to the new capital - Tokyo. A period of active reforms begins: social classes are abolished, freedom of religion is declared, and compulsory primary education is introduced. The government buys land from the feudal landowners and carries out an administrative reform. Compulsory conscription is introduced. The transport system and communications are developing. Many students go to the West, and foreign teachers are invited to Japan. In 1889, the first Constitution was adopted and a parliament was created.

A conflict of interest leads to a war with Russia, in which Japan wins and expands its territory. In 1910, it increases even more due to the annexation of Korea.

World War II and post-war period

The policy of aggressive militarism leads to the occupation of Manchuria in 1931, followed by the bombing of Shanghai. The Second Sino-Japanese War began in 1937 and continued until 1945. Only the defeat in World War II and the signing of an unconditional surrender by the emperor put an end to Japan's militaristic aspirations.

The war-ravaged country, which survived two atomic bombings and was occupied by the Americans, also lost part of its territory. Under the leadership of the American General MacArthur, the reform of the political and economic structure of the state began. In 1947, a new constitution was adopted that forbade Japan from having its own armed forces.

Japan is located east of China and Korea, it is located on countless small and four large islands. There is a legend that the chain of islands appeared thanks to the drops that fell into the ocean from the spear of the god. The first inhabitants of the islands were immigrants from Asia. They were able to survive in adverse conditions due to their ability to raise cattle and grow rice. They had to repel the attacks of local tribes, but over time they settled all the large islands in the archipelago. From ancient times, China and Korea have had a significant influence on the way of life of the Japanese, culture and history. Interesting features of medieval Japan will be discussed further.

Historical information

As the history of medieval Japan tells, the very first mention of the rulers of the country dates back to the 7th century BC. e. Although scientists claim that the first state arose here only in the III-IV century on the territory of the Yamato tribe. The leaders of the Yamato over the next three centuries were able to conquer the tribes living on the islands of Honshu and Kushu, their attacks on the lands of Korea are also known.

Local residents are still confident in the divine origin of the imperial dynasty. According to legend, the goddess of the sun presented the signs of power to the first emperor. Although the ruler enjoys unlimited respect, he almost never had real power.

As history tells, medieval Japan has always been ruled by representatives of several of the richest and most respected families, passing power from generation to generation. Since 645, the supporters of the emperor staged a coup, as a result of which the Soga clan was removed from the government. Such a step should be to strengthen state power so that all residents obey the same laws, and local authorities unconditionally carry out the orders of the emperor.

Country in the Middle Ages

The country has always developed in isolation, because it was located on the periphery of the rest of the world. Scientists believe that the formation of Japan separately from the Chinese civilization began around 100-400 years, so the culture of medieval Japan can be attributed to the island form of China's culture. The Japanese adopted a lot from Chinese civilization - religion, writing, Buddhism, rituals, art, ceremonies. A little later, Japanese civilization began to differ. She was so organically able to combine the traditions of China with her acquisitions that she becomes a separate original culture.

Rulers of medieval Japan

In the 8th century, representatives of the Fujiwara clan became real rulers, who turned the imperial families into hostages in their own palaces. Until the end of the 12th century, the former power of the monarchs is on the wane. An alternative samurai government appears - the shogunate in Kamakura. In 1221, the palace aristocracy was completely defeated in the anti-Shogun uprising, and the emperor turned exclusively into the manager of ceremonies and rituals. In order to maintain a magnificent royal court, honorary positions are being sold to all samurai who wish.

After the fall of the shogunate, Emperor Go-Daigo carried out the restoration of Kenmu in order to return the state model of the 9th century, but it caused a socio-political crisis. The imperial house broke up into two dynasties: Northern and Southern. Only 30 years later, the unity of the house was restored through the efforts of the samurai shogunate Muromachi, but the monarchs lost power over the country. Tragic events led to the decline of the imperial house. For several centuries, the ceremony of the Imperial harvest was not held and no heir was appointed - the Great Son of the Emperor. It was not until the Tokugawa shogunate came to power in the 18th century that imperial rituals and ceremonies were restored.

Religious preferences

In medieval Japan, there is a mixture of several religious movements. Shintoism or "the way of the gods" is most pronounced. The majority of the population sacredly believed in myths, therefore, divine origins were attributed to everything. The spirits of the sky were considered the ancestors of the monarchs, and the common people were descended from spirits of a lower origin. In Shinto, they worship the spirits of their ancestors, and after death they prepare to turn into spirits themselves. Incorporeal entities are omnipresent, they invisibly change the course of life, are able to influence ongoing events. Thanks to Shintoism, another distinctive feature of the Japanese is manifested - love for the harmony of nature.

Buddhism came from China to Japan. The court nobility was the first to decide to join this newfangled doctrine. Philosophical teaching was supposed to unite the country and support the authority of the central government. Religion in medieval Japan was included in the code of honor of the samurai: discipline, composure, detachment and self-control. Buddhist monasteries began to appear, preparing real impassive warriors. With Buddhism, the Japanese borrowed hieroglyphic writing, which is needed when rewriting sacred Buddhist instructions.

Two religions coexisted peacefully in the country, in some cases they were intertwined. The population could simultaneously follow the principles of the prescriptions of Shintoism and Buddhism, which did not go into dissonance with each other. Buddhism is considered the state religion in medieval Japan, but Shintoism is also manifested as a national religion. A separate branch, Confucianism, separated from Buddhism in the 12th century. According to the new ideology, children should not only obey the decision of their parents, but also unconditionally love them.

Law concept

The very first constitution of Shotoku-taishi is known, dating back to the early Taika era of 604. The concept of law at that time was poorly outlined; one can only say about the norms of punishment, indicated by the concepts of punishment or God's wrath. It was necessary to follow certain norms of behavior, called weights. There were several giri in the country: father and son, older and younger brothers, husband and wife. Weights that were not associated with family relations were also distinguished, that is, between merchants and buyers, master and subordinate, and the like. They were followed as unwritten laws, taking into account condemnation in case of a bad or incorrect attitude towards close people or subordinates.

Own customary law (buke-ho) was designated in the military caste (buke or samurai). Within the military community, there was a code of rules based on the exclusive loyalty of a subordinate to his overlord. If the latter showed excessive cruelty, then the vassal had no rights to protection, he was entirely dependent on the will of his master. A little later, against the arbitrariness of the overlords, they compiled a special Collection of customs of the military caste, which indicated the norms of criminal law and the code of honor for the military.

In medieval Japan, the law prescribed only one thing - the subordination of the lower strata of the population to the masters higher in the hierarchy. In the state, there were clearly defined functions for each social group, the clarification of duties was described in ritsu-ryo collections. The term "ritsu" indicated repressive norms, and the term "ryo" indicated administrative-applicable ones.

Economy

In the 17th century, the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu managed to form a dynasty of shoguns. Although the emperor was considered the head of the country, the shogun dynasty controlled all areas of Japan's activities. There was a need to create their own monetary unit. The economy of medieval Japan depended only on rice. The standard unit of measurement was the amount of rice that a person needs to eat for one year. Taxes were also paid in rice. From the middle of the 16th century, the Portuguese often began to come to the country, preferring to pay with gold coins instead of rice. Local feudal lords also felt the benefits of precious metals. Tokugawa continued the work of his predecessor Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who took over most of the country's gold and silver. This is how the oban gold coin appeared, but it was not used to pay for transactions, but was given or rewarded.

The Japanese nobility sought to tie the peasants to the land allotment. Large landowners tried to solve the problem of how to pacify the uprising of the peasants or return the runaway subordinates back. Special detachments of trained warriors appear, which over time formed their own closed community of samurai. The code of honor of warriors, or bushido, which was based on the idea of ​​loyalty to the master, began to be observed. The warrior was obliged to protect his master at the cost of his life, and in case of dishonor to commit ritual suicide, or hara-kiri.

Political order

From the 12th century, the feudal hierarchy was strengthened. Due to feudal fragmentation, the country is in a state of constant internecine strife. Even after the establishment of the supreme power of the shoguns, skirmishes between petty feudal lords do not stop. Among such conditions, the worldview of a samurai is created, ready to sacrifice himself to his overlord. Samurai becomes an example of courage, honor and loyalty.

After the appearance of large feudal farms, the formation and growth of cities began. Near the castle of the ruler, a city began to be built, where the commercial and artisan population predominated. Private landholdings are being replaced by large latifundia.

Culture of Medieval Japan

In the mature Middle Ages, new cities begin to be built, ties with China are strengthened, crafts develop and trade expands. Completely different aesthetic preferences appear, based on folk motifs. Japan is gradually acquiring original features, moving to a different level of development. In the artistic culture of medieval Japan, the emphasis is on the human perception of the world, the dramatic background of the actions performed. Drama works began to appear for productions in the theater. In painting and sculpture landscape and portrait stand out as an independent genre. The fine arts of medieval Japan are influenced by the harsh everyday life of an era filled with conflicts. Art is permeated with a touch of Buddhism, the Zen sect flourishes especially. Previously it was necessary to carry out incomprehensible complex religious rites, but the Zen sect translated service into a simpler and more understandable form. Any Buddhist literature and multiple rites are denied, in the place of which comes only the desire to know one's spiritual essence. Everyone could take the path of truth through contemplation and deepening into oneself.

Chanting of the Samurai

At that time, the samurai were not yet striving for the luxury and effeminacy of palaces. They often had to fight in civil strife, repulse the attacks of foreign tribes, so the main thing for them was military prowess, courage and honor. The warrior class liked the concepts of Zen Buddhism, because paradise can be achieved with discipline and one simple prayer. Gunk tales are written about warriors, conveying a sense of anxiety, but devoid of the splendor of interiors and pomposity. The exploits of the samurai are described in scrolls, the cult of the sword and armor appears, Buddha statues are erected, executed with all severity. They wrote poems about how samurai go hunting, shoot and practice horseback riding. In particular honor is the Nar art, expressed in the construction of the Kamakura Buddha statue. In medieval Japan, Nar temples destroyed during the war or those that are in a dilapidated state are being restored.

architectural preferences

What is special about the architecture of medieval Japan? In the 12th century, Buddhist temples began to be erected in the midst of picturesque nature. Nature was considered a deity, so architectural structures had to harmoniously fit into the surrounding landscape. Estates and palaces were built in the form of a rectangle, facing the south side of the square, framed on both sides by galleries with outbuildings. From the southern part of the building, they always tried to equip a landscape garden, consisting of lakes, rocks, bridges and islands. Gardens should evoke thoughts of solitude, tune in to silence and a calm mood. Instead of a turbulent flow of a waterfall, they preferred to build ponds with stagnant water, and delicate lotus flowers should sway on the surface. The charm of a secluded garden was created in Heian parks, when a change of scenery awaited at each turn of the path. Instead of air bridges, smooth stones appeared that created mosaic pictures. Gardens, decorative all four seasons, are popular with the nobility.

Palaces, castles and houses for tea ceremonies become the most favorite at that time. There is a desire for simple architectural lines. Wooden structures were not always covered with paint. Knots on the surface of the wood were played up as decorative elements. The buildings were erected in the form of a rectangular pavilion surrounded by a gallery, and the roof should have a curved shape. Many-tiered pagodas are being built, although small in size. If the building is painted, then no more than one or two colors are used. In Japan, the very first sacred temples were considered pantries where stocks of rice were stored. The pantries were raised on high pillars so that moisture would not spoil the rice. The first temples were built like storerooms for grain. The climate in Japan is quite humid, but wooden temples have survived to this day. They owe this longevity to the custom of the Japanese every 20 years to dismantle the sacred temples, and in that place to build new ones from a different material.

Secular building

From the 16th century, feudal castles were built, capable of holding back the attacks of enemy armies behind their reliable walls. These multi-tiered structures were built of wood, and stone foundations were laid at the base. Bastions and low walls were additionally built around, and moats surrounded the castle around the perimeter. The most impressive castle of that time is Himeji near Kobe, consisting of 80 different types of buildings.

The Edo period brought a lull after the devastating internecine wars. Instead of castles, the construction of palaces is unfolding. They are one-story buildings, although the very first ones still have a system of fortifications, but then they are already building like a garden and park ensemble. By tradition, the palace walls do not have constructive functions, therefore they are replaced by openings or removable partitions. The builders tried to achieve maximum naturalness and unity with nature.

Painting

Since the 7th century, the painting of medieval Japan has remained very simple. The level of craftsmanship can be judged from the mural decorating the Tamamushi Ark from Horyuji Temple. The author painted the ark with yellow, red and green paint on a black base. As Buddhism spread, more places of worship appeared, so there was a demand for highly qualified artists. Now the masters collectively worked on one drawing according to their specialization. One artist only made a sketch, the second was engaged in coloring, and the third traced the outline of the finished picture. On emakimono panels in the 8th century, the drawings are symbolic, there is no dynamics here. Begins to develop landscape and genre painting. A vivid example is the painted screen “Woman with Bird Feathers”, where the lines are already becoming smoother and lighter, an expressive image is created. Since the 9th century, Buddhist painting has been developing, which is characterized by depicting a mandala. To draw a mandala, more expensive materials were used, such as silver and gold.

At the end of the 16th century, a number of painting schools appeared: Tosa, Soga, Kano, Kaiho, Unkoku. During this period, many unique paintings were created, belonging not only to famous masters, but also to unknown artists.