The Feudal System in Japan was a complex system of government and social organization that lasted for over 700 years, from the 12th to the 19th century. Also, look at more ideas on my page Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.
While we learned about it, I thought it would be fun to create a beautiful craft.
The Japanese fan had historical significance, was used for communication, as a part of court culture, in ceremonies, and religious rites.
And fans feature beautiful artwork, such as flowers, animals, and scenes from nature.
You will also find additional resources like videos, books, and hands-on activities to help you create a fun unit on Ancient and/or modern Japan.
BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN FOR KIDS
11 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan
You'll love these resources and books for studying about Japan. Add them to my Medieval Japan Unit Study or just fun for the day.
This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years--equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire--during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste.
The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines.
Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ry samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.
More than 40 handsome, ready-to-color illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, a tea ceremony, a Noh play, a typical city street, a restaurant, music makers, more. Introduction and detailed captions describe Japanese culture and provide detailed information on art, government, costume, and daily life.
Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. The great thing is - whether you want to learn Japanese to visit Japan’s precious historic landmarks, watch anime and movies or simply meet wonderful Japanese people - we’ve got you covered!
A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.
The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.
In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.
While gathering firewood, Yasuhiro comes upon an injured crane hidden in the snow. He rescues and comforts the bird, then watches as it flies away over the wintry hills.
The next night, a mysterious young girl arrives at Yasuhiro's home seeking shelter from the cold. The boy and his father welcome the girl, named Hiroko, to stay with them. When Hiroko notices that Yasuhiro's father is struggling to earn money, she offers to weave silk for him to sell. After the fabric fetches a good price, the boy's father becomes impatient for more silk, and his greed has a life-changing effect on them all.
Lyrical storytelling deftly interwoven with original haiku create a magical adaptation of a popular Japanese folktale--an inspirational story of friendship and the power of kindness to transform lives.
For more than 200 years Japan had isolated herself from the world - now Commodore Perry, representing the US government had arrived on the shore of Japan. Perry's mission was to open a door into Japan so US ships might stop for fuel & water on their route to China.
This 3D wooden Puzzle is the oldest tower in Japan and one of the iconic buildings, ancient and elegant.
The iconic landmark you love,Build this detailed Japan skyline model!Features an elaborate façade with Tokyo Tower,Tokyo SKYTREE, Mount Fuji,Sensoji Temple,Osaka Castle and more.
Japan Sakura Tree House Building Set consists of 1810pcs + mini-blocks. It includes detailed step-by-step color instructions, and exquisite details of various sizes and color componentsand.
Now let’s find out exactly how the feudal system in Japan worked, who was involved, and how it came to an end.
THE FEUDAL SYSTEM IN JAPAN
The feudal system was based on the idea that the emperor was the supreme ruler of Japan.
But in reality, power was held by the powerful feudal lords called daimyo.
The daimyo were samurai warriors who controlled large areas of land.
They had their own armies and could make their own laws.
Also, they had their own castles, where they lived and ruled.
The daimyo were not all equal. Some were more powerful than others.
The most powerful daimyo was called the shogun. The shogun was the military leader of Japan and the emperor’s chief advisor.
The peasants were the lowest class in the feudal system.
In addition, they worked on the land and paid taxes to the daimyo. They also had to provide labor for the daimyo’s projects, such as building roads and castles.
The feudal system was a very hierarchical system. The emperor was at the top, followed by the daimyo, the samurai, and the peasants. Each class had its own rights and responsibilities.
The feudal system was a time of great violence and warfare. The daimyo were constantly fighting each other for power and control. The peasants were often caught in the middle of these wars.
This system eventually came to an end in the 19th century due to a number of factors, including the rise of the Meiji Emperor and the introduction of Western technology and ideas.
The feudal system had a profound impact on Japanese culture and society.
It helped to create a strong sense of national identity and a deep respect for tradition.
It also led to the development of several important cultural institutions, such as the samurai code of bushido and the tea ceremony.
HANDS-ON JAPAN ACTIVITIES
Perfect for Ancient Japan studies or modern times, this Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids is a great way to bond and learn at the same time.
WATCH: Shoguns, samurai and the Japanese Middle Ages on Khan Academy to learn even more about the feudal system.
Follow these simple steps to learn How to Fold an Origami Koi Fish in this beautiful Japanese artform.
Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity
Get some pretty paper and learn How to Make Easy Paper Lanterns.
Keep your prep to a minimum by using my Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D. that has already done a lot of the work for you.
If you want to make a big impression on your child when digging deep into a topic like Japan, the military stronghold in the form of a LEGO Himeji Castle is the way to go.
Finally, look at how to make this Japanese fan.
HOW TO MAKE A COLORFUL FAN CRAFT
You will need:
- 2 sheets 12×12 patterned paper
- Two large popsicle sticks
- Embroidery thread
- Hot glue gun/sticks
- Rubber band
First, make even accordion folds all the way across your paper, press in crease firmly with your finger or the edge of the craft stick to make the pleats sharp.
Repeat with the second sheet.
Next, bend both in half.
Hot glue center of each of the bent fans to the other side of the same fan to create two bigger fans.
Now hot glue both of those fans together along the centerfolds, hold together or place something heavy on them until the glue cools and they are firmly stuck.
This next part is optional but adds such a fun touch.
We’re making a tassel for the fan from embroidery thread.
Wrap the thread around your hand 25-30 times.
Slip another piece of thread under one end and tie it off, cut the loops on the other end.
Finish it off by slipping a longer thread under the top fold and tying a knot below that about ½” from the top. Trim off excess
Hot glue the long string in place by attaching it to one side of the fan near the bottom.
Hot glue the oversized popsicle sticks to either side of the ends of the fan lined up with the bottom, you want the excess of the sticks to stick out over what is the top of the fan.
Again, hold into place until glue has set.
Be sure to pull the tassel forward out of the center before pressing everything together.
To open the fan simply pull open the wooden handles.
And secure with a rubber band, to close go the opposite direction and keep closed with the rubber band.
