Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.

Medieval Japan Lapbook and Unit Study here at Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus is fun. You’ll love my other homeschool lapbooks.

This Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook covers from 1185 – 1600 A.D.{1185 – 1600 A.D.} From the end of the Heian Period to the Beginning of Tokugawa {Edo} Period

Jimmu Tenn?,original name Kow-yamato-iware-hiko No Mikotol is credited with being the legendary first emperor of Japan and founder of the Imperial Dynasty.

Background of Ancient Japan the First Emperor

As in the Rome civilization, the beginnings of Ancient Japan is too shrouded in mythology. Jimmu, the first emperor is supposedly a descendant of the sun goddess, Amaterasu Omikami.

The Imperial House of Japan also referred to as the Imperial House are the extended family of the reigning emperor of Japan.

All the emperors, 125 total, from the accession of Emperor Jimmu (traditionally dated to February 11, 660 BC), including the current reigning Emperor Akihito, claim to be descendants of the sun goddess.

All the emperors, 125 total, from the accession of Emperor Jimmu (traditionally dated to February 11, 660 BC), including the current reigning Emperor Akihito, claim to be descendants of the sun goddess.

Myth states that the sun-goddess had locked herself in a cave but after being enticed to catch a glimpse of her beauty in a mirror, she released her light.

 Periods of Japanese History

This is by no means a comprehensive overview, but since we wanted to focus on Medieval Japan, we list a few time periods before the feudal or medieval Japan [approximately 1185 to 1600 A.D.] and some after.

Geography of Japan and the Ring of Fire

 Geography of Japan

Kites of Ancient Japan

The first kite on record in Japan dates back to 931 C.E. It had been brought here there from China, where kites originated.

In ancient Japan the kites were first used as military symbols and to carry messages.

Origami from Ancient Japan

Origami traces it roots back to ancient Japan when formal documents were elaborately folded. Origami which means “folded paper”

There are two types of origami. One is traditional and the other is creative. Traditional origami requires no special tools just steps to the folding process. Look at this link to give you step by step pictures for a variety of shapes and animals to create.

There are two types of origami. One is traditional and the other is creative. Traditional origami requires no special tools just steps to the folding process. Look at this link to give you step by step pictures for a variety of shapes and animals to create.

Creative origami is used for more elaborate designs and could involve cutting and tools.

Who were the Samurai?

The legends of the Japanese Samurai is one that has captured the interests of young and old alike. The term samurai comes from the word saburau or “one who serves”.

Samurai is the term used to refer to the members of Japan’s “warrior class”.

Before the samurai, farms were owned by landlords, aristocrats and Buddhist monks who lived in Kyoto-which was the ancient capital. Because they were away from their farms, they often employed bands of armed men lead by a group leader. These men, or “warrior bands” evolved into militia or samurai acting on behalf of their feudal lords.

During the Heian period, the imperial court depended on the agricultural income from the farms so the need to defend these farms was significant to the feudal lords.

 Life during Medieval Japan

Although an emperor has ruled in Japan since ancient times by the late 1100’s powerful leaders were challenging the power of the imperial family.

So even though the emperor retained sovereignty over the country, these powerful military leaders assumed political and military power.

Code of the Samurai or Code of Bushido

The samurai were expected to adhere to the ethical code of Bushido or the “Way of the Warrior”. Bushido is a way of life, an informal set of values instead of a written code  similar to the Code of Chivalry that existed among knights in the medievel time period of Europe.  The samurai valued courage, honesty, self-sacrifice, self control, respect, compliance with duty and loyalty.

Does it compare to the Age of Chivalry in Europe?

The samurai have compared to the knights of Europe and their Code of Bushido to the Code of Chivalry.

Here are some comparisons that can be made.

History of the Komono

The kimono was adopted from the Chinese p’ao robe. The translation of the word kimono means the “the thing worn”. The word is composed of two Chinese symbols. Ki comes from kiru and it means “to wear” and mono mean “thing”.

The kimono began to be made and worn during  the Heian Period but their history begin before that time.

Religion of Japan

Japan has two main religions, Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto (“The Way of the Gods”) was developed over the years and it places emphasis on nature and ancestor worship. It has a strong focus on rituals involving purity.

Buddhism based on the teachings of Buddha that originated in India.

Buddhism entered Japan through China and Korea and it exists along Shinto worshipers.

Buddhism is more focused on the rites of the dead where as Shinto is mainly concerned about ceremonial purification.

Look at these readers! They are general readers about Japan, but give your kids a flavor of the world of Japan.

Medieval Japan Lapbook

The pages below can be Front Covers, Coloring Sheets or Dividers (use them how you need or like to)

  

 

 

Notebooking Page

More Ancient Japan Hands-on Kids Activities

Also you’ll love some of my other unit studies:

• Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook 1254 to 1324
• Vikings Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Activities
• Ancient Greece Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook

Field Trip Pictures – Visit to Japanese Festival

How to Get the Free Lapbook 14 page download

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