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.
Ancient or Classical Time
Kofun Era – 300 to 552
Heian Period -794 to 1185 A.D.
Feudal or Medieval Japan
Kamakura Period – 1185 to 1333
Muromachi Period – 1338 to 1573
Edo Japan
Tokugawa Shogunate (Edo) – 1600. A.D. to 1868.
Edo Period (Because Tokugawa Government ruled Japan)
Heian Period – Because Japan’s capital was in Kyota
Geography of Japan and the Ring of Fire
Geography of Japan
Japan is a part of a long archipelago (a series of many islands) off the eastern side of the Asian continent. It is made up almost 4,000 thousand islands in the Pacific Ocean that stretch across 2,400 miles.
However, Japan has Four main islands and they are:
Kyushu – This island is heavily populated, and it is home to the city of Nagasaki.
Shikoku – This island is the smallest of the four islands.
Honshu – This is the most heavily populated island and it is home to the city of Tokyo, the capital of Japan.
Hokkaido – This island is not heavily populated due to it’s more rough terrain and harsh climate.
As far as the climate of Japan, the north has cool summer and snowy winters. The south has hot, humid summers and cool winters.
Highest Mountain: Mount Fuji
Ring of Fire or Pacific Ring of Fire
The Ring of Fire is a series of volcanoes, approximately 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes.
It is an area of active tectonic movement . This means there are changes in the earth’s structures and it causes movement of the plates.
Because of Japan’s location in the ring of fire, it subject to typhoons and earthquakes.
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– Medieval Japan Unit Study
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.
| Feudal Japan | Feudal (Medieval) Europe | Same | Different |
| Samurai | Knights | ||
| Loyalty | Loyalty | * | |
| Honor | Honor | * | |
| Fan Dance – Art | No emphasis on art | * | |
| Bravery | Bravery | * | |
| Women trained in weaponry, carried dagger | Women considered fragile. | * |
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
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- Ancient Greece Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook
Field Trip Pictures – Visit to Japanese Festival
How to Get the Free Medieval Japan Unit Study Lapbook 14 page download
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thank you so much for this great resource!
You are so VERY welcome Jana.great to have you here..♥
um, it was long but it was GRATE though! thanks Tina
Great to hear….Thanks for being here…
thank you Tina the article and activities were very helpful and fun. I’ll have to share with my friends.
Absolutely my pleasure Ami — Happy to have you and always appreciate the shares!♥♥