[Japan-Binge FAQs] Binge-Reading Japanese History Chronologically

Q1. What is the biggest difference between the Jomon and Yayoi periods?

The presence of rice cultivation. Consequently, the introduction of rice farming during the Yayoi period created settled lifestyles and wealth disparity, transforming society into one prone to conflict.

Q2. Why does the location of Yamataikoku remain unsettled?

This is due to contradictions in the directions and distances recorded in the Gishi Wajinden (Record of Wa in the History of Wei). Therefore, neither the Kyushu theory nor the Kinki theory has yielded conclusive evidence.

Q3. Where lies the appeal in studying ancient history?

It allows us to deduce the shape of ancient Japan from fragmented records and ruins. Furthermore, the numerous unresolved aspects offer the enjoyment of historical problem-solving through imagination.

Q1. Since when has the country name “Nihon” (Japan) been used?

It has been officially used since the era of Emperor Tenmu (late 7th century). Previously, the country was called “Wa” or “Yamato.” However, this new name established Japan as an independent nation internationally.

Q2. What is the difference between the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki?

The Kojiki compiled traditions in a narrative style for a domestic audience. Conversely, the Nihon Shoki served as an official chronological history written for an international audience. Thus, their purposes and target readers differed clearly.

Q3. To what extent are myths based on historical facts?

They likely express major political events as metaphors. Therefore, while enjoying them as stories, inferring “what this monster represented at the time” deepens understanding.

Q1. Why did Emperor Kanmu move the capital to Heian-kyo?

This move distanced the court from the Buddhist factions that had grown overly powerful in Heijo-kyo. Moreover, it aimed for a fresh start in the new capital to re-establish emperor-centric political authority.

Q2. What kind of political system is Insei (Cloistered Rule)?

In this system, an emperor continued to hold real power even after abdicating the throne. Retired Emperor Shirakawa initiated this as a countermeasure to prevent the Fujiwara regent family from monopolizing power.

Q3. Why were the Samurai (warrior class) able to seize political power?

Nobles and the imperial family relied on the military power of the Samurai to resolve power struggles. Consequently, with each conflict they suppressed, the Samurai’s influence grew, ultimately leading them to usurp the government.

Q1. What was the cause of Minamoto no Yoritomo’s death?

It remains unknown due to the lack of description in the official history book, Azuma Kagami. Because the records abruptly cease, historians infer there were unrecordable circumstances, such as assassination or grudges.

Q2. What is the difference between a Shikken (Regent) and a Shogun?

While the Shogun is the top of the shogunate, the Shikken serves as an assistant. However, the Hojo clan seized real power as Shikken, rendering the Shogun a mere figurehead to conduct politics.

Q3. Why did the Mongol Invasions (Genko) fail?

The “Kamikaze” (divine wind) was not the sole reason. Significantly, fierce resistance from the Samurai and adaptations to group combat tactics forced the enemy to retreat.

Q1. Why did the Mongol Invasions end after two attempts?

Although a third attempt was planned, successive rebellions in other regions of the Mongol Empire eliminated the capacity to dispatch troops to Japan.

Q2. What is the difference between Jodo-shu and Jodo Shinshu?

Jodo-shu emphasizes “single-minded chanting.” In contrast, Jodo Shinshu lowered the barrier further, claiming “a believing heart is the most important thing (chanting even once is sufficient).”

Q3. Why did the shogunate fall despite winning?

Because it was a defensive war against invasion, there was no captured territory. Therefore, the inability to provide rewards (land) to the Samurai destroyed their relationship of trust.

Q1. From when to when did the Muromachi shogunate last?

It lasted for roughly 235 years. Ashikaga Takauji received appointment as Seii Taishogun in 1338, following the fall of the Kamakura shogunate. Finally, Oda Nobunaga exiled the last shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, in 1573.

Q2. How do Kitayama culture and Higashiyama culture differ?

Kitayama culture was a glamorous and luxurious culture that fused the cultures of court nobles, samurai, and the continent (Ming). Conversely, Higashiyama culture incorporated the spirit of Wabi-sabi, creating a simpler and more spiritual culture.

Q3. What perspective helps in deeply understanding the history of the Muromachi period?

Viewing it as an era of “fusion” is beneficial. Specifically, the samurai government (shogunate) actively incorporated the culture of the court nobles (imperial court), producing new cultural forms.

Q1. Why weren’t agriculture and warfare separated before Nobunaga?

At that time, the economic foundation lay in agriculture, lacking the financial power to hire a standing army. However, Oda Nobunaga emphasized commerce, realizing this separation through enormous financial resources.

Q2. Is there a connection between the separation of warriors from farmers (Heino Bunri) and free markets/open guilds (Rakuichi Rakuza)?

They are closely connected. Activating commerce through Rakuichi Rakuza generated tax revenue. Consequently, using this revenue to hire mercenaries enabled the maintenance of an army without relying on farmers.

Q3. What can we learn from Nobunaga’s innovativeness today?

It teaches the importance of questioning old customs and choosing rational means for a goal. However, rapid transformation invites backlash; therefore, consideration for human emotions is also necessary.

Q1. Why didn’t Hideyoshi employ a reign of terror like Nobunaga?

Toyotomi Hideyoshi excelled at capturing people’s hearts, earning the moniker “Hitotarashi” (charmer). He knew that increasing allies through profits and rewards was more efficient than suppressing them with military force.

Q2. What is the difference between a Kanpaku (Imperial Regent) and a Seii Taishogun?

While the Seii Taishogun leads the Samurai, the Kanpaku is the top court noble assisting the emperor. Barred by lineage from becoming Shogun, Hideyoshi issued commands nationwide as Kanpaku.

Q3. Are there any lessons to be learned from Hideyoshi’s way of life?

It demonstrates that regardless of background, one can forge a path with speed and negotiation skills. Surprisingly, it also warns that arrogance after success or misjudging when to step down causes one to lose everything.

Q1. When did the Edo shogunate’s rule shift from military rule to civil administration?

The shift occurred after the Keian Uprising (Yui Shosetsu’s rebellion), during the era of the 4th Shogun. Thus, severe control by military force transitioned into peaceful governance valuing Confucianism and maintaining order.

Q2. What was the common objective of Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) and Fushin-yaku (construction duties) regarding Daimyo (feudal lords)?

Both aimed to reduce the wealth of Daimyo and sap their power to rebel. Sankin-kotai imposed travel expenses, while Fushin-yaku forced them to bear public works costs.

Q3. How can the perspective of a “cycle of governance” be utilized when studying Edo period events?

Viewing policies as either “tight” (strict) or “loose” (lenient) connects events as reactions of the era, rather than isolated incidents.

Q1. When did the Taisei Hokan (Restoration of Imperial Rule) take place?

It occurred in October 1867. The 15th Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, officially proposed returning political power to the imperial court at Nijo Castle in Kyoto.

Q2. What was the decisive difference between the new government forces and the former shogunate forces?

The difference lay in their backing foreign powers and equipment. Consequently, the new government forces, possessing the latest British-supported weaponry, overwhelmed the former shogunate forces equipped with outdated gear.

Q3. Why was the abolition of domains and establishment of prefectures (Haihan Chiken) necessary?

Maintaining decentralized domains scattered national strength. Therefore, to counter Western powers, the central government needed to manage taxes and soldiers nationwide.

Q1. Why did Japan need to modernize hastily?

The goal was to revise the unequal treaties forced upon them at the end of the Edo period. They believed equal diplomacy was impossible without becoming a constitutional state like the Western powers.

Q2. What specific negative effect is Gaden Intetsu (drawing railways to one’s own field)?

Politicians attracted railways to their local areas, despite low necessity, to gather votes. As a result, routes curved unnaturally, prioritizing partisan interests over national benefit.

Q3. Why did the public end up supporting the dangerous military?

Repeated financial panics impoverished lives, causing despair in existing party politics. Thus, people believed, “Disciplined military men will improve the world better than current politicians.”

Q1. Why did the military run out of control?

At that time, Japan was in a severe economic depression. Consequently, the military thought they could save the impoverished citizens by expanding territory and acquiring resources.

Q2. What is the difference between indirect rule and direct rule?

Direct rule involves occupying forces issuing orders directly. However, indirect rule transmits orders to citizens through the Japanese government. Consequently, this method maintained the emperor system.

Q3. What is the significance of studying this era?

It serves as the best example of how international affairs alter domestic politics. Therefore, understanding the structure of this era is crucial for comprehending modern hegemonic struggles.