The fuedal system of Japan
The Emperor
The emperor were at the top layer of society. The emperor was worshipped but held little political power, as the shogun held most of the political power. The Emperors of Japan lived rich lives, and almost completely detached to the lower classes. The Emperor can be compared to as the King in the European feudal system.
The Shogun
The shogun is very similar to The Emperor, he has a high status, and he also lives a life of luxury. The main difference, however, is the fact that the Shogun has most of the political power. The shoguns main role was miltary. Because Japan was at war alot, the Shogun needed to be organised and most of all, needed to have large numbers of Samurai ready for battle. This was crutial as if he didn't, he would lose his job as Shogun.
Daimyo and the Samurai
Daimyo and the Samurai were war lords who controlled the lands and ruled over the people who lived and worked there. The power of the Daimyo depended on the size of his land and the number of Samurai he led. These Samurai were warriors who swore allegiance to their lord, and they were in charge of maintaining his authority.
Artisans and Craftsmen
Artisans and Craftsmen provided specialist items that everyone needed but no one had any time to make. Things like swords and armour were one of the many items the Artisans and Craftmen made. Being an Artisan or a Craftsmen made good money, and was a popular choice in Medieval Japan.
Farmers and Fishermen
In the lower classes, Farmers and Fishermen were in charge of working the land and sea to make sure food was around to sell and to eat. Without this, people would have died of starvation, so even though their position in the feudal system was low, the Farmers and Fishermen were very important. The Emporer's court taxed them greatly.
Merchants
Merchants were onef the lowest class. Merchants were just above the pesants, which was the lowest in Japan. Merchants didn't protect, produce or create anything, however they traded produce and goods to farmers and craftsmen. In time they became quite wealthy. They also sold the goods and lent the finance needed by many in Japan as a result of the constant civil wars.
Find out more about Medieval Japan here:
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/webcourse/key_points/kp_7.htm
Find out more about the feudal system here:
http://asianhistory.about.com/od/japan/p/ShogJapanClass.htm
Religion
In the Japanese Medieval times, the main religion was Shinto. Shinto is a religion
that means 'Japanese devotion to invisible spiritual beings and powers called Kami, to
shrines and to various rituals.'
Shinto doesn't involve Gods, they involve spirits, which are closely tied to livings things. These are called Kami.
that means 'Japanese devotion to invisible spiritual beings and powers called Kami, to
shrines and to various rituals.'
Shinto doesn't involve Gods, they involve spirits, which are closely tied to livings things. These are called Kami.