Essay on Japan Template

Submitted By oprarthana
Words: 1301
Pages: 6

Japan, like other third-wave civilizations, borrowed a lot from one of the old and big civilizations as it was starting to develop and making its place in the new world. But however, Japan was very unique and different from other small and new civilizations since it adopted many things from China but changed and mingled those things with its own native beliefs. Most of the new civilizations after 600 CE adopted a lot from old civilizations; but however, they just copied their different systems to make their own civilization better. Japan understood the importance of borrowing from China but Japanese never believed that they needed Chinese in order to create their identity on the world’s map. China’s influence on Japan, which was voluntary throughout the history, started decreasing, especially after 1000 CE. After this time, Japan started coming up with its new culture; it continued to build up on its native beliefs. Japan had its own language, literature, government structure, and religion that were distinctive and different than those of China and other civilizations. Japan always held on to its Shinto rites and Bushido, the code of conduct; samurai warriors represented Japan’s pride. The importance of distinctive native beliefs in Japan led to the rise of the unique culture including distinctive government structure and blended religions because Japanese mixed their own ideas with the voluntary borrowings from China and Europe which made Japanese society (around 600 CE - 1750 CE) radically different from any other third-wave or old civilization. It wouldn't be wrong to argue that Japan had its own dream of being very different from other civilizations. Japan wanted to have its own distinctive identity in the developing world of civilizations. Tang China influenced Japan’s government, but this influence was very less to show the world how China was the one that was related to Japan’s foundation. As an example, Japan adopted the idea that government should maintain a clear and full record of the ancient business. But however, Japan didn't have dynasties. Japan had developed feudalism which created decentralism but gave space to develop the cultural idea of loyalty, military talent, and discipline. The idea of feudalism was similar to Europe, but Shogun coming up with the idea of requiring daimyos to live in Edo every other year was unique to Japanese society. Japan’s feudalism lasted from 12th century to the 19th century. During this time period, people were divided into different classes and had specific roles. Emperor was the spiritual leader while shogun was the political/ economic leader that controlled the group of samurai soldiers. The shogun distributed lands to the loyal vassals while the vassals then gave some part of the lands to the Samurai warriors. This system helped Japanese reinforce the native belief of loyalty to each other. The lord gave land to the vassal while received loyalty in return. This way, they kept their own government system unique while borrowing the idea of having Bushido from the Chinese Mandate of Heaven. To keep its society distinctive, Japanese government even created the isolation polity in 1630 to lessen the global impact on its native beliefs. Surprisingly, Japan adopted more from European ideology than China did. But however, this was just because it was in their own benefit. Japanese only adopted something that they could benefit from; if other things contradicted with their native beliefs, they launched campaigns against them. As an example, shoguns began several campaigns to ban Christianity since they feared that Christians look forward to dominate Japanese with their growing power. Japanese wanted to stay unique and under no condition they would agree to be governed by some other country. Their uniqueness was very essential to them. But even in their wish of being different from others, they didn't forget that complete isolation will also harm them. They adopted