Heian period

earth. The gyōji, who are officials who judge each match, wear costumes based upon what was worn during the Heian period of Japan from 794 to 1,185 (David D.). Before the game, the gyōji purify and bless the ring by burying dried squid, kelp, and salt within its center. Sake is partaken and what is left after is poured over the ring’s outer line as a tribute to the Kami. During the Edo period of 1603 to 1868, sumo became a sport conducted at the imperial court instead of a religious ritual:…

Caught up in between an industrialization and isolation period, Japan had to make choices promptly in order to hold a solid future. The Meiji Era 1868-1912, was the period in Japan's history where ports were opened to the outside industrializing world. However, this caused controversy considering whether or not this restoration was really the best alternative. Additionally, it is often debated, to what extent was the Meiji beneficial for Japan. Looking to the surrounding historical context of…

honors. Kagemusha was a film made in Japan during the mid 16 century and was set in the Sengoku Period of Japanese History. The Sengoku Period means “Age of Warring States” this period is remembered by social upheaval, political intrigue and near-constant military conflict. Japanese historians named it the “Age of Warring States.” There were many wars and battles that took place during the Sengoku period too, ranging from 1467 and the…

The Tang Dynasty was regarded by many as one of the cultural pinnacles in the Chinese history. International trade propelled a more global market; the Tang costumes became the symbol of Chinese-ness; calligraphers like Chu Suiliang, Liu Gongquan or Yan Zhenqing traced their artistic pursuit from Wang Xizhi and set the tone for future calligraphic aesthetics and education. The Tang 's poetry and prose writings relish a significant position in the world literary history, and influenced the art…

INTRODUCTION The samurai is a class of highly skilled warriors, constantly developed in Japan after Taika reform of 646 CE. The reforms included land redistribution and heavy new taxes, meant to support and elaborate Chinese-style empire. Samurai is usually assigned in Japanese as bush or buke, were the military nobility of medieval and early-modern Japan. HISTORY The samurai is a class of highly expertise warriors, deliberately developed in Japan after the Taika reforms of 646 CE. The…

In order to understand the culture and history of Japan, it is important to look at the topic of religion. Religion helps to shape the morals and beliefs of people, and also establishes shared cultural experiences, such as burial practices, recognition of holidays and festivals, worship, and prayer. Many religions require the construction of architectural features in order for these beliefs to be taught and for cultural experiences to have a place to be shared. These religious works of…

Shortly after the collapse of the Tang Dynasty, a new empire known as the Song Dynasty unified and implemented a new government that ruled the Chinese empire for roughly three centuries. At the time when the Song Dynasty took over, they faced a major challenge regarding the old aristocracy. Adler & Pouwels (2017) stated that the previous aristocracy provided a substantial amount of skilled men who were recruited to perform duties in the government properties. However, they were brutally…

Romantic love is a significant theme in Marie de France’s Lay of Lanval and The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. Both novels center on the romance of courtly love, however, Lanval concentrates on the love for one lady, while The Tale of Genji is a search for the perfect lady. Lanval’s acts of love are honor and secrecy, until the queen angers him into spilling the secret of his true love. Since the beginning of time, men and women have committed many different acts in the name of love.…

The children were considered as property of the brothel owner because of the enormous debt to the pleasure houses. The outlay regarding the practice of buying them from their parents had already incurred an enormous debt for them before they even arrived. The fine food and kimono provided by the brothel were also included as parts of the burdensome debt. By the time they were old enough to start their profession, they have no choice but to work day and night to pay off the mounting debt for the…