History and Culture of Japan
Describes the fascinating history and culture of Japan (Nippon), the "Land of the Rising Sun." Once a major military power in the Pacific, modern Japan is an economic powerhouse.
Class Identity in Feudal Japan
Facts and examples about class identity and the four-tiered social system in feudal Japan. See examples that show the inner workings of Tokugawa Japan's social structure.
Facts and examples about class identity and the four-tiered social system in feudal Japan. See examples that show the inner workings of Tokugawa Japan's social structure.
Japan: Facts and History
A profile of Japan, including information about its history, culture, people, and land.
A profile of Japan, including information about its history, culture, people, and land.
Beauties of Heian Japan
During the Heian era, Japanese noble women adhered to a somewhat odd standard of beauty.
During the Heian era, Japanese noble women adhered to a somewhat odd standard of beauty.
Beauty in Heian Japan, 794 - 1185 A.D.
In Heian-era Japan (794-1185), beauty standards were quite different from those of modern-day Japan. Learn here about makeup and fashion in ancient Japan.
In Heian-era Japan (794-1185), beauty standards were quite different from those of modern-day Japan. Learn here about makeup and fashion in ancient Japan.
The Four-Tiered Class System of Feudal Japan
Feudal Japan had an interesting four-tiered class system, with samurai warriors on top and merchants on the bottom.
Feudal Japan had an interesting four-tiered class system, with samurai warriors on top and merchants on the bottom.
The Mongol Invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281
In 1274, the Mongol emperor of China, Kublai Khan, sent an armada to invade Japan. This invasion was repelled by the samurai, and a typhoon which sank the Mongol ships. The Mongols invaded again in 1281, but a second typhoon (called a kamikaze - "divine wind") once more destroyed their armada after seven weeks of fighting.
In 1274, the Mongol emperor of China, Kublai Khan, sent an armada to invade Japan. This invasion was repelled by the samurai, and a typhoon which sank the Mongol ships. The Mongols invaded again in 1281, but a second typhoon (called a kamikaze - "divine wind") once more destroyed their armada after seven weeks of fighting.
Profile of the Ninja
Spider-like figures in black scuttling over roof-tops in the dark, blades gleaming in their hands... This is the ninja of movies and comic books, but what is the historical reality?
Spider-like figures in black scuttling over roof-tops in the dark, blades gleaming in their hands... This is the ninja of movies and comic books, but what is the historical reality?
Castles of Japan
Photo gallery of Japanese Castles from the 14th century onward.
Photo gallery of Japanese Castles from the 14th century onward.
Timeline of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's Life
Hideyoshi was born into a peasant family during the tumultuous Sengoku, or "Warring States" Period in Japan. Despite his lowly birth and his skinny, somewhat rat-like appearance, Hideyoshi rose from the rank of sandal-bearer to general in Oda Nobunaga's army... and then de facto ruler of Japan.
Hideyoshi was born into a peasant family during the tumultuous Sengoku, or "Warring States" Period in Japan. Despite his lowly birth and his skinny, somewhat rat-like appearance, Hideyoshi rose from the rank of sandal-bearer to general in Oda Nobunaga's army... and then de facto ruler of Japan.
Yoshitoshi Taiso's Ghosts and Demons
Yoshitoshi Taiso was Japan's last great master of the woodblock print, and he created some very memorable images of ghosts, monsters and demons.
Yoshitoshi Taiso was Japan's last great master of the woodblock print, and he created some very memorable images of ghosts, monsters and demons.
The Battle of Hansan-do, 1592
In 1592, daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi sent his samurai army to invade Joseon Korea, on the way to conquering Ming China and then India. The Japanese Army never made it past Korea, though, and the naval Battle of Hansan-do was pivotal in turning back Hideyoshi’s troops.
In 1592, daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi sent his samurai army to invade Joseon Korea, on the way to conquering Ming China and then India. The Japanese Army never made it past Korea, though, and the naval Battle of Hansan-do was pivotal in turning back Hideyoshi’s troops.
Japanese Hairstyles Throughout the Ages
Pictoral history of the evolution of hairstyles in Japan. Noble women throughout the ages followed many fashions in the court of the Japanese Emperor. See some of the different hairdos here.
Pictoral history of the evolution of hairstyles in Japan. Noble women throughout the ages followed many fashions in the court of the Japanese Emperor. See some of the different hairdos here.
Emperor Akihito: What Does the Japanese Emperor Actually Do?
The Japanese emperor was once considered a god/king, but today he is largely a ceremonial figure. So, what does the current emperor, Akihito, do with his time? Some of his duties and hobbies may surprise you!
The Japanese emperor was once considered a god/king, but today he is largely a ceremonial figure. So, what does the current emperor, Akihito, do with his time? Some of his duties and hobbies may surprise you!