LESSON 9.5 How did Japanese society organise itself?
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to describe the hierarchical structure of Japanese feudal society.
Tune in Today Japan still has an emperor who is descended from the same Yamato clan that established the first Japanese state. SOURCE1 Emperor Naruhito attending a ceremony in 2019 to proclaim his enthronement to the world, called Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi
1. Discuss the role of an emperor in the twenty-first century. 2. Do you think countries still need royal figureheads? Discuss any advantages and disadvantages as a class.
9.5.1 The feudal system For about a thousand years, from the Heian period until the end of the Tokugawa sh̄ogunate in 1867, Japan maintained a feudal society similar to medieval Europe. On average, women lived only 27 and men 32 years. Diseases like tuberculosis and beriberi were common, with women facing added risks during childbirth. Many children died young due to poor diets, unsanitary conditions and diseases. The emperor held the highest status and, although having little actual power during the sh̄ogunate period, was an important religious leader believed to be a descendant of the sun goddess. Despite his high status, he needed the support of the daimȳo, powerful nobles who controlled distant regions in exchange for land. The most powerful daimȳo became the sh̄ogun, the effective ruler of Japan. The sh̄ogun managed the army and routine governance. During different periods, sh̄oguns faced challenges from powerful daimȳo, but the Tokugawa sh̄oguns eventually brought them under control. The daimȳo built massive, fortified castles to protect themselves.
228 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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