Medieval Japan Review

In medieval times, Japan absorbed different cultures because Prince Shotoku...

• conquered many cities in Korea and China.

• had relatives that lived in Korea and China.

• encouraged contact with Korea and China.

• ruled Japan after ruling Korea and China.

Japan's original religion that expresses respect for nature is called...

• Nirvana.

• Kami.

• Shinto.

• Buddhism.

In 552, what religion did the king of Korea introduce to Japan?

• Hinduism

• Islam

• Buddhism

• Sikhism

For nearly 300 years, the Fujiwara family...

• served as the official court artists to the emperor of Japan.

• were in charge of the entire banking system in Japan.

• controlled Japan without being the official rulers.

• were the Japanese royal family, from which all emperors came.

How did the Fujiwara family gain power in Japan?

• They won elections because they were very popular.

• They controlled the Japanese treasury and finances.

• They led a strong and powerful army of samurai.

• They married into the royal family and were royal advisors.

Most of the leading writers of the Heian period were

• women

• peasants

• priests

• foreigners

Why is Murasaki Shikibu's "Tale of Genji" especially famous?

• It records the lives of ordinary farmers.

• It reveals secrets about the royal family.

• It was only sold and told as an oral history.

• It may have been the world's first novel.

The Heian period is called Japan’s golden age because of its achievements in...

• technology.

• military power.

• art and literature.

• religious power.

By the 17th century, samurai were expected to practice the art of beautiful writing, also known as...

• calligraphy.

• bushido.

• tanka.

• kemari.

Why was Zen Buddhism a good match for the samurai way of life?

• Zen brought samurai closer to nature and their role in it.

• Zen forced samurai to examine and increase their fear of death.

• Zen gave samurai the hope of reaching the paradise of Pure Land.

• Zen helped samurai learn discipline and focus their minds.