Study Guide by Vini – Unit on Japan – Chapters 12.4, 12.5, 12.6

The geography of Japan is characterized by which of the following features, including its location on the Ring of Fire?

• Vast deserts and flat plains

• Mountainous islands and frequent earthquakes

• Large inland lakes and rainforests

• Extensive tundra and glaciers

How did the Japanese adapt to an environment where less than 15 percent of its land can be farmed?

• By relying heavily on imported food

• By developing advanced irrigation systems and terrace farming

• By abandoning agriculture altogether

• By focusing only on fishing

What was the Yayoi’s contribution to Japanese culture?

• Introduction of rice farming

• Development of samurai code

• Creation of haiku poetry

• Invention of the tea ceremony

Prince Shotoku took several actions to unite the warring clans, including creating which important document?

• The Magna Carta

• The Seventeen Article Constitution

• The Edict of Milan

• The Code of Hammurabi

How did Shotoku contribute to Japan’s religion and government?

• He introduced Buddhism and established a constitution.

• He built the first samurai army.

• He isolated Japan from foreign influence.

• He abolished all religious practices.

The Taika Reform increased the government’s power by:

• Centralizing authority and creating a more organized bureaucracy.

• Allowing local clans to maintain their independence.

• Reducing the emperor’s control over the land.

• Abolishing the system of taxation.

The Taika Reform further united Japan by:

• establishing a centralized government and land reforms

• encouraging regional independence

• abolishing the emperor's authority

• promoting isolation from neighboring countries

The Heian period was:

• A period of Japanese history from 794 to 1185 known for its art, poetry, and court culture.

• A period of Chinese history marked by the construction of the Great Wall.

• A period in European history known for the Renaissance.

• A period in Indian history marked by the rule of the Maurya Empire.

Heian’s capital city was modeled after:

• Beijing

• Seoul

• Kyoto

• Chang'an

Which of the following are ways that Japan was influenced by China’s Tang Dynasty?

• Adoption of Buddhism, Chinese writing system, government structure, and art styles

• Development of the samurai class, isolationist policies, unique language, and feudalism

• Creation of the Shinto religion, invention of origami, exclusive tea ceremonies, and sumo wrestling

• Introduction of Western technology, industrialization, modern democracy, and capitalism