Session 11 - Warrior Japan, 5/1

[Anonymous]

I found the story of the battle of Sekigahara and it's aftermath to be really informative about this period of Japanese history. The battle itself was really interesting to read about, and the maps were very helpful (military maps of battles are endlessly fascinating to me). But the aftermath and the Tokugawa Order was the part that was the most informative about Japan. I found it interesting that there were so many rules imposed, and that there was this attempt to create a "perfect" state military government, where everything was "fixed", people's jobs, the ability of people to travel, the "hostage" system, and the containment and control of people's desires, licensing marriages, and even having a method for registering a vendetta! I wonder if I asked my students to create a perfect society how their ideas would compare with the ideas of the Tokugawa Order.

[Anonymous]

This topic is probably the one that my students like to discuss the most. I am going to create my unit on the Samurai and this lecture was the one that I will use the most in my classroom. Professor Yamashita is engaging and his "puzzle" method of teaching is fun for the students. I had heard of the 47 Ronin, but did not truly understand what had happened. I also think that knowing how the "feudal" society of Japan is similar and different to that of Europe is a good way for students to compare and contrast Japan with Europe when teaching 7th grade. Also, the difference between the warrior class of Japan and Europe.

[Anonymous]

*Session 11 Warrior Japan
Lessons about castles and samurais would be very fascinating for young elementary students. They can study Japanese samurais and compare and contrast to other warriors from other countries. For the castles, they can do a similar lesson of comparing and contrasting castles from different places, but they can also describe the different kinds of castles that exist: (mountain and flatland castles).
Another intriguing lesson for students would be a lesson on Japanese food, and at the end of the unit they can make sushi! Any lesson that involves food is sure to be memorable for students!

[Anonymous]

*Session 11 Reading
Reading about the tea ceremonies and their importance was very interesting. Drinking tea was a whole process; beginning with what time of day you get the water, handling of water (rinsing hands for purification), connections to body organs, utensils used, and its medicinal qualities! Another interesting point from the readings was the tension between the art of tea (aesthetics and using fine utensils) and the religious/spiritual aspect of it – which would be rejecting materialism.

[Anonymous]

I absolutely loved that Professor Yamashita ended his lecture with the history of sushi and other traditional Japanese foods. I teach 7th grade history and I ended the school year with a "cultural" food day where the students randomly picked a country that we had studied and they had to bring a traditional dish from that country. Japan and China were countries that the some of the students choose and the students loved that they got to try new food. It is a fun and engaging way to teach the students about other cultures.

[Anonymous]

The conversation of treachery was eye opening. The professor was correct in pointing out that many of the assumptions of respectability and honor that is given to ancient societies is not fully deserved. Everyone is capable of being treacherous. Although the conversation of treachery was not a major part of the talk, it stuck with me. Every society has their dark side, and it is important to not forget that.

[Anonymous]

A year ago, one of my students was reading what looked to be a comic book on his phone. I asked him what it was and he said it was a Manga. I asked him what a Manga was and he said it was like an anime and a comic book. I said I was glad he was reading something and moved on. Flash forward one year and I learn that it is a story about a group of people that were out to avenge a death! What was most thought worthy was that it was legal to assassinate as long as you registered the vendetta!

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed this session. I loved learning about the different types of castles, the tea ceremonies, the Japanese warriors, and of course the food. I enjoyed the pictures of the old Japanese buildings and the stories Professor Yamashita told about how he obtained reservations in some of the restaurants. I think food is such a great topic to get students engaged in the material. It transcends the subjects that we break education into. I can and hope to incorporate more food science into both my chemistry and biology courses next year.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

now I want to travel to Japan to see all these castles. I think the main point here, even after all the sessions, is the comparison that can be done with Europe, but also how developed Japan was. Do to my euro-centric learning throughout my schooling, i am pre-disposed to think lesser of east asia, hence why this class was so important for me and also how much i have expanded because of it, to see how japan had massive structures and complex political systems. architecture being included is always a plus!

[Anonymous]

European castles always come to my mind when I hear the word castle. I never realized that Japan was a place where castles were built. I think my students would find this very interesting. I found interesting to find out the differences between mountain castles vs. flatland castles.

I found the discussion on the 47 Ronin interesting because I have recently watched the movie. The movie is entertaining but does not accurately depict the real reason for the conflict or at least the reason we discussed in class. If I were to prepare a lesson I would have students watch clips of the film and then look at the real story.

[Anonymous]

The following readings were interesting and complex. I think they are too advanced for most classes to read, but could form the basis of a lecture on Japanese Historiography for an AP World History class or for some advanced level class. Finding some source to include Chinese Historiography would also be necessary to create a well-rounded lecture.

[Anonymous]

The idea of comparing Feudal Japan and Feudal Europe is not new, but I think that the introduction of the Tea Ceremony and Castles is something I haven't seen. As well as a discussion of food. Also, the visuals of the European and Japanese Castles, or the various types of armor would be a great 7th grade poster/lesson plan. For an AP World History class, a close look the differences, particularly around ceremony, religion, art and literature, might be a good exercise for students. Why is ritual important? What function does it play in society? What does the art of the warrior class say about Japanese or European society?

Lastly, I'm curious as to the economic foundations of Japanese Feudalism and I'd like to learn more. I think there would be some differences that would help advanced students separate one society--Europe--from Japanese.

[Anonymous]

I found the reading on the 99 Article Testament a source that my students would find very interesting.Introducing my students to the popular book,"The Art of War" and the key concepts that warriors use to gain victory in war would surely enlighten them on Japanese culture. I would ask students to pick 3 that they found most imtersting and explain why they thought this was a great tactic to ensure victory in their dealings and relationships.

[Anonymous]

I love the information regarding the tea ceremonies and the holistic approach of the Japanese. Warrior Japan is interesting because of the shifts of power from the emperor to the shoguns. The samurai are going to be a favorite because of the rich history and historic record that is available.

[Author]

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