Session 12 readings (yamashita, 4/30)

[Stella Castro]

I didn’t realize that the practice of drinking tea was such a big deal to both the Japanese and Chinese people. That Japanese and Chinese people hold tea ceremonies for different reasons, (e.g., relaxation, spiritual practice and meditation purposes). Some people also hold the ceremony as a means for social gatherings, but one of the main things in the tea ceremonies is to have a good quality and fine tea. Both the Chinese and Japanese people have to use authentic Japanese and Chinese tea utensils. The article states that a man by the name of Hideyoshi even had a tea room built just for this purpose in which the room and the utensils were gilded. Drinking tea is also drunk for medicinal purposes and the article states that it is even used as a hangover cure.  Tea is also seemed and regarded as a secret to ones longevity, that is it good for the heart, and since the heart is the “Ruler”, of one’s organs/ to one’s life, then by all means people should drink tea, to live a long and healthy life. I especially enjoyed reading the part of the “Harmonious Functioning of the Five Organs”, in which it states where the 5 organs, (, heart, liver, spleen, Kidneys and Lungs), have a certain seasons, Sprits, Directions, Colors and Elements.  Then the article goes on to state what types of foods these 5 organs prefer, (This I have never heard of this), but had me totally intrigued. I was so intrigued with this section of the article, as now I am going to start drinking tea to see if I see and feel a difference in my health. In reading this section of the article I am going to put into practice what I read about in session 7, reading about the art of fiction  I now ask myself, is this true? Or is the author trying to deceive me!

I would not advise my students to drink tea as it contains caffeine, which may or may not be bad. However I can still teach my student’s about their bodies, their organs, colors, sense of direction and the seasons.  I can also make a diorama of a teahouse.

[Stella Castro]

: Lauara I totally agree with you that people here in the States would be better off eating healthier foods, like sushi, and tempura, but tempura is actually deep fried so that still is not such a great option, although the shrimp and vegetables part is. However is was interesting to learn how Sushi is made and its origins. While I would love to try to teach my students how to make sushi, I do not think that they will like the fact that sushi is raw fish, and it may or may not be eel.  Plus the fact I would not have the right ingredients available, but which I am sure I can purchase. But teaching them how to make a simple recipe would be awesome, and I’m sure they will enjoy the practice of making something to eat, which my students that are able to eat, are very fond of doing.

[Stella Castro]

: Lauara I totally agree with you that people here in the States would be better off eating healthier foods, like sushi, and tempura, but tempura is actually deep fried so that still is not such a great option, although the shrimp and vegetables part is. However is was interesting to learn how Sushi is made and its origins. While I would love to try to teach my students how to make sushi, I do not think that they will like the fact that sushi is raw fish, and it may or may not be eel.  Plus the fact I would not have the right ingredients available, but which I am sure I can purchase. But teaching them how to make a simple recipe would be awesome, and I’m sure they will enjoy the practice of making something to eat, which my students that are able to eat, are very fond of doing.

[Tanish Fortson]

Professor Yamashita touched on the rules during the Tokugawa period in order to carry out a vendetta. To legally carry out a legal revenge, a person had to apply for permission from authorities. When the petition was granted, the daimyo had a letter sent to the shogunate so that the avengers name can go on the official list. Then a copy of the persons name on the list was then sent to them. The registration process was important for the avenger because usually if you are a target you know you’ve done something and to save yourself you will go into hiding. The only option that the enemy had was moving to another lord’s domain. If this happened the revenge is difficult without the shogunte support. And if the avenger still carried out the vendetta in a different area, they may have a difficult time proving to authorities that this wasn’t just a random killing and that his actions were legal in that specific situation. 

[Sandra Soltero-Torres]

Professor Yamashita's lecture on the Origins of Japan covered many different topics.  When he addressed the question of what is the historical significance of fast foods such as soba, tempura, and sushi my eyes lit up because those are some of my favorite foods!  I enjoyed learning about the history of these foods because I know that my elementary school students would appreciate learning about the history of Japanese foods.  I learned that sushi has evolved and is now much more sophisticated than when it first originated.  Whenever I visit a Japanese restaurant I see Bento dishes on the menu and now I understand that they were created with the purpose of providing convenient food at a faster speed.  It connects directly to the idea of living in an urban area.  People are usually in a rush to get to their next destination to the extreme that even sitting down for a meal has a limited time period.  Professor Yamashita provided me with a historical background on Japanese food that I can now share with my students when we discuss culture and foods.  I also appreciated his recommendations on great sushi restaurants!!

[Laura Gonzales]

Tea and the organs

 

It is interesting to know the many uses of tea in Japan and China. Tea was used for medicinal purposes. When introduce in Japan in the 12th century it was used to promote good health. It was also used to fight drowsiness and cure hangovers. One of the things that stood out was the way the body was divided into five organs and that each organ had it own food taste preference. Therefore the heart prefered tea and when a person was sick or depressed tea would do the trick, it was medicine to the heart. For some reason this section reminded me of Chinatown and the medicinal herbs and items small shops carry. It would be interesting to go and see if they still practice the same believes for healing. It would also be an interesting topic to further invistigate and trace how tea is used in other cultures, if its medicinal uses trancends into other cultures and belives.

 

[Donna Jamshidnejad]

I find Chapter 11 useful for AP World History because it begins with clear comparisons between China and Japan. While Japan learned and borrowed from its neighbor as every civilization tends to do, I found the differences in governance intriguing. Segments from the reading can be shortened and provided as a reading to students.  Using this chapter, students can compare governance in China and Japan. They should note that the Mandate of Heaven was a continuity in China, but this does not become adopted in Japan. Instead, the dynasty is legitimized through religion. Also, the lack of personal evaluations at the end of each emperor’s reign leads the author to conclude that the Japanese did not value morality as Confucian scholars did in China. Japan also did not develop the same bureaucratic meritocracy as China did. Instead, government positions were secured by birth. Clearly we do not see a strong sense of Confucianism in Japan’s government.

[Tanish Fortson]

Food always catches my attention. The historical significance of fast food date back to the Edo period. There was a need for businessmen at the port to eat and cities were growing so along came the rise of a huge merchant class that sprang up to feed the newcomers with sushi and tempura. Soba and sushi grew in popularity as a kind of fast food that was inexpensive and tasty, and quick to prepare. Sushi has evolved since the Edo period and is a favorite for many people. I loved the sushi talk and will try some of the recommended restaurants.

A great lesson to do with student is making and eating sushi. My students have difficulties in fine motor skills so this would be great to incorporate chopsticks in this lesson so they can learn how to control them. Students will learn about some aspects of Japanese culture, food, and table manners. 

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