Early and Medieval Japan

Early and Medieval Japan both trace their roots to China, not entirely, but in the most part the development of the governing sector. The Sui and Tang dynasties in China were models for the benefits of a centralized imperial government for the Japanese. The Japanese changed, through a series of wars and reforms, into a place more similar to their other Asian counterparts, but despite this change, they were able to continue their distinct existence and carry over their own culture as their islands progressed from what is called Early to Medieval Japan.

The Japanese islands were ruled by clans, and one of these clans claimed imperial rights and authority, making an effort to make a centralized government. Despite these efforts, much of this self-proclaimed imperial clan did not necessarily control anything outside of their own lands. But they did establish a court, a bureaucracy, and created an equal field system, all styled after the Chinese. This clan sponsored Buddhist and Confucianist teachings, however they still observed the rights of their own indigenous Shinto, which revolved around several different deities and their ancestors. This clan made the capital city around Nara, near modern day Kyoto in 710 C.E., replicating the Chinese capital city of Chang'an.

In 794, the capital city was moved again to modern day Kyoto, and over the next several centuries was the seat of the developed Japanese government and culture, which borrowed from the Chinese in many ways, but elaborated more in traditional Japanese politics and culture.

The emperor that was established did not rule, like in China, but was more of figurehead. Aristocratic clans ruled the government through their influence to the emperor and the manipulation of the court. This is one of the reasons why the Japanese monarchy is the longest standing monarchy in the world. Different clans might rule, but since in effect the emperor did not entirely rule, the imperial family was not subject to disposal in times of turbulent times.

By the 11th century, two clans were in all out war for control of Japan. The Minamoto clan won out, and developed Shoguns, rulers who ruled in different areas of Japan for the emporer, still keeping the imperial court intact. They left the imperial court in Kyoto, but the government headquarters moved to what is now Tokyo.

From 1175-1583 C.E., provincial lords controlled the lands that they were entitled, decentralizing the governing body in Tokyo. Since these lords were vying for power and land, they had little to no use for the central government, and instead of etiquette, the warrior, or Samurai, tradition was born.

The Japanese took religion, writing, and governing styles from the Chinese and brought them into their own society. Even through the turmoil, they kept much of these influences, even to the modern times, influencing Japanese development throughout the last millennium.