Lindsey > Recent Status Updates

Finished Chapter 8: The Fujiwara Regents.

Section 3 discusses the hereditary nature of government positions, and how this secured the Fujiwara’s dominance for over a century due to their familial connection with the emperor.

Section 4 discusses noble life in Kyōto at the height of Fujiwara power, in particular the obsession with procedure and rank. It also begins discussion on the lavish lifestyle of the nobles.

Read Chapter 8: The Fujiwara Regents, Sections 1 & 2.

The first section goes into the domination of the Fujiwara clan. Interestingly, they refused to use violence and detested bloodshed, instead gaining influence from strategic marriages into the imperial family and other such tactics.

The second section discusses the diminishing power of the court as revenue fell due to tax immune provincial lords.

Read Chapter 7: Reaction Against Chinese Influence

The first half delves into the budding development of Japanese sentiments that began to diverge from Chinese influence, particularly in literature with such works as Taketori Monogatari and Ise Monogatari.

The latter half details a gradual economic and political shift from China, marked by infrequent missions by Japan from the mid 7th century to the late 9th.

Finished Chapter 6.

Section 3 goes over the changes to legal code and the preference to govern with amendments. Important extra-legal offices sprung up at this time which would grow immensely.

Section 4 discusses the birth of the Tendai and Shingon sects of Buddhism, both aiming to broaden its appeal. It further goes into the sects’ impact on thought. Ends on scholarship and its focus on Chinese study.

Read Chapter 6 Parts 1 & 2.

Part 1 is brief; it gives an overview of the reasons for the capitals move to Kyōto as mentioned in Chapter 5.

Part 2 details the issues chief on mind of the Heian government: military failures, continued land allotment failures, and the unwillingness of rural inhabitants to obey imperial demands.

I was surprised to learn Japanese territory expanded as far north as Shiba in this time.

Read Chapter 4: The Impact of Chinese Culture.

Following the chapter on the Yamato state, it details political and moral thought derived from T’ang China and classical Confucian ideals, and how these were blended with traditional Japanese beliefs and the growing influence of Buddhism.

I found the adoption of these two distinct ideologies (and their merging with traditional ones) at the same time very interesting.

Read Chapter 3: The Yamato State.

Has a lot of information to absorb, covering the various power struggles in the 6th and 7th centuries, the introduction of Buddhism, and troubles abroad.

The enthusiasm Japanese leaders showed for Buddhism, especially Prince Shōtoku, is astonishing. I had not realized just how deep-seated the pervasiveness of Buddhism is in Japan.

Read Chapter 2.

1. Origins – Spoke mostly on the early inhabitants of Japan, although glaringly ignores the Jōmon settlers.

2. Customs and Beliefs – Has some interesting writings on early development of Shinto, and its dubious distinction as a religion.

3. The System of Government – Learned about the various clans in the Yamato era, and found it interesting that they rivaled the emperor in their influence.

Finished Chapter 1 - The Land. Sansom paints a vivid picture of the land and how its topography, climate, and location in the monsoon region impact its national character.