Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural elements

Shinto

Japanese religion that shows love for nature

Meditation

Spiritual discipline that involves relaxation

Pagoda

Tower with several stories and upturned tile roofs

Courtier

A male member of a court

Heian Period

Cultural flowering of Japan in the 8th–12th centuries

Tale of Genji

Novel considered the best work in literature

Amida Buddhism

Belief that all people can reach paradise

Bushido

Code of the samurai

Daimyo

Local lord in Japan

Martial Arts

Styles of self-defense

Restoration

The return of a past state

Samurai

Member of a powerful warrior class in Japan

Shogun

Head of military government

Zen Buddhism

Belief that enlightenment is possible via meditation

Prince Shotoku

Japanese ruler who encouraged cultural diffusion

Emperor Temmu

Reformed and strengthened the central government

Empress Jito

First female empress

Poetry

Devoted to love and nature’s beauty

Heian Kyo Writing

Written in Chinese until 900

Tale of Genji

First modern romance book

Bushido

Code for the samurai

Neighboring Cultures

Brought new ways of life to Japan

Aristocrats (Heian Period)

Were heavily favored

Samurai Role

Fought for Japan in exchange for land