Japanese History and Chinese Fixation Japanese History Term Paper

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Japanese History And Chinese Fixation

Japanese History & Chinese Fixation

If any single term can characterize early Japan, it may be called a period of "Chinese fixation"

Borrowing of culture by Japan from China started with the introduction or adoption of Buddhism in 552 A.D. And continued steadily until the end of the Nara period in 784. This is an expression of the impact of Chinese Civilization. If any single term can characterize these two & half centuries, they would be called the period of "Chinese fixation." This indicates the adoption and integration of the concept of Chinese relationship and culture into the development of the leadership style, language, religion, and other aspects in the context of the history of Japan. For instance, in curtailing power of the great clans and promotion of the prestige or status of the imperial institution, China was vital in the provision of inspiration to Japan thus critical role in the development of its history. Chinese fixation has a critical role in the development of the political, religious, language, moral, and family relationships in the context of Japan. The main objective of this research article is to offer valuable examination of the concept of Chinese fixation with reference to the case of Japan.

Political system and how it relates to Japan as Chinese fixation

Borrowing of culture by Japan from China started with the introduction or adoption of Buddhism in 552 A.D. And continued steadily until the end of the Nara period in 784. If any single term can characterize these two & half centuries, they would be called the period of "Chinese fixation." Political systems in the context of Japan relates to the concept of Chinese fixation. Chinese language was essential in the development of early historical writings thus an opportunity to apply history in the creation of new self-image. Japanese, on the other hand, integrated a holistic approach or ideal towards the development of an image of a 'divine land' (Leonard 1971). History is also vital in the creation of legitimacy of the reigning imperial line. In the essence of culture borrowing, Japanese were very selective towards the adoption and implementation of valuable cultures towards the growth and development from the context of China.

The reign and political system of Japan relates to the implementation and utilization of the constitution first adopted in 604 A.D. As the Seventeen Article Constitution. The components of the constitution demonstrate borrowing from Chinese culture thus the concept of Chinese fixation. The central government was composed of two main divisions: department of religion and department of administration (Leonard 1971). Department of religion was more concerned with proper performance of the religious ceremonies and keeping registers of all priests and corporation attendants of shrines in the context of Japan. There was also the concept of the council of the state in the political structure with the aim of enhancing effective governance in Japan. The centralized government operated under the influence and operations of the various ministers of different positions such as treasury, imperial household, central affairs, and ceremonial activities (Leonard 1971).

There was also the influence of the laws of the households towards realization of effective governance in the context of Japan. China and Korea were crucial in the development of a unified government in the case of Japan with the aim of not to be overwhelmed by the rise of power dynasties of the two nations. This is an illustration of crucial influence on the adoption and integration of the centralized government with the aim of enhancing its strength in fighting or resisting external pressure (Leonard 1971).

Japanese Religious: Japan cosmology and similarities to Chinese culture

There is close relationship between the cosmology in the context of China and Japan following their interactions and concept of Chinese fixation. One of the critical beliefs between Japan and China is the belief in the god of Tai Shan (lord of the underworld).

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This also relates to the concept of the five-phase theory because of the illustration of the conception of the five peaks demonstrating that this deity was governing life thus the inclusion of death. Another influential act of cosmology in the case of China and Japan is the aspect of taboos in governing various aspects of interactions and life especially during the Heian period (Karl 1997).

Taboos were critical towards the governance of aristocracy of Japan during this period. Illustration of the Shinto sect in Japan focuses on the demonstration of the myth relating to the presence of two primary gods in the beginning. The gods were essential in the creation of the horn-shaped arc of a filmy substance. The sun and the moon emanated from different ends of the arc in association with various relevant deities. The primary gods also executed the roles of the construction of the sky, the sea, and the pole to act as the Earth's axis for the purposes of rotation.

Japan Shinto sect and practice to Chinese culture

The Japanese first religion to the global nations in the current generation is known as Shinto. This relates to the original name illustrating the "way of the gods." According to this sect in the context of Japan, 'overall, life was good and beautiful: and human beings had reasons to be thankful for their lot in the world'. The sect was also vital in the concept of purification of the spirit and body through dictation of rituals such as throwing of paper in relation to effigies of an individual into the river for six months. This was a symbol of casting of sins. The sins of this sect in the context of Japan were unclean deeds rather than moral transgressions. Some of the sins include improper sexual behaviour and vandalism (Karl 1997).

The most beloved deity in the history of Japan, sin-goddess Amaterasu, left his son (Ninigi-no-mikoto) to rule the islands. This demonstrates that the Japanese emperors were his descendants. This led to the movement of the heavens further up thus breaking off the contact with the earth. Shinto sect has no founder, founding date, and sacred scriptures following its development in the case of Japan. Despite this essence, this sect has managed to preserve the crucial practices and beliefs. The sect was started around 500 BC. The main purpose for adoption of this name was to offer critical distinction between the indigenous Japanese beliefs and other practices from diverse religions such as Buddhism.

The sect is tied tightly with various concepts, cultures, and religions in the context of Japan. Currently, the sect is believed to have about 5 million followers. The sect also focuses on the promotion of the concept of the five basic group goals. These include Confucian sects, Revival Shinto sects, Purification sects, Faith-Healing sects, and Mountain Worship sects. After the World War II, the Shinto sect lost its status as the official religion in the context of Japan thus becoming a voluntary involvement (Dorothy Ko et al., 2003).

Japanese Buddhism: How it relates to Japan as Chinese fixation

Buddhism was introduced into Japan from China at different historical periods under the influence of various individuals with diverse studies and practices. This religion has undergone massive transformation in relation to implications by the cultural practices and values in the context of Japan. This has led to the development of a new aspect of Buddhism to the practices and beliefs in the other sections of the Asia continent. Buddhism was first brought to Japan from Korea at around 522 A.D. (Theodore de Bary et al., 2000). Before its recognition by Emperor Yomei in 585 A.D., this religion experienced massive resistance because of being a foreign religion.

Buddhism is a critical religion in the context of China and Japan because of its influence on the cultures, philosophy, and political for more.....

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