Medieval Japan

Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion that started around 500 BCE or earlier. Which of these is true about the Shinto religion?

• It is the official religion of Japan today.

• It shares sacred texts with Hinduism.

• It is no longer important to Japanese culture.

• It includes worship of nature spirits.

Prince Shotoku was known to help spread which of the following religions throughout Japan?

• Christianity

• Taoism

• Shintoism

• Buddhism

Zen Buddhism became popular in Japan in the 1100s. This distinct form was especially popular with the warrior class. It was different from other forms because it placed importance on

• observance of rituals and wisdom.

• self-discipline and meditation.

• faith and good behavior.

• sacrifice and ancestor worship.

According to Shinto beliefs, all elements, including the sun, trees, rocks, and animals, have a kami. Which of the following best describes a kami?

• spiritual guru

• high priest

• Jewish prophet

• nature spirit

Who introduced the Chinese writing system to the Japanese?

• Chinese traders

• Japanese princes

• Buddhist monks

• Korean scribes

The Japanese adopted ideas about government from the Tang dynasty. Which of the following was included in those ideas?

• a more powerful local administration

• a stronger central government

• a class system with nobles as the government officials

• a civil service system based on merit

Confucian ideas were adopted by the Japanese during Prince Shotoku's reign. Which of the following institutions was most heavily affected by Confucianism?

• government

• religion

• trade

• family

How is Shinto different from other major religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism?

• Shinto worships only one god.

• Shinto does not perform religious ceremonies.

• Shinto was developed by Buddhist monks.

• Shinto does not have a sacred text.

Medieval Japan was based upon the feudal system, where weaker territorial lords owed their loyalty to stronger ones. All power was held by military dictatorships led by the

• emperor

• samurai

• knights

• shoguns

Which of the following was a lasting impression that the Heian aristocracy left behind?

• Exploration

• Literature

• Music

• Technology