-
Essay / Japan and Foreign Influence - 1445
Throughout East Asian history, Japan has been largely influenced by the Asian continent. From ancient times to the medieval period, significant contributions to Japan can be seen from Korea and China. These two countries spread elements of their culture to form the basis of Japanese society – namely China. These aliens are said to influence various aspects of society, including technology, philosophy, politics, and religion. The first example of foreign influence in Japan is documented as the Yayoi Revolution. Due to the uncertainties of the Warring States period, a large-scale migration of people from the Asian continent – mainly Koreans and Chinese – crossed into Japanese territory. Migrants brought with them major technological advances that were in practice on the continent, including: wet rice cultivation, as well as iron and bronze technology, making Japan the only civilization to simultaneously experience the bronze and bronze revolutions. iron. Wet rice cultivation was a technique that used a variety of rice from the southern regions of China and produced large quantities of food. Bronze was used to make various ceremonial objects, while iron was mainly used for weapons and agricultural tools. The introduction of these technologies advanced the migrants ahead of the indigenous Ainu peoples and contributed to their new control of the island. During the Yamato State period, the Japanese enjoyed extensive relations with the Koreans that would improve them both politically and culturally. During this period, Korea was ruled by three dominant kingdoms; Koguryo, Paekche and Silla. These three kingdoms were at constant war with each other; due to Silla's aggression, Paekche turned to Japan for help....... middle of paper ...... and Buddhism. Similarly, another monk named Kukai went to China to study a new sect called Shingnon. Shingnon was based on mystical and esoteric rituals and became popular at the Japanese court. Buddhism became so popular in Japan that traditional Shinto deities began to rank second in society. Since the two religions addressed different aspects of life, syncretism occurred. The emperors practiced Buddhism, while participating in Shinto rituals to facilitate harvests. Eventually, in the mid-8th century, Buddhist priests began to participate in Shinto rituals. This participation of Buddhists in Shinto ceremony resulted in relationships between Shinto deities and Buddhist bodhisattvas; deities began to be seen as manifested by bodhisattvas. What Japan saw was its traditional religion being combined with foreign beliefs..