Japan is an exonym. In Japanese Nihon or Nippon.
[History]
In earlier times, my country's name was Yamato or Oyamato, because the government was located in Yamato region, western Japan.
About the sixth century, the name Nihon and Nippon began to be used. Nihon or Nippon originally means the far eastern country where the sun rises first.
In 1299 Marco Polo first introduced Japan to Europe as Zipangu in his book Books of the Marvels of the World. It is said that Marco Polo heard the pronunciation of Nihon Koku or Nippon Koku (Koku means nation) in language of Beijing as Zipangu. That's the origin of an exonym Japan.
[Which is correct: Nihon or Nippon?]
So, which is correct, Nihon or Nippon? The answer is both are correct. There are no legal bases for name of the country in Japan. Both are commonly used. But externally, Nippon was usually used. In compound word, Nihon is likely to be used (e.g. Nihon go).
[Usage of Nihon]
Nihon go (Japanese)
Nihon Kai (the Sea of Japan)
Nihon shu (Sake)
[Usage of Nippon]
Nippon ichi (number one in Japan)
Gabmare Nippon! (Go, Japan!)
Dai Nippon Teikoku (Empire of Japan)
[Cases both Nihon and Nippon are OK]
Nihon jin or Nippon jin (Japanese people)
Nihon Koku Kenpou or Nippon Koku Kepou (The Japanese Constitution)
Nihon Rettou or Nippon Rettou (the Japanese Archipelago)
Nihon Ginko or Nippon Ginko (Bank of Japan) *
* A phrase "Nippon Ginko" is printed on Banknotes of the Japanese yen. So, clerks of the BOJ tend to say Nippon Ginko. But many Japanese people also commonly say "Nihon Ginko." Bank of Japan Act doesn't state which is correct.
2011年3月17日木曜日
2011年1月24日月曜日
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
* Bakumatsu (the last days of the Tokugawa shogunate) *
Matthew C. Perry, Commodore of the US Navy, visited Japan in 1853 and 1854 with a squadron of war vessels called "Kurofune (Black Ships)". And he demanded to open the door to the US. The Tokugawa Shogunate bowed to the pressure and concluded the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the US and Japan that included opening Shimoda and Hakodate ports. The Shogunate then concluded the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the US and Japan in 1858 that included unfavorable articles for Japan. It also concluded similar treaties with other European countries.
That caused sono joi ("Revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians") movement. But it became clear that it was impossible for Japan to expel Western countries, because powerful Hans, e.g. Satsuma Han and Choshu Han lost battles with European countries. Instead, Satsuma and Choshu cooperated each other and tried to overthrow the Shogunate to rebuild Japan under the emperor. But Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the 15th Shogun, announced that it returned it's governing power to the imperial court (Taisei Hokan) to avoid being overthrown. Satsuma and Choshu declared Osei Fukko (Restoration of Imperial Rule), and the new government, including Satsuma and Choshu, decided that it demanded that Yoshinobu resign government post and return shogunate's territory. Former shogunate troops resisted it and fought against the new government (Boshin War 1868-1869). But it was defeated, and the new government unified the nation.
[Modern Japan]
* the Meiji Restoration *
The new government announced new policies as a form of the Emperor's oath in 1868 (Charter Oath). Several political reforms were implemented to modernize Japan. For example, Edo was renamed Tokyo in 1868. In 1871 the government abolished Han and established prefecture instead (Haihan Chiken). To enrich the nation and strengthen the military, the government promoted the modernization of industry. A series of political reforms are called the Meiji Restoration.
And new political system was established. The cabinet system was adopted in 1885. The first modern constitution was promulgated in 1889. And the first Imperial diet was convened in 1890. Japan became a constitutional monarchy.
* Sino-Japanese War *
Japan and the Qing fought a war from 1894 to 1895 because of the conflict over Korea. Japan achieved a victory and concluded the Treaty of Shimonoseki. The treaty guaranteed that (a) Qing recognize the independent of Korea (b) Qing cedes Liaodong Peninsula and Taiwan to Japan (c) Qing pay Japan 200 million Kuping taels as a war indemnity, etc. But Japan was forced to return Liaodong Peninsula because Russia, Germany and France demanded the claim be withdrawn.
* Russo-Japanese War *
Japan and Russia fought a war from 1904 to 1905 because of the conflict over Manchuria and Korea. Japan achieved a victory and signed the Treaty of Portsmouth under the mediation of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Japan gained dominant power in Korea, control of the southern portion of the Chinese Eastern Railway, etc.
* Japan as a military power *
In 1918 the first party cabinet "Hara Takashi cabinet" was formed. Since then party cabinets had been in power. But the Great Depression leaded to the rise of the military. Japan became a military power. Japan waged war against China and the US but surrendered unconditionally to the Allied Powers in 1945.
[Postwar Japan]
Japan was occupied by Allied Powers, especially US forces. General Headquarters of the Allied Forces was established and it ordered Japanese government to implement many reforms to democratize Japan. Enacting a new constitution was one of them. The three major principles of the new constitution was (a) popular sovereignty (not emperor's sovereignty) (b) respect for fundamental human rights (c) pacifism. The status of the emperor was stated as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." In 1951 US and 45 other Allied nations singed the Treaty of Peace with Japan. Based on the treaty, Japan's autonomy was restored in 1952.
After that Japan enjoyed rapid economic growth from late 1950s and 1960s and became an economic powerhouse.
(End)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
Matthew C. Perry, Commodore of the US Navy, visited Japan in 1853 and 1854 with a squadron of war vessels called "Kurofune (Black Ships)". And he demanded to open the door to the US. The Tokugawa Shogunate bowed to the pressure and concluded the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the US and Japan that included opening Shimoda and Hakodate ports. The Shogunate then concluded the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the US and Japan in 1858 that included unfavorable articles for Japan. It also concluded similar treaties with other European countries.
That caused sono joi ("Revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians") movement. But it became clear that it was impossible for Japan to expel Western countries, because powerful Hans, e.g. Satsuma Han and Choshu Han lost battles with European countries. Instead, Satsuma and Choshu cooperated each other and tried to overthrow the Shogunate to rebuild Japan under the emperor. But Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the 15th Shogun, announced that it returned it's governing power to the imperial court (Taisei Hokan) to avoid being overthrown. Satsuma and Choshu declared Osei Fukko (Restoration of Imperial Rule), and the new government, including Satsuma and Choshu, decided that it demanded that Yoshinobu resign government post and return shogunate's territory. Former shogunate troops resisted it and fought against the new government (Boshin War 1868-1869). But it was defeated, and the new government unified the nation.
[Modern Japan]
* the Meiji Restoration *
The new government announced new policies as a form of the Emperor's oath in 1868 (Charter Oath). Several political reforms were implemented to modernize Japan. For example, Edo was renamed Tokyo in 1868. In 1871 the government abolished Han and established prefecture instead (Haihan Chiken). To enrich the nation and strengthen the military, the government promoted the modernization of industry. A series of political reforms are called the Meiji Restoration.
And new political system was established. The cabinet system was adopted in 1885. The first modern constitution was promulgated in 1889. And the first Imperial diet was convened in 1890. Japan became a constitutional monarchy.
* Sino-Japanese War *
Japan and the Qing fought a war from 1894 to 1895 because of the conflict over Korea. Japan achieved a victory and concluded the Treaty of Shimonoseki. The treaty guaranteed that (a) Qing recognize the independent of Korea (b) Qing cedes Liaodong Peninsula and Taiwan to Japan (c) Qing pay Japan 200 million Kuping taels as a war indemnity, etc. But Japan was forced to return Liaodong Peninsula because Russia, Germany and France demanded the claim be withdrawn.
* Russo-Japanese War *
Japan and Russia fought a war from 1904 to 1905 because of the conflict over Manchuria and Korea. Japan achieved a victory and signed the Treaty of Portsmouth under the mediation of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Japan gained dominant power in Korea, control of the southern portion of the Chinese Eastern Railway, etc.
* Japan as a military power *
In 1918 the first party cabinet "Hara Takashi cabinet" was formed. Since then party cabinets had been in power. But the Great Depression leaded to the rise of the military. Japan became a military power. Japan waged war against China and the US but surrendered unconditionally to the Allied Powers in 1945.
[Postwar Japan]
Japan was occupied by Allied Powers, especially US forces. General Headquarters of the Allied Forces was established and it ordered Japanese government to implement many reforms to democratize Japan. Enacting a new constitution was one of them. The three major principles of the new constitution was (a) popular sovereignty (not emperor's sovereignty) (b) respect for fundamental human rights (c) pacifism. The status of the emperor was stated as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." In 1951 US and 45 other Allied nations singed the Treaty of Peace with Japan. Based on the treaty, Japan's autonomy was restored in 1952.
After that Japan enjoyed rapid economic growth from late 1950s and 1960s and became an economic powerhouse.
(End)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
2010年10月4日月曜日
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
*Sengoku period*
After the Onin war, Shogunate lost power and so called Sengoku period (Warring States period) started. Daimyos (Sengoku Daimyo) ruled their provinces not by endorsement of the Shogunate power but by their force. Representative examples of Sengoku Daimyo are Hojo Soun, Mori Motonari, Takeda Shingen, Uesugi Kenshin, Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Among them, Oda Nobunaga made a major progress in unifying the whole country. He overthrew Muromachi Shogunate in 1573 and defeated adversaries with new arms Teppo (gun). But in the midst of unifying the country, he was died because his retainer Akechi Mitsuhide betrayed him and attacked him at Honno-ji in 1582 (Honnoji Incident).
After Nobunaga died, Hashiba Hideyoshi, Nobunaga's retainer, defeated Mitsuhide and took over Nobunaga's work of unification. He was appointed Kanpaku (the chief adviser to the Emperor) in 1586 and given the name Toyotomi (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) in 1587 by imperial court. Then he defeated the Hojo clan in 1590, and eastern Daimyos such as Date Masamune swore allegiance to him. He achieved unification.
[Edo period]
After Hideyoshi died, Daimyos divided into two groups: pro-Toyotomi clan group and pro-Tokugawa Ieyasu group. Tokugawa Ieyasu was one of the most powerful Daimyo based on Edo, which is now called Tokyo. Ieyasu defeated pro-Toyotomi group at Sekigahara in 1600 (Battle of Sekigahara) and was appointed Shogun in 1603 (Edo Shogunate).
And he defeated Toyotomi clan in 1615. Japan was unified under Tokugawa clan.
* Bakuhan system *
We call the ruling system of Tokugawa Shogunate (or Bakufu) and Daimyos Bakuhan system. Han means Daimyo's territory or its ruling system.
* Governing by suppression *
Shogunate ruled by suppression from the reign of the first Shogun Ieyasu to the third Shogun Iemitsu. Shogunate issued Laws for Military Houses in 1615 and cracked down Hans. If they broke the laws, their fiefdoms could be confiscated (Kaieki), cut (Genpou) and exchanged (Kunigae).
In 1612 Shogunate issued Anti-Christian Edicts, because it saw Christianity as a menace for it. This was followed by ban on traffic and restriction on trade with foreign countries (Sakoku) to crack down on Christianity more perfectly.
* Governing by law and Confucianism *
As Shogunate confiscated many Han's fiefdoms, there were many masterless samurais (Ronin). Yui Shosetsu, a military strategist, took advantage of them and attempted coup in 1651. Although the coup failed, the affair made Shogunate change its way of governing from by suppression to by law and Confucianism.
* Reforms of the shogunate government *
Shogunate finances depended on rice. But money economy developed in the latter half of the seventeenth century. So, merchants became wealthy, on the other hand, Shogunate faced financial difficulities. Shogunate made political reforms to tackle the problems. Kyoho reforms (by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth Shogun), Kansei Reforms (by Matsudaira Sadanobu, the member of the Shogun's Council of Elders) and Tempo reforms (by Mizuno Tadakuni, a member of the Shogun's Council of Elders) are regarded three reforms in Edo period. But the reforms didn't necessarily succeed.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
After the Onin war, Shogunate lost power and so called Sengoku period (Warring States period) started. Daimyos (Sengoku Daimyo) ruled their provinces not by endorsement of the Shogunate power but by their force. Representative examples of Sengoku Daimyo are Hojo Soun, Mori Motonari, Takeda Shingen, Uesugi Kenshin, Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Among them, Oda Nobunaga made a major progress in unifying the whole country. He overthrew Muromachi Shogunate in 1573 and defeated adversaries with new arms Teppo (gun). But in the midst of unifying the country, he was died because his retainer Akechi Mitsuhide betrayed him and attacked him at Honno-ji in 1582 (Honnoji Incident).
After Nobunaga died, Hashiba Hideyoshi, Nobunaga's retainer, defeated Mitsuhide and took over Nobunaga's work of unification. He was appointed Kanpaku (the chief adviser to the Emperor) in 1586 and given the name Toyotomi (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) in 1587 by imperial court. Then he defeated the Hojo clan in 1590, and eastern Daimyos such as Date Masamune swore allegiance to him. He achieved unification.
[Edo period]
After Hideyoshi died, Daimyos divided into two groups: pro-Toyotomi clan group and pro-Tokugawa Ieyasu group. Tokugawa Ieyasu was one of the most powerful Daimyo based on Edo, which is now called Tokyo. Ieyasu defeated pro-Toyotomi group at Sekigahara in 1600 (Battle of Sekigahara) and was appointed Shogun in 1603 (Edo Shogunate).
And he defeated Toyotomi clan in 1615. Japan was unified under Tokugawa clan.
* Bakuhan system *
We call the ruling system of Tokugawa Shogunate (or Bakufu) and Daimyos Bakuhan system. Han means Daimyo's territory or its ruling system.
* Governing by suppression *
Shogunate ruled by suppression from the reign of the first Shogun Ieyasu to the third Shogun Iemitsu. Shogunate issued Laws for Military Houses in 1615 and cracked down Hans. If they broke the laws, their fiefdoms could be confiscated (Kaieki), cut (Genpou) and exchanged (Kunigae).
In 1612 Shogunate issued Anti-Christian Edicts, because it saw Christianity as a menace for it. This was followed by ban on traffic and restriction on trade with foreign countries (Sakoku) to crack down on Christianity more perfectly.
* Governing by law and Confucianism *
As Shogunate confiscated many Han's fiefdoms, there were many masterless samurais (Ronin). Yui Shosetsu, a military strategist, took advantage of them and attempted coup in 1651. Although the coup failed, the affair made Shogunate change its way of governing from by suppression to by law and Confucianism.
* Reforms of the shogunate government *
Shogunate finances depended on rice. But money economy developed in the latter half of the seventeenth century. So, merchants became wealthy, on the other hand, Shogunate faced financial difficulities. Shogunate made political reforms to tackle the problems. Kyoho reforms (by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth Shogun), Kansei Reforms (by Matsudaira Sadanobu, the member of the Shogun's Council of Elders) and Tempo reforms (by Mizuno Tadakuni, a member of the Shogun's Council of Elders) are regarded three reforms in Edo period. But the reforms didn't necessarily succeed.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
2010年9月14日火曜日
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
[Kamakura period]
From 1185 to 1333 is called the Kamakura period. Kamakura period is the first era of samurai government.
Minamoto no Yoritomo, heir to the chieftainship of the Minamoto clan, formed a basis for the government. In 1185, he placed Shugo (military commissioner) and Jito (lord of the manor) around the country. In 1192 he was appointed by the emperor as a Shogun (military leader). In this way, Kamaura Shogunate was established in Kamakura. In the mean time he defeated adversaries such as Taira and Fujiwara clan.
After Yoritomo died, Hojo clan held power as regent instead of Minamoto clan.
Both imperial court and Shogunate had political power. In 1221 the imperial court launched a fight against Shogunate to restore the power. But it was defeated and lost power.
In 1274 and 1281 the Yuan dynasty invaded Hakata, western Japan. Shogunate deployed troops and made them fight with Yuan troops. As a result, Yuan's invasion failed. But Shogunate couldn't provide reward for samurai. Shogunate betrayed samurai's trust in it. In addition, samurai was in poverty.
Emperor Go-Daigo tried to overthrow the Shogunate but failed. Subsequently, many samurai - Ashikaga Takauji, for example revolted against the Shogunate. Finally, Shogunate was fallen.
[Kemmu restoration]
After Shogunate was overthrown, Emperor Go-Daigo took helm. His political reform is called Kenmu restoration (1333-1336).
[Muromachi period]
*Nanbokucho period*
But Ashikaga Takauji provoked revolt against Emperor Go-Daigo. Takauji enthroned Emperor Komyo in Kyoto and promulgated a legal code Kemmu Shikimoku to found a new Shogunate in 1336. Emperor Go-Daigo escaped from Kyoto into Yoshino and asserted that he was the true heir to the throne. Thus, two Emperors existed. Kyoto court is called Northern Court (Hokucho). Yoshino court is called Southern Court (Nancho). Both courts fought each other fiercely. In 1392 both courts finally established a unity.
Shogunate was in stable period. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun, built a huge mansion called "Hana no gosho" in Muromachi in Kyoto and relocated Shogunate there. So, we call this Shogunate "Muromachi Shogunate." Yoshimitsu developed a system of Shogunate and traded with Ming Dynasty.
When Ashikaga Yoshimasa was the eighth Shogun, power of Shogunate weakened. Instead, some Shugo Daimyos, leading vassals of the Shogunate who ruled their provinces, expanded their influence. Against the backdrop of the political environment, disputes about succession of Shogunate and two powerful Shugo caused a nationwide war called Onin war from 1467 to 1477.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
From 1185 to 1333 is called the Kamakura period. Kamakura period is the first era of samurai government.
Minamoto no Yoritomo, heir to the chieftainship of the Minamoto clan, formed a basis for the government. In 1185, he placed Shugo (military commissioner) and Jito (lord of the manor) around the country. In 1192 he was appointed by the emperor as a Shogun (military leader). In this way, Kamaura Shogunate was established in Kamakura. In the mean time he defeated adversaries such as Taira and Fujiwara clan.
After Yoritomo died, Hojo clan held power as regent instead of Minamoto clan.
Both imperial court and Shogunate had political power. In 1221 the imperial court launched a fight against Shogunate to restore the power. But it was defeated and lost power.
In 1274 and 1281 the Yuan dynasty invaded Hakata, western Japan. Shogunate deployed troops and made them fight with Yuan troops. As a result, Yuan's invasion failed. But Shogunate couldn't provide reward for samurai. Shogunate betrayed samurai's trust in it. In addition, samurai was in poverty.
Emperor Go-Daigo tried to overthrow the Shogunate but failed. Subsequently, many samurai - Ashikaga Takauji, for example revolted against the Shogunate. Finally, Shogunate was fallen.
[Kemmu restoration]
After Shogunate was overthrown, Emperor Go-Daigo took helm. His political reform is called Kenmu restoration (1333-1336).
[Muromachi period]
*Nanbokucho period*
But Ashikaga Takauji provoked revolt against Emperor Go-Daigo. Takauji enthroned Emperor Komyo in Kyoto and promulgated a legal code Kemmu Shikimoku to found a new Shogunate in 1336. Emperor Go-Daigo escaped from Kyoto into Yoshino and asserted that he was the true heir to the throne. Thus, two Emperors existed. Kyoto court is called Northern Court (Hokucho). Yoshino court is called Southern Court (Nancho). Both courts fought each other fiercely. In 1392 both courts finally established a unity.
Shogunate was in stable period. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun, built a huge mansion called "Hana no gosho" in Muromachi in Kyoto and relocated Shogunate there. So, we call this Shogunate "Muromachi Shogunate." Yoshimitsu developed a system of Shogunate and traded with Ming Dynasty.
When Ashikaga Yoshimasa was the eighth Shogun, power of Shogunate weakened. Instead, some Shugo Daimyos, leading vassals of the Shogunate who ruled their provinces, expanded their influence. Against the backdrop of the political environment, disputes about succession of Shogunate and two powerful Shugo caused a nationwide war called Onin war from 1467 to 1477.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
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