The Chronology of Japanese History Critique - Essay Example

Introduction The history that is surrounding Japan is one that incorporates the political, social and cultural aspects of society. More importantly,there is the ability to identify different movements and concepts according to the social and political changes that have occurred. In The Chronology of Japanese History, there are specific aspects that are related to the formation and changes that are a part of Japan. The approach that is given in this specific article is not only relevant based on the basic history, but also integrates the various aspects of the different time frames to show how each area of life influenced the other for the overall changes that began to occur in society. The Critical Exposition: Background Information The approach that the author takes is one that is based on providing information about the different dynasties that were relevant to Japan, beginning from 221 BC. The main concepts that are presented at the beginning show the main territories as well as the specialist areas in which most worked with the Japanese dynasty. The relevant facts include everything from the agricultural concepts that were approached during this time as well as the way in which the embassies divided the different borders and regions for rule. More importantly, there is a direct introduction that shows how the emperor’s of each region incorporated new lands and began to conquer various territories to provide more resources and wealth to each nation. The basic information includes the settlements that took place from the different rulers as well as different areas which were conquered throughout the dynasty era. The author not only incorporates the basic aspects of the reading from the political and agricultural viewpoints, but also begins to show how the trends of Japan changed because of the religious beliefs. For instance, some of the mountain regions of Japan were considered sacred. This led to underdevelopment of the areas, as well as specific approaches to ensure that the sacred concepts were kept throughout the region. This begins with an understanding of how the ancient culture developed with the main philosophies, such as the concept of words, symbols and images and how these reflected the spiritual nature of those that were within the region. The author then moves into how this evolved into Zen Buddhism and the developments that make Japan more current in the religious beliefs, specifically because of the developments that occurred in ancient times. The author links the beliefs as the core part of the country, which allowed other parts of power and influence to develop while causing others to remain underdeveloped. For instance, the author states “It was pure historical coincidence that when the monk Eisai returned from his studies with Chinese masters of Chan Buddhism in 1191, a new political order had emerged in Japan” (478). There is a direct link of defining the concepts of religion and spirituality to the reflection of politics, the arts, food and the lifestyle habits of those in Japan. The next level of analysis that the author provides is based on the concept of family as well as the role of men and women that were within society. The author shows how the different families which emerged in different time frames were able to build into either a role within society or into royalty, both which created a specific set of traditions and values that led through different generations. The link that the author makes is one that ties together the importance of the family with the generational concepts that passed from one child to the next, all which created the empires of royalty as well as the different aspects of life. As the author places different families and other aspects of individuals into the various roles of royalty, warriorship or other aspects of life, there is an understanding of how the beliefs, spirituality and the reflections that were left behind from ancient times have continued to move into contemporary Japan. Critical Summary and Analysis The assigned reading that was given is one that provides several strengths in examining ancient Japan and the development that occurred through time. The main advantage that the author has created is one that is based on the ability to provide relevant information that is holistic in nature and which includes various aspects of the development of Japan. The author ties together the royalty, agriculture, spiritual beliefs, arts and foods to create a deeper understanding of how the culture developed into the current day Japan. For example, the author points out agricultural and religious concepts, than shows how general philosophies contribute to this through literature and art. Examples shown include “The Tale of Genji, as Varley writes, illustrates the value of mono no aware- ‘sensitivity to things’, or ‘capacity to be moved by things,’ a distinctively Japanese aesthetic value” (310). Examples such as this show how Japan has developed in different regions because of the beliefs, as well as how this has been passed down in art, literature, family lines and the beliefs that are incorporated into the culture. When reading this article, one is able to understand how the modern day of Japan was created from the ancient practices and beliefs that continue to be practiced within families and to be ruled over by different individuals. Analysis of the Most Important Question The most important question that is asked is able to ask about the way in which Japan developed while providing constructive information for those that are looking into the history. However, there is the inability to understand what the overall hypothesis of the author is as well as how they have developed and crafted the article. The main point of the author is to show the holistic viewpoint of Japan, specifically by showing how different sectors of life influenced the other while providing new areas of understanding. Instead of the author only creating one viewpoint, such as an understanding of family or agriculture, each of the areas of life ties into the other. However, the questions asked fail to recognize how each of these correspond to the other as well as what is occurring throughout the article to tie together the various aspects of life and culture in ancient Japan. The Critical Response: Evaluation The primary evaluation of this article is one that is based on the several strengths that the author provides. The information about Japan is constructed in a factual and academic manner, which makes it easy to understand how Japan formed, as well as what was occurring during each time frame to influence and shape the country. More important, the author is able to divide each of the different aspects of the culture so one is able to see how each area influences the other in the development of Japan. However, the author doesn’t leave out the different areas of influence that impacted one area or the other in the development of the country. When one is reading this article, there is the ability to see how agriculture influenced royalty as well as how religion shaped the family. By understanding the complete viewpoint of the ancient history and culture, there is the ability to develop a deeper appreciation of how and why Japan is today. The secondary evaluation that is linked to this is based on the decisions of the author to provide specific points while leaving others out. The author moves in a chronological manner and highlights the development of the country from several viewpoints. However, there are other aspects that are left out at different times. For instance, the marginalized viewpoints and lifestyles, development of contrasting beliefs in Japan and the debates that contrasted the main area of royalty in Japan are not seen through the article. It can be expected that with every rise to power, is also a contrast that is seen. This is specifically noted in areas of the article where the author states that there were movements against royalty and opposing views with the rise to power. Not expanding on these aspects and only mentioning them briefly leaves out some of the details that one would need to know when looking at the overall viewpoint of Japan. The Critique The primary critique of this article is based on the choice of presentation that the author decides to give. From one perspective, there is the ability to incorporate the several facets of life and culture that shaped and created Japan. However, this is the popular culture that developed through ancient times and doesn’t incorporate the battles and the opposing viewpoints toward the development of the country. Some of the parts of Japan are skimmed over and don’t offer enough relevant information to create a complete understanding. To change this, the author would need to focus more on one aspect of the culture and to develop around this to show the complete viewpoint. The secondary critique is based on the ability of the author to give an overview of the development of the country. Other types of academic articles will present an area about Buddhism, Zen or the political realm, without incorporating each of these into the article. While the author only gave brief overviews, there was the ability to understand a more holistic picture and the way in which it was incorporated into the overall culture. For instance, the author uses different literature to show the rise of political power. Statements such as “Myths must be read in the context of the cultures in which they live, as that is how they are written…There is a political genius at work in the myth – or mythhistory – that we might wonder about from the political cynicism of our age” (294). For someone that is not familiar with the making of Japan, is the ability to understand how these overall viewpoints, myth and beliefs were related specifically to the making of the culture as well as the formation of ancient beliefs that have led into the contemporary culture. Conclusion The different aspects of history have created an alternative viewpoint of how one looks at the making of a nation. When looking at the article presented on the chronology of Japan, it can be seen that there are more levels of depth that have made up the culture and the history of what has occurred. Those that are interested in the formation of this country can then have an overview of the political, agricultural, familial and societal aspects of the country. This article can be used as a platform to discover more about the culture of Japan as well as where the values of life began, specifically from the ancient cultures and into the present day. By writing this article, there is the ability to understand the history of Japan from a different perspective. Questions Essay Question: Provide an overview of the several areas of life that influenced Japan. Short Questions: The primary religion of ancient Japan is ___________________. The author creates a ______________ viewpoint of the culture of Japan. The political changes also influenced the ____________________ changes in Japan. Answers: Buddhism Holistic Agricultural True or False Japan didn’t believe in creating a familial approach to their lifestyle. Answer: False The royalty of Japan developed from families that would rise and conquer different regions. Answer: True The mountains of Japan were developed during ancient times. Answer: False The author focuses on every aspect of Japan and the way it developed. Answer: True The beginning of ancient Japan begins in 221 BC. Answer: True Read More