Similarities and Difference of Japan and Western Europe Essay

The societies of feudal Europe and shogunate Japan had many similarities and differences. These society's roughly fell between the time period of 400CE and 1800 CE. Both societies had rich cultures and defined history. Many similarities and differences were found in the social structure, the development of the warrior classes and the religion practiced by both societies.

Throughout history, the system of feudalism is used several times in different areas in the world. Because of this form of government, the European lifestyle changed dramatically as the Japanese culture began to form. Although feudalism in Europe had started earlier, the feudal systems of Japan and Europe are somewhat alike. However, they are much more different than they are comparable.

European feudalism was based on contract and Japanese feudalism was based on personal relationship with the lord and vassal. This helps prove that the differences between European and Japanese feudalism made limited government more likely to develop in the West because a contract limits what the lords and vassals could do. William, the king of English, said, “I command you [the vassal] to summon all those who are under your charge......and bring ready with you those five knights that you owe me[.]”1 This helps prove that European feudalism was based on contract because when you owe someone something, it implies an agreement. The key terms are I command you and owe. The vassal has to send troops because he has to. He is under the rule of

The Japanese pursuit for an empire in South East Asia helped changed the balance of world power away from Europe, by taking their most lucrative colonies. Soon after the Japanese defeat in World War II, most of the colonies won their independence from their European masters. This essay will be arguing that despite the vast geographical distance and cultural, racial differences, as well as the different time periods involved, Japanese and European intentions were very similar, and that these similarities contributed to the weakening of Imperialism as a doctrine. To do so, this essay will be examining the reasons for the Japanese

China and Japan are two unique civilizations that went through similar, yet vastly different changes throughout their histories. Their growth and response to other nations differed in many ways in government, lifestyle, and general well-being. One of the main causes for such difference between the countries is the way the West influenced each region, and the way China and Japan responded to this influence. China focused more on the idea of being a "status oriented" society, while Japan was more "goal oriented" based. In China, anyone had the ability to better themselves and change their status through civil examinations given by the government. Western impact however slowly changed this old age system. Japan's caste system viewed

Himeji Castle, also known as “The White Heron,” (Columbia.edu, UNKNOWN) is a highly unique castle has an impeccable design compared many to other traditional Japanese castles. It has a flawless defence system and highly innovative protection devices. Himeji Castle once belonged to the daimyo from the Akamatsu clan however it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. This castle represents harmony between humans and nature. Himeji Castle is an incredible example of traditional Japanese architecture with breathtaking views of Japan. Compared to many other classic Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was highly acknowledged by Japanese people in the Shogun period and is still today.

Castles, palaces, and cathedrals are scattered across Europe. Each one possesses unique characteristics and architecture bearing resemblance of their time. Some castles incorporate Greek influence, roman or gothic influence in design. Other castles and palaces are surrounded by sculptures outside in the courtyard or include sculptures worshiped as an altarpiece. While any one of these things would serve to make an ordinary castle more elaborate there is one palace that possesses all of these: The Palace of Versailles in France. The Palace of Versailles has managed to incorporate classic architecture, exquisite sculptures, and amalgamated the old design with the newer design trends of the day.

Throughout the course of East Asian history, Japan has been largely influenced by the Asian mainland. From ancient times to the medieval period, significant contributions to Japan can be seen coming from both Korea and China. Both of these countries diffused elements of their cultures to form the basis of Japanese society – namely China. These foreigners would influence various aspects of society including technology, philosophy, politics, and religion.

Hideyoshi outlawed Christianity in Japan, known as the land of gods, for because it was causing dishonesty, deceit, and the destruction of valuable texts. For example, vassals would illegally give some of their land given to him by his lord to the church. Also, priests would tempt people to come become a believer like them because of their knowledge in medicines and sciences. The priests were trying to get on the peoples' good side, so they could destroy the teachings of Buddha, which was their main religion, along with their temples. If the priests were caught doing these obscene acts they were served with a notice to get out of the country, they would have to leave within the twenty days of receiving it. Luckily, that didn’t stop trade between

The European and Japanese Feudalism shared a ruler.Both cultures had a king and queen at the top of the class system. The king and queen were the most wealthy in their country. In European feudalism had political control. The king and queen usually lived in a castle.One the other hand, Emperor and Empress in Japan is very similar to the king and

Westernization, which primarily spread in the mid to late 19th century, brought forth a profound change of ideas and cultures across the world. Both Japan and India were affected greatly as Western practices and ideologies seeped into the minds of individuals throughout various societies. Influential individuals, such as Thomas Babington Macaulay and Fukuzawa Yukichi wished to reform India and Japan by introducing Western ideas into these countries. Artists such as Honda Kinkachiro and Werner Forman showed the effects of Westernization on Japan. Through the writings and artwork of Macaulay, Yukichi, Kinkachiro, and Forman, we are able to understand that Europe’s colonizing mentality, as well as Asia’s acceptance of new ideas, were both supported by the belief that the West is superior.

These three points prove that feudalism in Africa, Europe, and Japan were all linked together. They all had similar social systems, which had lord-like people near the top and peasants at varying degrees of status near the bottom. Next, they all had peasants who pledged loyalty to someone of higher status in order to gain protection. Lastly, they all had warriors to fight their battles and were of great importance. From looking at this evidence, it can be seen that there is a clear relationship between feudalism in Europe, Africa, and Japan.

Back in Middle Ages, the people of both Japan and Europe both dealt with the same problem: Feudalism. Overall both where very similar: both had a weak ruler and had someone under them ruling the country, both had a superior military and both economies depended on the people. Although as you get deeper you find out each is set up in its own way. Europe had kings that ruled the countries yet all followed what the Pope said. Japan had an emperor yet the shogun had all the power. Europe had knights that wore plated armor and had huge heavy broad swords. As for Japan had the samurai who wore leather and very little iron with very light swords called a katana. Europe’s economy depended on serfs and peasants while Japan’s depended on peasants and

During the early nineteenth century, both China and Japan enforced policies restricting foreign trade in order to avoid industrialization and western ideas, but after both societies experienced foreign invasions and unequal treaties being established by foreigners, Japan began to industrialize and became imperialists trying to create an empire, while China differed in that the people wanted reform and government restrained the reformation of their society, therefore causing multiple rebellions and overall the collapse of their empire.

Japans history dates back almost 53,000 years and is filled with interesting and fascinating events. Most of Japans actions have left the major world powers in the world stunned. The base of this amazing country is astonishing just by itself. The base is a bunch of active and large under water volcanoes. Japans uniqueness from the rest of the world ranges from its culture to its very interesting history to the change in government every few hundred years and their trading dilemma with petroleum and their assortment of fish that they export. Japan as a country is so very appealing and kind compared to the rest of the world its no wonder that it’s geographically separate from the rest of the world.