Tale Of Genji

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Recommended: What was the influence of China and Korea on Japan

Throughout history, different cultures have adapted and learned from one another.

The reason behind this is cultural diffusion, which is one of the requirements for a

prosperous society.Cultural diffusion is the transference of knowledge,ideas,beliefs,or

traditions from one group to another.However,cultural diffusion is but one aspect of a

successful civilization.Literacy and technology are two other indicators of an advanced

society.Japan during the 13th and 14th century are two good examples which reflect

this concept of cultural diffusion and societal advancement.

Korea was one of the places that Japan got benefited from. China and Korea

also had a strong effect on Japan. The Japanese learned about China’s writing …show more content…

The Japanese were

impressed with the Buddhist idea of gaining peace through discipline and methods of

Rajkumar 2

concentration. The Japanese also assimilated to the Korean clothing styles, Chinese

temple architecture, and food preparation. The Tale of Genji is one of Japan’s most

famous novels written by Murasaki Shikibu. It was about the life of a prince and his

personal affairs with the court ladies. The Tale of Genji spoke of manners, dress and

court policies. The Heian Period in Japan lasted from 794 - 1185. Emperor Kammu

moved the capital to Heian to preserve the T’ang culture. By the late 8th and early 9th

century, Heian’s control extended to all of Kyushu and Honshu.

The Europeans and arrival of the Portuguese happened in 1542 when Vasco Da

Gama reaches an island of the southern coast of Kyushu. Oda Nobunaga captivated

the Portuguese's attention with the hope of trade profits. In return the Europeans

brought some of the western technology to Japan, such as firearms (muskets) and

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