Lecture Notes: Effects of Death on Japanese Culture

Introduction

• Topics Covered:
  • Influence of death on Japanese house construction, art, and societal practices.
• Historical Context:
  • Influence of Buddhism from Korea and China.
  • Prince Shotoku's contributions:
    • Annotated Commentaries on the Three Sutras.
    • Seventeen Article Constitution.
    • Twelve-Level Cap-and-Rank System (603).
  • Rise of the Nakatomi clan and adoption of Confucianist values.

Historical Background

• Military and Political Developments:
  • Japan’s defeat in the Battle of Bayekgang.
  • Establishment of the Shogunate:
    • First shogun: Otomo no Otomaru (794).
    • Kamakura Shogunate formation (1185) after the Genpei War.
    • Introduction of feudal and daimyo systems.
  • Conflicts such as the Siege of Sanjo Palace (1159) and the Battle of Ichinotani (1184).

Natural Disasters and House Construction

• Frequent Earthquakes:
  • Japan's location on the Ring of Fire.
  • Documented earthquakes (684, 1099) causing significant destruction.
• Minka Houses:
  • Vernacular architecture built by owners/community.
  • Designed for easy reconstruction post-destruction.
  • Contrast with Tsukiya-style houses for the warrior class.

Representation in Art

• Imaki Scrolls:
  • Depictions of death and the afterlife.
  • Hungry Spirits: Gaki and Jikiniki, reflecting Buddhist beliefs.
  • Siege of Sanjō Palace: Unceremonious depiction of death.
• Literary Works:
  • Heike Monogatari: Minimalistic portrayal of death.

Influence on Practices

• Buddhist Practices:
  • Contemplation of corpse decay.
  • Kusouzu art style depicting the decay stages.
• Warrior Traditions:
  • Head collection as a symbol of victory and impermanence.
• Funerary Practices:
  • Predominance of cremation due to hygiene and space considerations.

Conclusion

• Summary:
  • Death’s significant impact on cultural practices and beliefs.
  • Open for questions and further discussion.