A policy of avoiding contact with other countries or cultures

A political system in which Nobles are granted land in exchange for their loyalty, military service and protection of the people who live on the land (like serfs)

A figurehead (a leader that does not have any real power)

A general who ruled Japan in the emperor's name

Feudal Lords of Japan who pledged loyalty to The Shogun

"one who serves" - They were loyal bodyguards for the Daimyo hired both to protect themselves and to attack other Daimyo.

lesser lords who pledged their service and loyalty to a greater lord -- in a military capacity

a Buddhist sect that emphasizes enlightenment through meditation and stresses simplicity and discipline

Religion located in Japan and related to Buddhism. Shintoism focuses particularly on nature and ancestor worship

skilled workers who make goods by hand

the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes representing objects (e.g., flowers or birds)

Japanese lyric poetry that expresses single thoughts or tells brief stories. Tanka means "short song," a form that depends on the number of lines instead of syllables (5,7,5,7,7)

a glossy and protective coating, to enhance the beauty of their furniture

A fabric made by weaving, used to make clothing

A ceramic made of fine clay baked at very high temperatures

a group of islands

a Shinto nature god - present in all things in nature

temples built to worship Kami and ask for blessings - usually near sacred natural features