Japan and the Samurai  

“Doodle” Notes  
Goal: t​ o understand the impact of the natural environment on human civilizations.  
Directions:​ Follow along with the information. When Ms. Mackey says, a​ dd your own drawings 
using the​ “Insert → Image → Search the Web”​ feature at the top left of your screen to insert an 
image that will help you remember the information​.  
Highlight important information​ as you go.  
 
Let’s review! ​Write at least 3 details you and  Find a picture that you think best represents 
your partner shared about Japan’s  Japan’s environment:  
environment:    
   
● Mountains  
● Snow  
● Cherry blossoms  
 
 
 

 
 
 
Japan is made of​ 5 main islands.  

 
 
 Like the Arabian Peninsula, they were united 
by language and religion, but also a social 
structure called ​feudalism​.  
 

Feudalism​ is a system that organizes people 

by status. The king or emperor is at the top 
and the peasants are at the bottom. It looks 
like a triangle.  

 
 
 
(3)I see... 

(2) I think... 

(1) I wonder.. 

 
 
 
 Japan needed ​feudalism​ to keep order when 
most people lived far apart and there was a 
weak central government.  

While the ​shogun​ was in charge, the​ samurai   

had much power. The samurai was a paid 
warrior hired to protect land and property in 
case of a peasant uprising.  
 
 
Why do you think  There might be an uprising   
there might be a  because​... 
peasant 
uprising?  
 
Japan has a very specific culture. Since they were so small (about the size of California) they could 
take any new information and culture and make it fit with their lifestyle.  
 
China   Korea   India 

 
   
 
 Laguage   Religion  

 
 
 
 
 
Write a one sentence summary of life in feudal  Include a picture to help with your summary:  
Japan: