Heian+Period

"The Heian period is the last division of Japanese history." (Wikipedia) The Heian period started way back in 794 and ended in 1185. This period in time is named after the old capitol Heian-kyo. Also known as modern day Kyoto. The Heian period was when Buddhism, Taoism, and other forms if Chinese cultures or "influences" were at their highest form of popularity. The Heian period was also noted as being the height of the Japanese imperial court and is also known for their art. This was when literature and poetry were big. In Japanese, Heian means "peace and tranquility".

The Heian period followed the Nara period, and started after the change in the capitol, after moving to Heian-kyo. This is known as a better time that cultures that came later on have always admired. The Heian period is also known for the uprising of the samurai class. The reason the Heian period came to an end was because a new family came to power. This family was called the Fujiwara family. The Fujiwaras took control of the royal family by betrothing the females of the clan to emperors and then ruling in place of the children of these couples until it was their turn to take the throne.

Through taking in so much from the continent through many centuries, the Japanese seemed to be growing a sense of accomplishment and pride in their self-confidence and gratitude towards their land and heritage. Though they were still trading with Buddhist pilgrims and the rest of the continent, the Japanese court insisted on getting rid of authentic relationships with China. Amid the cultural changes in Japan, a new form of poetry surfaced. Waka poetry and other discrete literary forms began popping up, from what seems to be, everywhere.

The second half of the twelfth century, what used to be influenced by the Fujiwara family, had died down and shifted from the nobility of being in Kyoto to becoming military land owners in different domains.