Japan's first capital, Nara, was directly modeled after the Tang capital, Chang'an. Out of a total Japanese population of around 5-6 million, Nara accounted for around 20,000 people. During this period (710-784 CE), land was nationalized in the name of the emperor and distributed equally to the peasants; which in turn paid the government a land tax and a labor tax. Nara's rulers encouraged a blend of Chinese culture and Japanese traditions. They led rituals and ceremonies at the imperial court, which were inspired by Chinese Tang models, but featured orchestral music and majestic dances accompanied by Japanese versions of Chinese instruments. Musical instruments such as zither, flute and lute. After being hit by a wave of economic ruin, Nara saw many residents abandon their fields for new territories. In response, Japan would move the capital from Nara to Heian (or Kyoto). Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay The samurai (or warrior class) refers to a supreme military officer of the Japanese imperial court; they came from rural lords and their military servants. Representing a small percentage of the overall population, they represented the highest level of the social system. The samurai came from the nobility and adhered to an idealized feudal ethic known as Bushido, which translates to “way of the warrior.” As part of the qualifications needed to become one, the person had to be able to provide their own horse, armor, and weapon; this attracted wealthier people to the role because they could afford it. Samurai were distinguished by their uncompromising loyalty to rulers and indifference to physical hardship. The samurai are committed to carrying out their missions; if they failed to achieve their goal or fulfill their duty, they would commit suicide. Suicide was considered an honorable and respectable demonstration of their courage and loyalty to Bushido. Women were also allowed to become samurai, although very few engaged in physical combat. Female samurai generally devoted themselves to protecting and managing family estates. The first Shogun of Kamakura, Minamoto-no-Yoritomo, was commissioned by the Emperor of Japan in the 12th century. A shogun acted as a military dictator who controlled the country in the name of the emperor. They ensured the internal and external defense of the empire and could choose who would succeed them in their functions. The Kamakura shogunate was only nominally subordinate to the emperors and had real power. In 1333, conspiracies and civil wars brought about the disappearance of the shogunate; they were officially replaced by a government led by the Kyoto-based Ashikaga family (1228–1568). Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay During the Ashikaga Shogun period, political power became rather decentralized as conflicts within the empire arose over local authorities struggling to claim more land for their territory. In response, several hundred landowning territorial magnates emerged; they were called daimyo (which translates to “big name”). Each daimyo had his own samurai to support his interests and well-being, his own monopoly of local power, as well..