Monday we learned about Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries. This was the age of the Samuri. Late 17th century the samuri became more administrative and less soldier and were encouraged to use their skills in less violent ways, such as Sumo Wrestling. We did some Pillow Sumo. There is a lot of ceremony involved. First you set up your dohyo, your ring, we used a rope,  and put the pillars to represent N, S, E, and W. ( our construction paper) then you stand on opposite sides and clap once.

Then you stomp faster and faster to scare away the evil spirits.
Then you throw salt across the ring,
and take a sip of water to purify yourself.
Then you stride to the center of the ring, 
and the Stare Off begins, in which you have 4 minutes to intimidate your opponent.
At some point during those minutes you begin to attempt to push or pull your opponent out of the ring.

And out she goes.

Julia wrote:

Hideyoshi first was a peddler. Then he joined the Samuri army of Oda Nabunaga. First he was a sandal bearer. Later Oda Nobanaga made him a general. When Nobunaga died in battle four samuri fought over his place, but Hideyoshi took it first. He tried to take over China but Korea didn't let them pass through. Hideyoshi never conquered China. When Hideyoshi died he left his throne to his son Hideyori. The five advisors that were supposed to help Hideyori fought for the throne. Ieyasu won within the five and he started gathering an army. This army was called the Eastern Army. The Western Army was loyal to Hideyori. When Ieyasu finally attacked, he killed Hideyori's family and Hideyori killed himself. Jesuits were Christian missionaries. they came to Japan to spread Christianity. When the Shogun, Ieyasu, asked his advisors about the men the advisors said to beware of them. The the shogun forced all the missionaries out of the land. His son, Hidetada, executed Japanese Christians. His son Iemitsu, completely closed Japan to the outside world.