Rationale: By the fifth century CE, Japan had developed a complex culture and religious system however their interaction with neighbouring cultures and the West transformed these. During the medieval period the interaction of old traditions and new influences created a rich literary and artistic culture in Japan that has continued to the present. But the medieval period saw much social upheaval and frequent periods during which competing warlords fought for control of the nation. In this study we hope students will gain an appreciation of the past and a broader insight into the historical experiences of one of Australia’s most important Asian neighbours.