Which statement BEST describes the role of the emperor of Japan during the feudal period: The emperor was a figurehead with limited power . What was the result of Japan's early experiences with Europeans: Japan adopted a policy of isolationism . What does the word "samurai" mean: "to serve". What item did peasants give to samurai and daimyo in exchange for protection: crops they grew. What culture greatly influenced the Japanese writing system and language: China. Why have the Japanese relied on rice and the sea for their food throughout their history: seafood is easily available to the small island nation of Japan, and rice grows well in the coastal areas. Which of the following strongly influenced the arts of Japan: the religious practices of Buddhism and Shintoism. What was the code of honor, loyalty, and discipline practiced by the samurai: bushido. What was so scarce and valuable in Japan that control of it caused many conflicts: land. Why were the merchants located at the bottom of the social hierarchy in Japan: they did not produce anything. When the shoguns gained power in Japan, how did it impact the emperor: they kept the emperor as a figurehead