Ancient Japanese History

Ancient Japanese history begins with the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE), marked by hunter-gatherer societies and distinctive pottery. This was followed by the Yayoi period (300 BCE–300 CE), where rice farming and metalworking emerged through influences from the Asian mainland. The Kofun period (c. 300–710 CE) saw the rise of powerful clan leaders and large burial mounds. Buddhism was introduced in the 6th century, shaping culture and governance. The subsequent Nara (710–794) and Heian (794–1185) periods further developed a unique Japanese identity, characterized by art, literature, and a centralized imperial state influenced by Chinese models.