Japan’s history is rich and complex, spanning millennia of social and political events and changes. Here are some important historical periods and events that marked the country:
- Prehistoric period: The first inhabitants of Japan arrived around 35,000 years ago. The Jomon period (14,000 BC – 300 BC) is characterized by the culture of potters.
- Yayoi period (300 BC – 300 AD): The Japanese began to use metallurgy, intensive agriculture and irrigation techniques.
- Kofun period (300 – 710): The first kingdoms and the first dynasties were formed in Japan. The tombs of warlords are decorated with terracotta statues called Kofun.
- Nara period (710 – 794): Japan became a centralized state, and the city of Nara became the first imperial capital. The first literary texts and the first codes of law appeared.
- Heian period (794-1185): The imperial court moved to Kyoto, and the aristocratic culture flourished. The first poets, writers and artists appeared, as well as the first Buddhist institutions.
- Kamakura period (1185-1333): The samurai took power and founded their own government, the Kamakura shogunate. Civil wars broke out between the different samurai clans, and relations between Japan and foreign countries grew.
- Muromachi period (1336-1573): Japan experienced a period of political turmoil and civil wars, but also great artistic and cultural achievements. Martial arts and Zen gardens also flourished.
- Edo period (1603-1868): The Edo shogunate ushered in a period of relative peace and economic prosperity. Cities flourished, and popular culture and the arts of entertainment flourished.
- Meiji period (1868-1912): Japan opened its doors to foreign countries and rapidly modernized its economic, political and military system. It became a world power and participated in the First World War.
- Contemporary Period: Japan became a democratic country after World War II, and experienced rapid economic growth. It has become a world leader in technology and economics.
There are many famous people who have marked the history of Japan, such as Shogun Oda Nobunaga, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Emperor Meiji, General MacArthur, Emperor Hirohito, among others
