Page 72 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

DISCOVER A Brief History

A BRIEF 1

HISTORY

Japan’s history is characterized by its separation, both geographically and
politically, from the Asian continent. When centuries of isolationism ended
in the 19th century, the country embraced new technologies, and today
Japan is a world leader in everything from fashion to robotics.
The Emergence of Japan 1 A map showing the
Japan’s first inhabitants arrived over 40,000 years ago, possibly prefectures of Japan.
via land bridges from the Asian continent. The Jomon hunting 2 Yayoi period dwellings
and gathering society emerged around 14,500 BC, and from in Yoshinogari Park.
300 BC to AD 300 the Yayoi people spread from Kyushu to Honshu 3 Murasaki Shikibu,
and Shikoku. In the west of Japan, between 538 and 710, a local author of the Tale of Genji.
clan – the forebears of today’s imperial family – began to con­ 4 An illustration of the
sol idate its power. It was during this period that Buddhism and Mongol invasion in 1281.
Chinese writing arrived in the islands, and a system of laws based
upon Confucianism and Chinese legal standards were established.

Timeline of events
300 BC– 794 823
AD 300 Heian-kyo (Kyoto) Kukai, an advocate
Methods of farming, becomes the of Shingon
metalwork, and capital, which it Buddhism, is made
pottery reach Japan remains until 1868. head of Toji temple.
from the continent.

239 710
Queen Himiko sends Heijo-kyo (Nara)
an envoy to the Wei is made capital the
kingdom in China. capital of Japan.
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