Early History and Culture of Japan By USHistory.org, adapted by Newsela staff on 08.14.17 Word Count 715 Level 810L
Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyu-ji, a Buddhist temple at Horyu-ji, Japan. The temple is thought to have been completed in A.D. 607. Photo: Frank J. Gualtieri Jr./Wikimedia Commons
Modern Japan has been a great source of new technology. The nation's talent for high-tech makes it easy to forget that it had its own Stone Age. The Stone Age is also known as the Neolithic period. It describes the age before a civilization developed widespread production and use of metal.
Japan's Neolithic civilization lasted from the 11th century B.C. to 300 B.C. It is remembered as the Jômon, or rope pattern culture. This group of hunters and gatherers decorated their pottery in special ways. They twisted rope around the wet clay where it left its impression. This design eventually gave their civilization its name. The remains of their ancient settlements are still studied today.
Rice farming becomes important
After the Jômon came the Yayoi period from 300 B.C. to A.D. 250. Rice became a standard food for the Japanese during this time. The Yayoi people adopted farming methods from the Asian continent, including wet-field rice cultivation.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. The Tomb period (A.D 250-552) followed the Yayoi. It gets its name from the large tombs that were built during this time. Many of these structures still dot Japan's landscape. The most awe- inspiring of these tombs is that of Emperor Nintoku, who might have reigned from about A.D. 395 to 427. Located near the city of Osaka, this tomb is shaped like a keyhole and is surrounded by a moat. It measures 2,695 feet long, longer than seven football fields.
The Land of Wa
The first written records about Japan date from the Tomb period. The Chinese referred to Japan as the "Land of Wa." China dominated the smaller nation during this time. Japan was ruled by an unmarried queen named Pimiko who occupied herself with magic.
Greater Japanese unification took place during the Yamato period (A.D. 552-710). Hundreds of clans merged under one ruling house, the Yamato. The Yamato traced their lineage to the sun goddess Amaterasu. This connection made them powerful political and religious leaders.
"Ten Thousand Leaves"
An important figure of the late Yamato period was Prince Shôtoku (573-622). He supported the Buddhist religion and was a scholar. He also served as the nation's governor. Under his rule, Japan formed its first centralized government. It was based on the ideas of Confucius, the Chinese philosopher. Buddhist temples multiplied. Relations with China expanded through frequent interactions.
The twin influences of Chinese culture and Buddhism define the late Yamato and Nara periods in the 700s. A writing system was developed. It used Chinese characters to represent the native Japanese language. Japanese literature flourished. Its high point came with the "Manyôshû," or "Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves." This book was a collection of poetry from across Japan.
The expanding impact of Buddhism led to the crowning achievement of Nara culture. A giant statue known as the Great Buddha was built in the city of Nara. This statue sits 53 feet high and is made of 1 million pounds of metal, equal to the weight of a large airplane.
Vying for power
In the 700s, rulers shifted the Japanese capital from Nara to what is now Kyoto. This move marks the beginning of the Heian period (794-1185). It proved to be a time of political confusion.
Under weaker rulers, new forces emerged in Japan. The warrior class slowly extended its power. Buddhist clergy also gained more influence. Former emperors were allowed to take control of
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. temples. Buddhist leaders also organized armies of "warrior monks" to protect their interests.
High art
Culture and the arts, however, benefited from the weaker government. For example, poets perfected the waka, or Japanese verse. Waka became a basis for communication in the royal courts.
Japan's noble families took great interest in manners and the arts. They shaped Japanese culture in ways that have lasted to the modern day.
This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Grade 6 Social Studies
Use the article, Early History and Culture of Japan, to create a timeline with at least 6 events that are listed in the article. Write the dates and title for each event you add to your timeline. Remember! Timelines must be in chronological order (in order by time)
B.C. A.D.