Japanese history in a nutshell

Have you ever wanted to get a quick overview of Japanese history? Here’s a quick rundown of Japanese history from 14,000 BC to the present day. Let’s have a look at the basic history of Japan from 14,000 BC to the present day. If you’re considering a trip to Japan, learning about the country’s unique history can help you appreciate the culture even more!

Jomon Period (14,000 BC – 1,000 BC)

The Jomon Period is considered the beginning of the new stone age. The raising temperature after the Ice Age (20,000 BC) had a significant impact on the atmosphere. For ceremonies, people began to utilize ground stoneware, bows, earthenware, and earthen dolls. The term ‘Jomon’ literally means ‘rope pattern,’ which was common on ceramics at the time. The Tokyo National Museum has this old ceramics on display.

Yayoi Period (1,000 BC – AD 300)

Rice was introduced from the Eurasian Continent during the Yayoi Period, and people began cultivating it. They began to collaborate using agricultural equipment made of wood. For ceremonies, they began to use metalware such as bronze swords, bronze spears, and bronze bell-shaped cups. People lived in pit homes at the time. The town of Yayoi in Tokyo is where the first ceramics from this time was discovered.

Kofun Period (3rd to 7th century)

A burial mound is known as a kofun. During this time, many keyhole-shaped burial mounds were built for the powerful clans. The mounds also contained human-shaped pottery, harnesses, armor, and swords. At the period, the Yamato Imperial Court served as the central administration. The government is claimed to have been located in what is now Osaka. During this time, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Chinese characters were introduced from the Eurasian Continent.

Asuka Period (592 – 710)

The city of Asuka is located near Nara. At the time, which was dominated by a war between two forces over the introduction of Buddhism, the capital was established there. Shotoku-Taishi rose to the position of regent and drafted the first constitution. This new law established a 12-tiered system for officials.

He also constructed the Horyuji Temple, which is Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. The name Nihon or Japan was initially used for the country during the Akusa period. They were also the first to give the eras names. The Asuka Period came to an end when Emperor Jito transferred the capital from Fujiwara to Nara.

Nara Period (710 – 794)

Emperor Jito relocated the capital from Fujiwara to Nara, thereby beginning the Nara era. The city was modeled after Changan, China’s capital. The Emperor was the first to have a centralized government. They imposed a levy and established a family registration system.

Workers can now own property privately if they grow it themselves to expand the amount of rice fields. Using farmers, powerful clans were able to expand their holdings. The Great Buddha is housed in the Todaiji Temple, which was erected by Emperor Shomu. During this time, the first Japanese history books were written.

Heian Period (794 – 1185)

To prevent the growing dominance of Buddhist monks, Emperor Kanmu relocated the capital from Nara to Kyoto. The centralized administration remained in place, but the aristocrats’ power grew as their wealth grew, and they interjected themselves into politics through clever marriages with the Imperial Family.

To safeguard their land, they armed themselves or hired guards. The samurai warriors were born during this time. The Taira and Minamoto clans became to be Japan’s most powerful samurai families. Esoteric Buddhism (Shingon Buddhism) was born, and it quickly became a powerful force in Japanese Buddhism. During this time, Japanese characters and literature were formed.

Kamakura Period (1185 – 1333)

The first Shogun was samurai fighter Minamoto-no Yoritomo, who was nominated by the Emperor and erected his military government in Kamakura. To consolidate his rule, he appointed a military governor to each district. However, when the third Shogun was killed, the Minamoto line died out within three generations.

After then, the Hojo family took over and ruled until the end of the Kamakura period. The Mongolians attempted to invade Japan twice in the 13th century, but were unsuccessful. During this time, Zen Buddhism grew popular.

Muromachi Period (1338 – 1573)

Ashikaga Takauji became Shogun after Emperor Godaigo conquered the Hojo clan and established his military government in Muromachi, Kyoto. It was the time of an Imperial Family dispute, with the family split for more than 50 years between the Northern and Southern Courts. The Onin War, which took place in 1467, wreaked havoc on Kyoto and reduced the Shogunate’s strength.

The Warring States period begins at this point. Many clans fought one other during this time, and Japan’s unification was still a long way off. During this time, the Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji temples were constructed. The Portuguese introduced guns and Christianity in the mid-16th century.

Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573 – 1603)

Oda Nobunaga arrived in Kyoto after the Warring States Period to support the 15th Shogun. Oda, on the other hand, exiled him and became Japan’s first unifier. In Azuchi, Shiga, he erected a castle. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, his vassal, attacked him, and he became the second unifier.

In Momoyama, Kyoto, Toyotomi built a palace. Sen-no Rikyu perfected ‘chanoyu’ under his tutelage ( tea ceremony). Following Hideyoshi’s death, the momentous Battle of Sekigahara took place, which was won by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokugawa became Shogun in Edo (now Tokyo), and Japan entered a period of extended peace and unity.

Edo Period (1603 – 1868)

Tokugawa Ieyasu completed Japan’s unity. His shogunate spanned 260 years and 15 generations. To rule each district, he appointed 250 feudal lords. There were no major wars during this time, although the shogunate’s military authority waned. During this time, culture flourished, and Kabuki, woodblock printing, sushi, and tempura were born.

Japan closed its doors in 1639, but Western countries came to Japan in the mid-nineteenth century to demand that the Japanese open up the country to trade with them. People who opposed the huge change formed a movement called “Respect the Emperor and deport the barbarians (Westerners).”

The shogunate, however, could not resist modernization and entered into accords that benefited the Westerners. Tokugawa restored the Emperor’s power, which is why the new period is known as the Meiji Restoration.

Meiji Period (1868 – 1912)

Emperor Meiji made the decision to relocate the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo. He moved into the Imperial Palace, which was once the Shogun’s stronghold. The feudal holdings were demolished, and the social hierarchical system was abolished by the new administration. Japan became a constitutional monarchy after drafting a constitution.

By growing wealth and military might, as well as adopting Western culture, Japan attempted to modernize the country. During this time, Japan won two wars: the Japan-Sino War (1894-1895) and the Japan-Russo War (1904-0905).

Taisho Period (1912 – 1926)

This is Emperor Taisho’s reign. He was not in good health, and his reign barely lasted 14 years. It was the era of so-called Taisho Democracy, which helped prepare the path for true democracy following WWII. During this time, political parties grew in power. Japan experienced an economic boom during the time of WWI, exporting textiles, ships, steel, and chemical items.

However, Japan, like most of the rest of the world, fell into economic devastation following WWII. Japan joined the League of Nations as a permanent member. The Great Kanto Earthquake struck in 1923, killing 100,000 people.

Showa Period (1926 – 1989)

Emperor Showa (also known as Hirohito) ruled for 62 years. The military’s dominance grew, and they began to meddle in politics. When World War II broke out in Europe, Japan formed a tripartite partnership with Germany and Italy. Japan entered the war by assaulting Pearl Harbor in 1941, and the conflict lasted until 1945, when two nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Allied Powers controlled Japan until 1952, but the Japan-US Security Treaty ensures that the US military remains in Japan after that time. Since the 1960s, Japan has experienced unprecedented economic growth and has risen to become the world’s second-largest economy. The 1964 Tokyo Olympics boosted the economy by speeding up the development of the Shinkansen and other infrastructure.

Historical tours in Japan

If you’d like to get interesting historical information about the places you visit in Japan, it is definitely a good idea to hire a private guide. We have tours that concentrate on history, but they can also adjust an itinerary to fit your interests. Let us know what you are thinking about, and we will match you up with a guide who can give you a great experience.

Japanese history in a nutshell