Summary of the history of Japan told in Eras

The history of Japan (日本の歴史 nihon no rekishi or nihonshi) is marked by major political, social, and cultural events. When you think of Japan, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Automatically, it is common to think of its great technological advancement or samurais, animes, or even sushi. But what events led to the Japan we know today? For lovers of this country and its history, I must say you are in the right place.

We will tell the history of Japan in Eras or Periods, which is the most common way to do so. It is impossible to cover all periods in detail, and we will also not mention the Paleolithic period and some other periods that had a short lifespan. Our goal is to tell the history of Japan in a short and quick manner. So let us begin this quick and straightforward summary of the history of Japan.

The beginning of the history of Japan

The main events begin in the Jomon Period (8,000 B.C.), favoring the fact that the Japanese like to tell their history almost always starting from this period. Still living from hunting and fishing, they developed stone tools that facilitated this practice, such as polished stone. They also developed the bow, arrow, and spear. They lived in houses made of tree branches and covered with straw that were placed in holes dug in the ground. Still in the Jomon period, they began to use pottery.

In the period known as Yayoi (300 – 500 B.C.), the use of metals began alongside polished stone and agricultural tools. But with the arrival of immigrants, rice cultivation began, which caused profound changes in the social, political, and economic life of the villagers, as this work required collective effort. As a consequence, there were divisions of social classes.

Curiosity: In ancient Japan, its territory was divided into clans. In historical documents, such as the Chinese document from the Han dynasty, Japan is referred to as the “country of a hundred kingdoms.”

Kofun Period (250 A.D.)

It is from here that religions and political regimes to be adopted in Japan begin to be defined. In the 4th century, the consolidation of Yamato occurred. Yamato began to exert dominance over various nations such as northern Kyushu, the Yamato valley, and also Izumo. It is possible to say, due to evidence, that the origin of the emperors began there, in Yamato.

During this period, immigrants from China and Korea began to arrive to teach the Japanese the art of craftsmanship. From this, these immigrants brought not only their art but also Buddhism. It was during the Yamato dynasty that the political unification of Japan occurred.

Curiosity: Currently, tombs where emperors were buried are still preserved. One of the most popular is that of Emperor Nintoku, located in Sakai, Osaka.

Asuka Period (500 A.D.)

During this period, the introduction of Buddhism occurs along with a series of conflicts throughout the country. Prince Shotoku builds a Buddhist temple called Hōryū-ji, thus representing the beginning of the Buddhist presence in the country. This temple is located in the city of Nara.

In 656, Emperor Kotoku initiates the Taika Reform. Historians use these events to mark the end of the Asuka period. The Taika Reform introduced the Ritsuryō system. During this period, there was also the sending of Japanese to China and the establishment of the divine figure of the Emperor. In the 6th century, Japan invades Korea, which was under strong Chinese influence, assimilating much of its Korean culture. Before the Nara Period, the Hakuhō period (673 A.D.) occurs.

Nara Period (710 A.D.)

In the year 710 A.D., the city of Nara becomes the capital of Japan. Kyoto developed and transformed into the main political and cultural center.
There were small events after this period that had significant importance in the history of Japan:

• The beginning of the Heian period (784 A.D.);
• The consolidation of the Aristocracy (800 A.D.);
• The rise of the samurai class;
• Kamakura period (1185);
• Genpei Wars;
• Mongol invasions of Japan;

The Emergence of the Samurais

In the 10th century, the Samurais emerge as a social class (Bushi). They established themselves in the government starting with the Taira clan (1167). The samurais followed a code of honor called Bushido. In this code, it was preferable to die with honor than to live without it. The Samurais ceased to be a social class starting in 1878, due to Meiji Restoration.

The Samurais indeed have a lot of history to talk about, but we need to continue with the vast Japanese history. The loyalty of the samurais to their code of honor and their skill with the katana is remarkable. Several wars and important events in the history of Japan occurred in the following periods, below I will list some important points:

• Kemmu Restoration;
• Muromachi Period;
• Sengoku Period;
• Oda Nobunaga;
• Battle of Sekigahara;
• Edo Period;
• 1603: Tokyo becomes the capital;
• 1871: Feudalism is abolished;

Modern Period (1868 – 1926)

In 1854, Japan signs the Kanagawa treaty with the U.S., seeking the modernization of the Japanese industry. This event causes Japanese ports, which were previously closed and Japan isolated, to be opened. It was a time when, with the advancement of capitalism, new industries were necessary.

In 1890, Japan establishes a constitutional government, based on the German constitution. Starting in 1900, Japan began to face problems related to urban concentration, resolving this through the emigration of Japanese to other countries (1909). In 1912, Emperor Meiji dies, having ruled Japan for 45 years, strengthening Japan internally and modernizing its industrial, social, and political sectors in a short time during his reign.

With the death of Emperor Meiji, his place is taken by Emperor Taishō. It was during his reign that Japan participated in World War I alongside the Allies.
During his reign, Taishō managed to monopolize the Asian market. His government is marked by ups and downs, such as democracy; economic growth and the rise of nationalist ideals.

From 1921 to the present day

In 1921, Emperor Taishō cedes power to his son Michinomiya Hirohito due to health problems, marking the ascension of Hirohito as Emperor. Japan participates in World War II, but its entry into this war was already doomed to failure. In 1941, Japanese air forces attack the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor, declaring war on the United States and England. By 1942, Japan showed signs of weakening due to the ravages of war.

Japan quickly recovered from the war, becoming one of the world’s largest economic powers. We then arrive at the Japan we know today, with territorial and natural resource limitations, but with a strong and stable economy and industry. It was impossible to mention most of the important events in Japan in this article; perhaps some isolated articles on the site can help you learn more about the history of Japan.