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Portal:Ancient Japan

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The Ancient Japan Portal

Depiction of bearded Emperor Jimmu with his emblematic long bow and an accompanying wild bird.

The first human inhabitants of theJapanese archipelago have been traced to thePaleolithic, around 38–39,000 years ago. TheJōmon period, named after itscord-marked pottery, was followed by theYayoi period in the first millennium BC when new inventions were introduced from Asia. During this period, the first known written reference toJapan was recorded in the ChineseBook of Han in the first century AD.

Around the 3rd century BC, theYayoi people from the continent immigrated to the Japanese archipelago and introduced iron technology andagricultural civilization. Because they had an agricultural civilization, the population of the Yayoi began to grow rapidly and ultimately overwhelmed theJōmon people, natives of the Japanese archipelago who werehunter-gatherers.

Between the 4th and 9th centuries, Japan's many kingdoms and tribes were gradually unified under a centralized government, nominally controlled by theEmperor of Japan. Theimperial dynasty established at this time continues to this day, albeit in an almost entirely ceremonial role. In 794, a new imperial capital was established atHeian-kyō (modernKyoto), marking the beginning of theHeian period, which lasted until 1185. The Heian period is considered a golden age of classicalJapanese culture.Japanese religious life from this time and onwards was a mix of nativeShinto practices andBuddhism. (Full article...)

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  • Image 1 "Dogu with palms pressed together", 2nd millennium BC The so-called "dogū with palms pressed together" (合掌土偶, gasshō dogū) is a Japanese dogū or clay figurine of the late Jōmon period (c. 2000–1000 BC). Excavated from the Kazahari I Site in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, it is exhibited at the nearby Korekawa Jōmon Kan. Alongside "Hollow Dogū" from Hokkaidō, "Jōmon Goddess [ja]" from Yamagata Prefecture, and "Jōmon Venus" and "Masked Goddess" from Nagano Prefecture, it is one of five dogū that have been designated National Treasures. (Full article...)
    Image 1

    "Dogu with palms pressed together", 2nd millennium BC

    The so-called "dogū with palms pressed together" (合掌土偶,gasshō dogū) is a Japanesedogū or clay figurine of the lateJōmon period (c. 2000–1000 BC). Excavated from the Kazahari I Site inHachinohe,Aomori Prefecture, it is exhibited at the nearbyKorekawa Jōmon Kan. Alongside "HollowDogū" fromHokkaidō, "Jōmon Goddess [ja]" fromYamagata Prefecture, and "Jōmon Venus" and "Masked Goddess" fromNagano Prefecture, it is one of fivedogū that have been designatedNational Treasures. (Full article...)
  • Image 2 Emperor Annei (安寧天皇, Annei-tennō), also known as Shikitsuhikotamatemi no Mikoto (師木津日子玉手見命) was the third legendary emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Very little is known about this Emperor due to a lack of material available for further verification and study. Annei is known as a "legendary emperor" among historians as his actual existence is disputed. Nothing exists in the Kojiki other than his name and genealogy. Annei's reign allegedly began in 549 BC, he had one wife and three sons. After his death in 511 BC, his second or third son supposedly became the next emperor. (Full article...)
    Image 2
    Emperor Annei (安寧天皇,Annei-tennō), also known asShikitsuhikotamatemi no Mikoto (師木津日子玉手見命) was the thirdlegendaryemperor of Japan, according to the traditionalorder of succession. Very little is known about this Emperor due to a lack of material available for further verification and study. Annei is known as a "legendary emperor" among historians as his actual existence is disputed. Nothing exists in theKojiki other than his name and genealogy. Annei's reign allegedly began in 549 BC, he had one wife and three sons. After his death in 511 BC, his second or third son supposedly became thenext emperor. (Full article...)
  • Image 3 Emperor Sujin (崇神天皇, Sujin-tennō), also known as Mimakiirihikoinie no Mikoto (御眞木入日子印恵命) in the Kojiki, and Mimakiiribikoinie no Sumeramikoto (御間城入彦五十瓊殖天皇) or Hatsukunishirasu Sumeramikoto (御肇國天皇) in the Nihon Shoki was the tenth Emperor of Japan. While Sujin is the first emperor whose existence historians widely accept, he is still referred to as a "legendary emperor" due to a lack of information available and because dates for his reign vary. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) record events that took place during Sujin's alleged lifetime. This legendary narrative tells how he set up a new shrine outside of the Imperial palace to enshrine Amaterasu. He is also credited with initiating the worship of Ōmononushi (equated with the deity of Mount Miwa), and expanding his empire by sending generals to four regions of Japan in what became known as the legend of Shidō shogun. This Emperor's reign is conventionally assigned the years of 97 BC – 30 BC. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered twelve children with a chief wife (empress) and two consorts. Sujin chose his future heir based on dreams two of his sons had; in this case, his younger son became Emperor Suinin upon Sujin's death in 30 BC. Like other emperors of this period, the location of Sujin's grave if it exists is unknown. He is traditionally venerated at the Andonyama kofun in Tenri, Nara. (Full article...)
    Image 3
    Emperor Sujin (崇神天皇,Sujin-tennō), also known asMimakiirihikoinie no Mikoto (御眞木入日子印恵命) in theKojiki, andMimakiiribikoinie no Sumeramikoto (御間城入彦五十瓊殖天皇) orHatsukunishirasu Sumeramikoto (御肇國天皇) in theNihon Shoki was the tenthEmperor of Japan. While Sujin is the first emperor whose existence historians widely accept, he is still referred to as a "legendary emperor" due to a lack of information available and because dates for his reign vary. Both theKojiki, and theNihon Shoki (collectively known as theKiki) record events that took place during Sujin's alleged lifetime. This legendary narrative tells how he set up a new shrine outside of the Imperial palace to enshrineAmaterasu. He is also credited with initiating the worship ofŌmononushi (equated with the deity ofMount Miwa), and expanding his empire by sending generals to four regions of Japan in what became known as the legend ofShidō shogun.

    This Emperor's reign is conventionally assigned the years of 97 BC – 30 BC. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered twelve children with a chief wife (empress) and two consorts. Sujin chose his future heir based on dreams two of his sons had; in this case, his younger son becameEmperor Suinin upon Sujin's death in 30 BC. Like other emperors of this period, the location of Sujin's grave if it exists is unknown. He is traditionally venerated at the Andonyamakofun inTenri, Nara. (Full article...)
  • Image 4 The Okhotsk culture is an archaeological coastal fishing and hunter-gatherer culture that developed around the southern coastal regions of the Sea of Okhotsk, including Sakhalin, northeastern Hokkaido, and the Kuril Islands during the last half of the first millennium to the early part of the second. The Okhotsk are often associated to be the ancestors of the Nivkhs, while others argue them to be identified with early Ainu speakers. It is suggested that the bear cult, a practice shared by various Northern Eurasian peoples, the Ainu and the Nivkhs, was an important element of the Okhotsk culture but was uncommon in Jomon period Japan. Archaeological evidence indicates that the Okhotsk culture proper originated in the 5th century AD from the Susuya culture of southern Sakhalin and northwestern Hokkaido. (Full article...)
    Image 4

    TheOkhotsk culture is an archaeological coastal fishing andhunter-gatherer culture that developed around the southern coastal regions of theSea of Okhotsk, includingSakhalin, northeasternHokkaido, and theKuril Islands during the last half of the first millennium to the early part of the second. The Okhotsk are often associated to be the ancestors of theNivkhs, while others argue them to be identified with earlyAinu speakers. It is suggested that thebear cult, a practice shared by various Northern Eurasian peoples, the Ainu and theNivkhs, was an important element of the Okhotsk culture but was uncommon inJomon period Japan. Archaeological evidence indicates that the Okhotsk culture proper originated in the 5th century AD from theSusuya culture of southern Sakhalin and northwestern Hokkaido. (Full article...)
  • Image 5 Composite image showing two views of the seal The King of Na gold seal (Japanese: 漢委奴国王印) is a solid gold seal discovered in the year 1784 on Shikanoshima Island in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The seal is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. The seal is believed to have been cast in China and bestowed by Emperor Guangwu of Han upon a diplomatic official (envoy) visiting from Japan in the year 57 AD. The five Chinese characters appearing on the seal identify it as the seal of the King of Na state of Wa, tributary state of the Han dynasty. The seal is currently in the collection of the Fukuoka City Museum in Fukuoka, Japan. It is the first known textual record of Japan as a country, and is included in Japanese history books as a cultural asset that indicates how Japan came into being as a political entity. (Full article...)
    Image 5
    Composite image showing two views of the seal

    TheKing of Na gold seal (Japanese:漢委奴国王印) is a solidgoldseal discovered in the year 1784 onShikanoshima Island inFukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The seal is designated as aNational Treasure of Japan. The seal is believed to have been cast in China and bestowed byEmperor Guangwu of Han upon a diplomatic official (envoy) visiting from Japan in the year 57 AD. The five Chinese characters appearing on the seal identify it as the seal of the King of Na state ofWa,tributary state of theHan dynasty.

    The seal is currently in the collection of theFukuoka City Museum inFukuoka, Japan. It is the first known textual record of Japan as a country, and is included in Japanese history books as a cultural asset that indicates how Japan came into being as a political entity. (Full article...)
  • Image 6 Kosegasawa Cave The Kosegasawa Cave (小瀬ヶ沢洞窟, Kosegasawa dōkutsu) is an archaeological site consisting of a Jōmon period cave dwelling in what is now part of the town of Aga, Niigata Prefecture in the Hokuriku region of Japan. The cave was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1982. (Full article...)
    Image 6

    Kosegasawa Cave

    TheKosegasawa Cave (小瀬ヶ沢洞窟,Kosegasawa dōkutsu) is anarchaeological site consisting of aJōmon period cave dwelling in what is now part of the town ofAga,Niigata Prefecture in theHokuriku region ofJapan. The cave was designated aNational Historic Site of Japan in 1982. (Full article...)
  • Image 7 Japan at the Last Glacial Maximum in the Late Pleistocene about 20,000 years ago The Japanese Paleolithic period (旧石器時代, kyūsekki jidai) is the period of human inhabitation in Japan predating the development of pottery, generally before 10,000 BC. The starting dates commonly given to this period are from around 40,000 BC, with recent authors suggesting that there is good evidence for habitation from c. 36,000 BC onwards. The period extended to the beginning of the Mesolithic Jōmon period, or around 14,000 BC. (Full article...)
    Image 7

    Japan at theLast Glacial Maximum in theLate Pleistocene about 20,000 years ago

    TheJapanese Paleolithic period (旧石器時代,kyūsekki jidai) is the period of human inhabitation in Japan predating the development of pottery, generally before 10,000 BC. The starting dates commonly given to this period are from around 40,000 BC, with recent authors suggesting that there is good evidence for habitation from c. 36,000 BC onwards. The period extended to the beginning of the MesolithicJōmon period, or around 14,000 BC. (Full article...)
  • Image 8 Dogū, Ebisuda site in Tajiri, Miyagi Prefecture, 1000–400 BC. Dogū (Japanese: 土偶; IPA: [doɡɯː]; literally "earthen figure") are small humanoid and animal figurines made during the later part of the Jōmon period (14,000–400 BC) of prehistoric Japan. Dogū come exclusively from the Jōmon period, and were no longer made by the following Yayoi period. There are various styles of dogū, depending on the exhumation area and time period. The National Museum of Japanese History estimates that the total number of dogū is approximately 15,000, while The Japan Times places the figure at approximately 18,000. Dogū were made across all of Japan, except Okinawa. Most of the dogū have been found in eastern Japan and it is rare to find one in western Japan. The purpose of the dogū remains unknown and should not be confused with the clay haniwa funerary objects of the Kofun period (250 – 538 C.E.). (Full article...)
    Image 8
    Dogū, Ebisuda site inTajiri,Miyagi Prefecture, 1000–400 BC.

    Dogū (Japanese:土偶;IPA:[doɡɯː]; literally "earthen figure") are small humanoid and animalfigurines made during the later part of theJōmon period (14,000–400 BC) of prehistoricJapan.Dogū come exclusively from the Jōmon period, and were no longer made by the followingYayoi period. There are various styles ofdogū, depending on the exhumation area and time period.

    TheNational Museum of Japanese History estimates that the total number ofdogū is approximately 15,000, whileThe Japan Times places the figure at approximately 18,000.Dogū were made across all of Japan, exceptOkinawa. Most of thedogū have been found in eastern Japan and it is rare to find one in western Japan. The purpose of thedogū remains unknown and should not be confused with the clayhaniwa funerary objects of theKofun period (250 – 538 C.E.). (Full article...)
  • Image 9 Emperor Seimu (成務天皇, Seimu-tennō), also known as Wakatarashi hiko no Sumera mikoto (稚足彦天皇), was the 13th legendary Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) record events that took place during Seimu's alleged lifetime. This legendary Emperor is best known for organizing his local governments by making the first appointments of their kind to provinces under his rule. Seimu had only one recorded wife who bore him a single child; he also had a concubine but she had no children. This is in stark contrast to his father, who is said to have had at least 80 children with multiple wives. Seimu's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 131 to 190 AD. An issue ultimately occurred when his only son allegedly died at a young age. Seimu appointed one of his nephews to be crown prince before his death in 190 AD, marking the first of later generations which would cede the throne to a non-direct successor. While the location of Seimu's grave (if any) is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Seimu" was used by later generations to describe this legendary Emperor. It has also been proposed that Seimu actually reigned much later than he is attested. (Full article...)
    Image 9
    Emperor Seimu (成務天皇,Seimu-tennō), also known asWakatarashi hiko no Sumera mikoto (稚足彦天皇), was the 13thlegendaryEmperor of Japan, according to the traditionalorder of succession. Both theKojiki, and theNihon Shoki (collectively known as theKiki) record events that took place during Seimu's alleged lifetime. This legendary Emperor is best known for organizing his local governments by making the first appointments of their kind to provinces under his rule. Seimu had only one recorded wife who bore him a single child; he also had a concubine but she had no children. This is in stark contrast to his father, who is said to have had at least 80 children with multiple wives.

    Seimu's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 131 to 190 AD. An issue ultimately occurred when his only son allegedly died at a young age. Seimu appointedone of his nephews to be crown prince before his death in 190 AD, marking the first of later generations which would cede the throne to a non-direct successor. While the location of Seimu's grave (if any) is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at amemorialShintotomb. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Seimu" was used by later generations to describe this legendary Emperor. It has also been proposed that Seimu actually reigned much later than he is attested. (Full article...)
  • Image 10 The Yamashita Cave People (山下洞人, Yamashita Dōjin) are the prehistoric humans known from many bones found in the Yamashita limestone cave located on the grounds of the Yamashita First Cave Site Park in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The remains have been dated at 32,000±1000 years ago. The most important bones found in the cave in Yamashita are those of an approximately 6 to 8-year-old girl. (Full article...)
    Image 10
    TheYamashita Cave People (山下洞人,Yamashita Dōjin) are theprehistoric humans known from many bones found in theYamashita limestone cave located on the grounds of theYamashita First Cave Site Park inNaha,Okinawa,Japan. The remains have been dated at 32,000±1000 years ago.
    The most important bones found in the cave in Yamashita are those of an approximately 6 to 8-year-old girl. (Full article...)
  • Image 11 Yayoi jar, 1st-3rd century, excavated in Kugahara, Ōta, Tokyo The Yayoi period (弥生時代, Yayoi jidai) (c. 300 BC – 300 AD) is one of the major historical periods of the Japanese archipelago. It is generally defined as the era between the beginning of food production in Japan and the emergence of keyhole-shaped burial mounds (前方後円墳, zenpō-kōen-fun). Chronologically, it spans from around the 10th century BCE or 9th–8th century BCE to the mid-3rd century CE. Following the Jōmon period, which was characterized by a hunter-gatherer economy, the Yayoi period marked the transition to a productive economy based on wet-rice agriculture. In the latter half of the late Yayoi period (around the 1st century CE), large regional powers emerged throughout western Japan, including the Tokai and Hokuriku regions. By the end of the 2nd century, the political entity known as Wa-koku (倭国) had formed. It is generally considered that the Yayoi period transitioned into the Kofun period around the mid-3rd century, although the precise starting point of the Kofun period remains debated among scholars. (Full article...)
    Image 11

    Yayoi jar, 1st-3rd century, excavated in Kugahara,Ōta, Tokyo

    TheYayoi period (弥生時代,Yayoi jidai) (c. 300 BC – 300 AD) is one of the major historical periods of theJapanese archipelago. It is generally defined as the era between the beginning of food production in Japan and the emergence ofkeyhole-shaped burial mounds (前方後円墳,zenpō-kōen-fun). Chronologically, it spans from around the 10th century BCE or 9th–8th century BCE to the mid-3rd century CE.

    Following theJōmon period, which was characterized by a hunter-gatherer economy, the Yayoi period marked the transition to a productive economy based on wet-rice agriculture. In the latter half of the late Yayoi period (around the 1st century CE), large regional powers emerged throughout western Japan, including the Tokai and Hokuriku regions. By the end of the 2nd century, the political entity known asWa-koku (倭国) had formed. It is generally considered that the Yayoi period transitioned into theKofun period around the mid-3rd century, although the precise starting point of the Kofun period remains debated among scholars. (Full article...)
  • Image 12 The moon on Musashi Plain (fox) by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi The kitsune (狐, きつね; IPA: [kʲi̥t͡sɨne̞] ⓘ), in popular Japanese folklore, is a fox or fox spirit which possesses the supernatural ability to shapeshift or bewitch other life forms. (Full article...)
    Image 12
    The moon on Musashi Plain (fox) byTsukioka Yoshitoshi


    Thekitsune (狐, きつね;IPA:[kʲi̥t͡sɨne̞]ⓘ), in popular Japanese folklore, is afox orfox spirit which possesses thesupernatural ability to shapeshift or bewitch other life forms. (Full article...)
  • Image 13 Kyushu Region in Japan The Azumi (阿曇氏 or 安曇族) were a warrior clan and tribe who originated during the Jōmon period in Japan, whose cultures and beliefs are considered to be one of Japan's earliest sea religions. Their existence dates back to the early 3rd – 7th centuries, when their extensive knowledge of navigation between waters made them the naval force of Yamato Japan in Kyushu. They originally lived in Northern Kyushu, especially in an area called Chikuzen, now part of modern-day Fukuoka Prefecture. Their understanding of tides, weather patterns and constellations ensured their successful voyaging. In essence, the working of Azumi life was centered around their sea god, Watatsumi and their deity ‘Isora’, who provided the Azumi people with a strong sense of spiritual guidance throughout their day-to-day life. (Full article...)
    Image 13

    Kyushu Region in Japan

    TheAzumi (阿曇氏 or 安曇族) were a warrior clan and tribe who originated during theJōmon period inJapan, whose cultures and beliefs are considered to be one of Japan's earliest sea religions. Their existence dates back to the early 3rd – 7th centuries, when their extensive knowledge of navigation between waters made them the naval force ofYamato Japan in Kyushu. They originally lived in NorthernKyushu, especially in an area calledChikuzen, now part of modern-dayFukuoka Prefecture. Their understanding of tides, weather patterns and constellations ensured their successful voyaging. In essence, the working of Azumi life was centered around their sea god,Watatsumi and their deity ‘Isora’, who provided the Azumi people with a strong sense of spiritual guidance throughout their day-to-day life. (Full article...)
  • Image 14 Yayoi period ritual The Yayoi people (弥生人, Yayoi-jin) were an ancient people who immigrated to the Japanese archipelago during the Yayoi period (300 BCE–300 CE) and are characterized by the existence of Yayoi material culture. Some argue for an earlier start of the Yayoi period, between 1000 and 800 BCE, but this date is contested. (Full article...)
    Image 14
    Yayoi period ritual

    TheYayoi people (弥生人,Yayoi-jin) were an ancient people who immigrated to theJapanese archipelago during theYayoi period (300 BCE–300 CE) and are characterized by the existence of Yayoi material culture. Some argue for an earlier start of the Yayoi period, between 1000 and 800 BCE, but this date is contested. (Full article...)
  • Image 15 Emperor Kōshō (孝昭天皇, Kōshō-tennō), also known as Mimatsuhikokaeshine no Mikoto (真津日子訶恵志泥命) was the fifth legendary emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Very little is known about this Emperor due to a lack of material available for further verification and study. Kōshō is known as a "legendary emperor" among historians as his actual existence is disputed. Nothing exists in the Kojiki other than his name and genealogy. Kōshō's reign allegedly began in 475 BC, he had one wife and two sons. After his death in 393 BC, his second son supposedly became the next emperor. (Full article...)
    Image 15
    Emperor Kōshō (孝昭天皇,Kōshō-tennō), also known asMimatsuhikokaeshine no Mikoto (真津日子訶恵志泥命) was the fifthlegendaryemperor of Japan, according to the traditionalorder of succession. Very little is known about this Emperor due to a lack of material available for further verification and study. Kōshō is known as a "legendary emperor" among historians as his actual existence is disputed. Nothing exists in theKojiki other than his name and genealogy. Kōshō's reign allegedly began in 475 BC, he had one wife and two sons. After his death in 393 BC, his second son supposedly became thenext emperor. (Full article...)

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