A summary of the history of Japan
Era (時代) Year (년 Notes
Jomon (縄文)
  • Paleo-, meso-, neolithic age where rocks were broken or pulverized to make earthen-wares and bones were also used as tools
  • People related to one another by blood lived in caves convenient for hunting and fishing
  • Modern Japanese refer to the people of this era as their early ancestors
Yayoi (弥生)
  • Lithic and metallic potteries were used
  • Sedentism leads to separation of jobs and ordering of people by ranks
  • Bronzewares appear not for everyday use, but for decoration, rites, and precious items
Yamato (大和) circa 300 AD
  • A power structure, based on Yamato ruling class, formed around the emperor unifies most of Japan
538 AD
  • Buddhism is introduced through Baekjae