Japan is best known as the country of islands. Japan’s history dates back to 13,000 BC. Early settlers of Japan were fishermen and hunters-gatherers.
Different phases of Japan History
The period of 13,000 BC to 300 BC is known as Jomon Period, named after the pottery of this time. The word Jomon means “cord pattern”. The people used to craft patterns of cord on their pottery. 300 BC – 300 AD – Known as Yayoi Period, again named after the pottery of that era. During this period agriculture was introduced in Japan, with rice becoming the main crop. With the introduction of agriculture the country began to unite under the powerful landowners and social classes began to evolve. Iron was introduced by Korea to Japan during this period. Japan was ruled by a queen named Himiko (or Pimiko) at that time.
In 400 AD the country was combined and Yamato, Japan became the capitol of the country. The period (300 AD to 538 AD) was commonly known as Kofun period, named after the tombs known as Kofuns. These tombs were built for the rulers of the country. Japan history passed through different phases in different periods. Buddhism came to Japan in 538 AD or 552 AD. Prince Shotoku promoted this religion and was the one who wrote the constitution of Seventeen Articles, giving details of political and moral principals. During the Yamato period Chinese scripture was also introduced.
New tax systems and reforms were brought in Japan in 645 AD based on the Chinese model, this era is most commonly known as the era of the Fujiwara clan. The Fujiwara clan existed until the 11th century, the rise of the warriors (Samurais). The events that followed brought devastating changes between the years 710 AD – 784 AD (the Nara Period) when the city of Nara was made the capitol of the country. The capitol was shifted to Nagaoka and finally Heian which remained the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years.
With the end Fujiwara’s power, Go-Sanjo became the new emperor in 1068 AD he relinquished his power in 1086 AD. In1156 AD Taira Kiyomori became the ruler of Japan. Taira and Minamoto Clans ruled Japan jointly in the 12th century. They fought a deciding war between themselves which lasted for 5 years (1180 to 1185).
After this war Minamoto Yoritomo came into power and set up a new government in Kamakura, which was his home city. Yoritomo died in the year 1199 which brought about disturbances and finally Kamakura gained control of Japan in 1221. Kamakura had to fight two wars against Mongols. Though the Mongols were defeated, this resulted in a weak economy and brought about the downfall of Kamakura. He was overthrown by Go-Daigo in 1333.
The Portuguese introduced Christianity and firearms in Japan. In order to take concrete steps to unify Japan, Oda Nobunage captured Kyoto in 1568. the EDO (Tokyo) period began in1600 AD. Tokugawa Leyasu established government in EDO. Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan for 250 years. Emperor Meiji’s government was restored in 1867-1868 after the fall of Tokugawa government. Many reforms were carried out to make Japan a democratic state, bringing improvement in the education system. During Meiji period Japan won 2 wars (Sino-Japanese, 1894-95 and Russo-Japanese War, 1904-05). The death of Emperor Meiji in 1912 brought an end to the Meiji Era.
After the death of Emperor Meiji, Taisho became the emperor. He remained in power from 1912 to 1926. Taisho was a weak emperor who left a weak and feeble economy. Power was taken over by the parliament and democratic parties. Japan was fighting its weak economy after World War 1. The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and worldwide depression in 1929 added to the miseries of Japan. A second Sino-Japanese war broke out in 1937. Japan won the war by capturing the whole coast of China. Japan also occupied French Indochina (Vietnam).
Impact of World War II on Japan History
Japan’s excesses were not being viewed favorably. Japan was portrayed to have attacked the Allied Forces in Pearl Harbor unprovoked and was also able to gain control of a large territory on the borders of India. Finally on August 06, 1945, the US attacked the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs as retaliation for the bombing at Pearl Harbor, killing millions of people and bringing an end to the war. Emperor Showa resigned on August 14 of the same year.
Allied Forces retained the occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1952 resulting in the enforcement of peace treaty. Stability in relationship between Japan and the Soviet Union came about in1956 and by 1972 Japan’s relations with China also normalized.
Post World War II Japan History
With the continued and swift cooperation between Japan and the Allied Forces, Japan signed a peace treaty and in 1954 and Japan’s self defense forces came into existence in spite of a huge outcry by the people of Japan.
Recent History
The end of the Korean War brought growth to the Japanese economy. Due to the heavy dependence on oil, Japan’s economy was endangered due to the oil crisis in 1973. Japan shifted its dependence from oil to the technology industry. Japan’s economy is now one of the strongest in the world. Major exports of the country are cars, computers and electronics.
