Ancient Japan: From Primitive Clans to Civilized City-States

For much of modern history, Japan has been associated with frightening and ferocious images of Samurai
warriors. Disappointing as it may be however, Japan's rich history goes back thousands of years before
any sword-wielding warriors crossed blades. As the ancient Egyptians piled high their picturesque
pyramids, the ancient Japanese had yet to unify as a nation-state. From a primitive hunter-gatherer
society to a civilized nation-state, Japan's formative years can be traced to three major periods within
prehistoric Japanese history. In this article, four frequently asked questions about the country that has
come to be called the Land of the Rising Sun will be answered.

How Far Back Does Japanese Civilization Go?

Japanese culture can be traced back 15,000 years, and can be divided up into three major periods: the
Joumon period, the Yayoi period, and the Koufun period. The three major periods represent a significant
era in the development of ancient Japanese civilization prior to the recording of written history.

The Joumon period spans 11,000 years, between 14,000 BC to 300 BC. Notably, this era is characterized
by the change from a nomadic hunter-gatherer society to a sedentary culture where the first permanent
settlements came into use. The Joumon period is famous within archaeological circles for the unique
style of pottery found during this time. The Joumon culture is known for its many bone, clay, and
earthenware vessels, as well as for their pottery. Best known is the doguu, a small humanoid figurine
that appeared in the later stages of the Joumon period.

Named after a district in Tokyo where the first remnants of this era were found, the Yayoi period took
place between 300 BC to 250 AD. It was significantly shorter than the previous period, lasting only
several hundred years. The Yayoi period is known as Japan's Iron Age. This era is characterized by the
widespread use of iron-made tools and weapons. With the sharp increase in population and
advancement of technology, society became more complex with the introduction of land ownership and
social classes. Most significantly, the development of wet-rice farming techniques led to a large agrarian
society.

Beginning in 250 AD, and lasting until 538 AD, the Kofun period marks a significant period in Japanese
history. It is the oldest era to be recorded in written Japanese history. This time period is notable for the
formation of the formalized Shinto religion prior to Buddhism and large Kofun burial tombs for the ruling
class elite. Of greater importance, the Kofun period is significant for the establishment of the powerful
Yamato aristocracy. The year 538 AD marks the end of ancient history and the beginning of Classical
Japanese history.

What are the Genetic Origins of Modern Japanese People?

Although the origins of modern Japanese people are not well known, it is widely believed that it can be
traced back to the descendants of the primitive Joumon and Iron Age Yayoi cultures. It is known that the
Joumon and Yayoi people were genetically different and physically distinguishable. The Joumon people
were shorter with wide-set eyes and faces. In comparison, the Yayoi were slightly taller with close-set
eyes and narrow faces. By the start of the Kofun period however, the differences had disappeared. After
the third century AD, ancient Japanese people had already physically evolved to the people we see
today.