The first human inhabitants of the Japanese archipelago have been traced to the Paleolithic, around 38–39,000 years ago. The Jōmon period, named after its cord-marked pottery, was followed by the Yayoi period in … See more

Asuka period (538–710)
The Asuka period began as early as 538 AD with the introduction of the Buddhist religion from the … See more

Kamakura period (1185–1333)
Upon the consolidation of power, Minamoto no Yoritomo chose to rule in concert with the See more

Edo period (1600–1868)
The Edo period was characterized by relative peace and stability under the tight control of the See more

Social stratification in Japan became pronounced during the Yayoi period. Expanding trade and agriculture increased the wealth of society, which was increasingly monopolized by social elites. By 600 AD, a class structure had developed which … See more

Paleolithic period
Hunter-gatherers arrived in Japan in Paleolithic times, with the oldest evidence dating to around 38–40,000 years ago. Little evidence of their presence remains, as Japan's acidic soils tend to degrade bone remains. … See more

Meiji period (1868–1912)
The emperor was restored to nominal supreme power, and in 1869, the imperial family moved to Edo, … See more