Essential Periods in the History of Japan The history of Japan is significantly supported by the archaeological evidences indicating the

individuals started living on this island in upper Paleolithic period. Its divided into a number of periods, which had been ruled by various rulers. Beginning from the Jomon period, a few of the prominent ones are discussed below: o Jomon Period- the Japanese inhabitant throughout this period lived by hunting and fishing. They use to create cord marking on the pottery. o Kofun Period (AD 300-710) throughout this period, weapons, articles and agricultural tools had been introduced from Korea and China. The chief character of this period was the huge mounded tombs that were built for the political elite. These were surrounded with clay cylinders and figurines known as haniwa. o Nara Period (AD 710- 794) a centralized government was established with its capital at Nara. It followed a Ritsuryo program, which was a Chinese style system of law codes. Temples like kokubunji was established and Buddhist religion was followed with flourishing art and architecture. It was during this period that the fantastic Buddha at the todaiji temples was built. o Heian Period (AD 794-1185) many families specially the Fujiwara loved ones, gained control of the government. A much more indigenous style of living culture was introduced than Chinese style culture that dominated Nara Period. Beautiful gardens in the palaces and residences of royal families have distinct style of architecture. The period was also well-known for literary masterpieces. o Kamakura Period (1185-1333) Minamoto loved ones overthrew the Taira family that dominated within the late previous period. Military style of government was began in this period by member of the warrior class. Its powerful realistic style was depicted by the statue of guardian deities along with other sculpture at temples. o Muromachi Period (1333-1568) it was dominated by the standoff in between emperor Go-Daigo and his supporter Ashikaga Takauji, who overthrew Kamakura. Peasants and merchants started to enhance their condition with emergence of more plebian type of government. o Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568-1600) contacts with Europeans increased during this period and ornate decorative style was created at the hands of war loads. o Edo Period (1600-1868) throughout this period, the control more than Japan was gained by Tokugawa Ieyasu in Edo (now Tokyo). The new merchant class of culture flourished with the begin of kabuki drama. o Meiji Period (1868-1912) the western culture and civilization started pervading in every aspect of Japanese life. modern Japanese literature was born and the first literary work was written in contemporary colloquial language. o Taisho Period (1912-1926) western books turn out to be famous amongst educated urban middle class. Radio broadcast, large circulation newspaper and general monthly magazine added towards the richness of cultural life. o Showa Period (1926- 1989) following the monetary crises of 1927, Japan regained its control of

Government and regain its economy amongst the worlds leading democratic powers. After it, started the Heisei Period (1989 to present), which worked for the upheaval of Japan and led to some essential events in Japans history. By on About Japan