Early Japan (35000 BCE-250 CE)

Human presence in Japan is most generally accepted to have begun in 35000 BCE, and between then and the end of the most recent ice age (14000 BCE), the only archaeological evidence available is the discovery of stone tools. Tools dated from 30000 BCE were often ground and polished, a trend mostly associated with neolithic civilization rather than paleolithic. The Ainu are believed to be the descendants of the paleolithic Japanese.

The Jomon Period lasted from around 14000 BCE to 300 BCE. Most of what we know about this era comes from the distinctive pottery from this era. Influence from the West began to arrive in this era, particularly rice farming.

The Yayoi Period lasted from 300 BCE to 250 CE. It was marked by a distinctly different style of pottery and the beginning of intensive rice farming. From Chinese histories, we learn that the nation was made up of scattered communities. The Chinese histories of the time called this land "Wa."

The first emperor of Japan, Jimmu, was said to have begun ruling in the 7th Century BCE. The first 15 emperors and empresses of Japan, who ruled during the Jomon and Yayoi periods, are called the "legendary emperors" because there is not enough historical evidence to verify their existence. Most of the narratives about them are closer to mythology than history.

Locations from Early Japan covered by this blog:

• Ise Grand Shrine
• Izumo Taisha
• Atsuta Shrine