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1500 BCE
Deep Sea Fishing. Late Jōmon, 1500–1000 BCE
Late into the Jōmon Period, the climate of Japan had begun to drop which forced civilization to set their sights on land much closer to the coast. Along Honshū’s eastern shores, the Japanese were met with an abundance of seafood, and worked hard to create inventions to aid them while hunting at sea. This new reliance on seafood brought forth the toggle harpoon as well as many unique deep sea fishing techniques. -
645 BCE
Start of the Fujiwara Era. Asuka Period 538 - 710 BCE
At 645 BCE, a concept called the Taika Reform was introduced to Japan. This occurred near the beginning of the new Fujiwara Era, that has sprung into action due to The Fugiwara. Their success lay in how they climbed the tower of hierarchy, starting with their variety of regent positions and daughters; who would marry successors like Emperors, all to build their family's name. -
300 BCE
Introduction to Rice Farming. Yayoi Period, 300 BC - 250 AD
The introduction to rice agriculture was brought forth at about 300 BC, playing quite a valuable role in the progress of Japan's social hierarchy. At this time, the production of rice was not the only concept evolving; multiple small Japanese countries made the careful choice to unify with each other into much larger countries, introducing even greater amounts of yet to be unexperienced power. -
250
Unification of Japan. Kofun Period, 250 - 538 AD
This was the very first time ancient Japan had ever been united as one in history! The result of this harmony gave the joined forces new planes of territory, as well as resources, support, and power.
A funfact: The name of this period comes from the great invention of the Kofun (coffin), which was made for deceased leaders of that era. -
538
Introduction to Buddhism. Asuka Period, 538 - 552 AD
This date marks the beginning of the grand introduction to Buddhism within Japan. The Monarch of the Korean Kingdom of Baekje started this spread of religion by sending a patrol who bore many gifts, all directly related to Buddhism. These multiple tools and scriptures used in ritual were included in the mission and given to Japan in order to further share the word of Buddha. -
1016
Fujiwara to Power. Heian Period, 794 - 1185 AD
At about 1016 AD, Fujiwara Michinaga came forth to claim the crown which he carried successfully. He reigned over ancient Japan, driving it to it's impressive peak of power over this period. He had become the regent of Japan; his name marking the highest point of Fujiwara power. -
1175
The Jodo Sect is introduced. Heian Period, 794 - 1185
The Jodo Sect translates to the "pure land sect", and was brought to light in Japan around 1175, during the Heian Period. This branch of Buddhism was created and spread by a Japanese ex-Tendai monk, who went by the name of Hōnen. This sect of Buddhism taught its disciples to call on a Buddha known as, Amitābha who was believed to take the deceased to a land of purity and beauty; a perfect location away from Earth. -
1333
The Zen Sect. Kamakura Period, 1333 - 1992 AD
In Japan, 1991 AD, the Zen Sect had just been introduced, stemming from China and Korea originally. This new concept was basically a combination of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. Fellow followers believed the essence which Zen possessed was the most accurate key for understanding the purpose of life clearly and correctly, for that time. -
1334
Restoration of Kenmu Empire. Muromachi Period, 1338 - 1603 AD
At the time of 1334 AD, the restoration of the Kenmu Empire was set into place, followed by the emperor's successful takeover of Japan. Once clearing his way of any opposing peers, Ashikaga Takauji was able to enforce a new Bakufu which is now known as the Muromachi Shogunate. -
1467
The Onin War. Muromachi Period, 1338 - 1573.
Beginning in 1467, the Onin War took place and was held accountable for the political division that took place in Japan's society at the time. The warfare caused took a historical toll on Japan, even more so in the city of Kyoto which was the destination that managed to face most of the battling. -
1573
Muromachi Government Falls. Muromachi Period, 1338 - 1573
The fall of the Ashikaga shogunate was finalized in 1573, during the remaining time of the Muromachi Government. Once Nobunaga chased Ashikaga Yoshiaki out of Kyoto, the Ashikaga family came too see that they were on their own. Yet, throughout the 16th century this bloodline managed to pull through and only expand despite the struggle they faced. -
Fall of Hojo. Azuchi-Momoyama Period, 1573 - 1603 AD
Japan was reunited in 1590 AD, closely after the fall of Odawara; also known as Hojo. This new unification of Japan not only brought order to the people, but the political, social, and foreign alliance aspects which were overdue for some attention. Unfortunately, following what seemed like a step in the right direction was at least a century worth of Japanese civil wars and confliction. -
Introduction to Tokogawa Government. Edo Period, 1603 - 1868 AD
In 1603 AD, the founder and first shogun of the Tokogawa Shogunate within Japan, was elected to power. He strongly lead the country of Japan from the start of 1603 AD up until the beginning 1868 AD, just in time for the Meiji Restoration. -
The Genroku Era. Edo Period, 1603 - 1868 AD
This famous era is known by its quick increase in commercial expansion and its introduction to how colourful the urban culture can actually be. The Genroku Period was a time for when the vibrance of the fast-paced Japanese culture was at last able to shine through, as well as rebuild itself and recreate it's title. -
Restoration of the Meiji Empire. Meiji Period, 1868 - 1912 AD
In 1868 AD, the great Emperor Meiji had at last regained his power and empire throughout Japan. This point in time was considered a moment of valuable restoration, as well as resulted in the fade away of Japan's feudal system. The once used imperial system was next reenforced in Japan, allowing the countries dreams of a unified, generalized, and new form of government to take flight. -
Annexation of Korea. Meiji Period, 1868 - 1912 AD
On the day of August 22,1910, Korea and Japan made the choice to both sign a treaty regarding the annexation of Korea. Up until around 1945, Korea and Japan had each been considered a part of each other. The Japanese Prime Minister, Katsura Taro was said to be the one who arranged this treaty in order to give himself more power over the new region. Sadly, this division resulted in a vicious war between the very two cultures who once thrived together. -
WW1. Taisho Period, 1912 - 1926 AD
During Japan's period of 1914 - 1918 AD, the country joined allied forces of multiple kinds; in order to take part in the battle of World War 1. This devastating time was not the only significant event for this era in which Japan suffered. In 1923 AD, the Great Kanto Earthquake hit heavily and with little to no warning wipes out countless Japanese citizens in both Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan. -
WW2. Showa Period, 1926 - 1989 CE
This second world war took place all throughout Asia, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and Oceania. During battle, the Japanese made the choice to invade Thailand and attack its British colonies of Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Even the United States military bases formed in Hawaii, Guam, Wake Island, and the Philippines were targeted. By the end, Japan had decided to withdraw from the fighting and surrender after loosing too many lives. -
The Oil Crisis. Showa Period 1926 - 1989
This event is also known as the "Oil Shock", due to the fact that the Arab countries at the time made the choice to restrict their exportations to pro-Israeli governments. This was decided during the Middle-East War of 1973, and from there on the prices of oil exports jumped greatly for those under such ruling. Interestingly enough, this discrimination only pushed the Japanese to the look for ways of being successful outside of working with oil. -
The Bubble Economy. Heisei Period, 1989 - 2019
In 1992, an abrupt spike in Japan's economy took place, giving that point in time the famous name of the Bubble Economy. The meaning behind the name is not as friendly as it sounds and represents the struggle Japan faced after the fall of the over exaggerated economic bubble of the 1980's. This long lost decade only recently came to a halt in 2002 and has forced Japan to push harder, as well as to re-obtain the level of power they once had.
