A short history of Japan

In short

The earliest times

In the Jomon period, people lived by hunting, gathering and fishing. It is known for some of the oldest pottery in the world.

In the Yayoi period, rice growing in wet fields came from the continent, and a farming society began.

In the Kofun period, leaders in the Kinai region came together to form a confederated state.

Capitals: Nara and Heian

In the Nara period (from about 710), a central government was set up under the ritsuryo system of laws, with its capital at Heijo-kyo (Nara).

In the Heian period (from about 794), the capital moved to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Over time, power moved from the Emperor and the nobles to the warriors.

The shogun’s governments

In the Kamakura period, the Imperial Court still ruled in name, but real power was held by a shogun’s government in Kamakura, in eastern Japan.

In the Muromachi period, the Ashikaga family held power, and the shogun’s government moved to Kyoto.

In the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Japan was unified and trade with Europe grew.

In the Edo period, the shogun stood at the top of the system, Japan was closed off from the world, and there was peace for more than 200 years.

Modern Japan

From about 1868, the new Meiji government built a central state with Tokyo as its capital. Since then, each era has been named for an emperor: Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei and now Reiwa.

Think about it

• Q1Some periods are named after capitals, and some after the shogun’s government. Sort the periods into the two groups.
• Q2The Edo period had peace for more than 200 years. What do you think made that possible?
• Q3How is the history of your country divided into periods?

There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.