Ancient Japan Facts & Worksheets

Ancient Japan covers a vast stretch of history spanning thousands of years filled with rich cultural heritage and changes. Early communities transitioned from hunter-gatherers to fishing and agricultural societies that created beautiful pottery during the Jomon period. Then, during the Yayoi period, they learned to farm rice and work with metals. Powerful clans emerged in the Kofun period, and the influence of Buddhism and Chinese culture began to take root during the Asuka period.

See the fact file below for more information about Ancient Japan, or you can download our 25-page Ancient Japan worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

MYTHOLOGY

• According to Shinto mythology, the Japanese islands were formed by Izanami and Izanagi, two gods who used a jeweled spear in the ancient sea.
• This gave rise to over 800 spirits like Amaterasu, the sun goddess, which shaped the foundation of Shinto beliefs.
• Amaterasu’s descendant, Ninigi, became the first ruler, leading to Emperor Jimmu, forming a divine link between Japan’s emperors and the gods in this ancient narrative.

PALEOLITHIC JAPAN

• People living as hunter-gatherers came to Japan way back in Paleolithic times, with the earliest signs going back about 38,000 to 40,000 years.
• They probably traveled to Japan by boat, according to evidence.

JOMON PERIOD

• The first significant era in Japanese history is the Jomon Period.
• This era lasted from around 14500 to about 300 BCE.
• Its name comes from the unique pottery made during this time, which had rope-like designs called “jomon.”
• This period marked the end of the Palaeolithic Age when people migrated from mainland Asia to Japan’s islands.
• Even though people made pottery during the Jomon Period, they mostly lived as hunter-gatherers and did not settle in one place for long.
• Although agriculture started around 5000 BCE, growing rice did not begin until much later, around 800 BCE.
• The Jomon people, ancestors of the Ainu minority, were about 5 feet tall on average and had distinct features like square faces. 
• Their burials were diverse, from pits with stones to jars containing individuals or large pits with many skeletons.
• Archaeologists found human-shaped figurines, masks, tools, and jewelry made of clay, stone, and jade from this period.
• They also built ritual sites with stone circles, arrow-shaped lines, and tall standing stones with smaller stones around them.
• Some call it the Yamato Period because the Yamato region was in charge, expanding by taking over other areas or beating rivals like Izumo in wars.
• While we’re not exactly sure where Yamato was, it is thought to be around the Nara region.
• Starting in the 4th century CE, lots of people came from Korea.
• There’s a theory that these Korean influences played a significant role in Japan’s development.
• Although this idea is not universally accepted, it is clear that Korean culture, ideas, and goods made their way into Japan during this period. 
• These included things like Chinese writing and Buddhism, as well as Korean techniques in building and other areas. 
• Yamato Japan also began to connect with China, and the large kofun burial mounds, guarded by terracotta figures and shaped like keyholes, show how powerful and wealthy Yamato’s rulers were.
• These mounds highlight the growth of a more organized and centralized government system in Japan, influenced by Chinese models.

ASUKA PERIOD

• The time from 538 to 710 CE is known as the Asuka Period, named after the capital Asuka in what is now the northern Nara prefecture. 
• This period saw real emperors like Emperor Kimmei and influential people like Prince Shotoku, who made government changes based on Chinese ideas.

YAYOI PERIOD

• The Yayoi Period, roughly from 300 BCE to 250 CE, gets its name from reddish pottery discovered in Tokyo’s Yayoi district.
• This was a particular shift from the Jomon Period pottery.
• Around 400 BCE, people started migrating from Asia, mainly Korea, reportedly because of conflicts caused by Chinese expansion and between rival kingdoms.
• These newcomers brought advancements like new types of pottery, bronze, iron, and better farming tools and weapons.
• With better farming techniques, society grew, creating jobs, markets for trade, and unique items like dotaku bronze bells for rituals. 
• There were also new social classes led by a ruling class overseeing alliances of clan groups that formed small kingdoms.
• China noted Japan’s frequent wars, seen in archaeology through fortified villages.
• By the end, Japan’s population could have been around 4.5 million.
• They began connecting with China through diplomatic missions.
• Queen Himiko, ruling from about 189 to 248 CE, stood out as a leader of many kingdoms and served as both a state and a religious leader.
• Her story reflects an earlier time in Japan when women had more prominent roles before Chinese influence grew later on.

KOFUN PERIOD

• The Kofun Period, from roughly 250 to 538 CE, is named after the big burial mounds created during this era.
• Fujiwara no Kamatari also made big changes through the Taika Reforms, which affected land ownership, taxes, and the government structure.
• During this time, Buddhism arrived and became accepted because of the efforts of Emperor Yomei and Prince Shotoku.
• This new religion not only changed how people worshiped but also improved Japan’s cultural ties with Korea and China.
• While there were conflicts with neighbors like Silla, the Asuka Period was a time of artistic growth.
• Empress Suiko, who supported literature and music, made this period also known as the Suiko Period.

NARA PERIOD

• From 710 to 794 CE, Japan experienced the Nara Period, named after its capital city, Nara.
• Modeled after China’s Chang-an, Nara boasted a structured layout and buildings reminiscent of Chinese architecture.
• During this era, the grand Heijo Palace was built, and the government expanded, employing around 7,000 officials.
• Nara’s population likely soared to 200,000 people.
• The central government’s influence grew, aided by an increased military presence throughout Japan.
• Emperor Shomu notably promoted Buddhism, constructing numerous temples despite imposing heavy taxes.
• Iconic temples such as Todaiji, housing a massive bronze Buddha statue, were erected.
• Literature flourished during this time, with works like Kojiki and Nihon Shoki chronicling myths and history.
• However, commoners faced challenges like poor farming and diseases such as smallpox.
• The government also struggled with financial issues and internal conflicts.
• Eventually, Emperor Kammu relocated the capital, ushering in a new era of prosperity for Japan.

HEIAN PERIOD

• One big event during the Heian Period, from 794 to 1185 CE, was when Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyo, now Kyoto, in 794.
• This move led to a new focus on art, literature, and fancy living among the wealthy.
• The Fujiwara family also became very powerful during this time. 
• They made diplomatic marriages and alliances to control the government, even though the emperors were still around.
• This meant the government became less centralized, with local leaders gaining more power.
• A conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans, the Genpei War, changed who was in charge and moved the country into a new period called the Kamakura Period.
• One famous book from this time is “The Tale of Genji” by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, which talks about life at the royal court and how people fell in love.

Ancient Japan Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Ancient Japan across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Ancient Japan. Early communities transitioned from hunter-gatherers to fishing and agricultural societies that created beautiful pottery during the Jomon period. Then, during the Yayoi period, they learned to farm rice and work with metals. Powerful clans emerged in the Kofun period, and the influence of Buddhism and Chinese culture began to take root during the Asuka period.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Ancient Japan Facts
2. Time for Terms
3. Picture the Past
4. Best Choice
5. Era Explorer
6. Sugoi Figures
7. Major Changes
8. Ruler Role-play
9. Ancient Sayings
10. Spirited Debate
11. Current Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the samurai class in Ancient Japan?

The samurai were a noble warrior class in Ancient Japan, renowned for their loyalty, martial prowess, and adherence to a strict code of honor known as Bushido. They served as the military elite and played a crucial role in maintaining order, protecting their lords, and shaping Japanese society and culture.

Who was Prince Shotoku and what was his impact on Ancient Japanese society?

Prince Shotoku was a regent and statesman during the Asuka period in Ancient Japan. He is credited with promoting Buddhism, implementing a series of reforms that centralized the government, and fostering cultural exchange with China and Korea. His Seventeen Article Constitution laid the groundwork for a centralized bureaucratic system and emphasized the importance of harmony and benevolence in governance.

What were the main features of Shintoism in Ancient Japan?

Shintoism is an indigenous religion of Japan that focuses on the worship of kami, or spirits, and the reverence of nature. In Ancient Japan, Shinto rituals and beliefs were deeply intertwined with daily life, ceremonies, and the veneration of ancestors. It influenced Japanese culture, art, and the concept of national identity.

How did the Heian period contribute to the development of Japanese literature and culture?

The Heian period (794-1185) is known as a golden age of Japanese literature and culture. It saw the flourishing of courtly aesthetics, poetry, and literature, particularly with works like “The Tale of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu. This era also witnessed the refinement of traditional Japanese arts such as calligraphy, painting, and architecture.

What role did feudalism play in Ancient Japanese society?

Feudalism in Ancient Japan was characterized by the decentralized power structure, where regional lords, known as daimyo, held significant authority over their domains. Samurai served these daimyo in exchange for land and protection. This system of feudal relationships contributed to the stability of Japanese society for centuries, although it also led to periods of conflict and civil war.

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