Vintage Images Of Japanese Women's Fashion

The Jomon Era (14,000 BC - 300 BC)

The first homo sapiens to inhabit the Japanese archipelago (a group of islands in proximity or connected) has been traced to prehistoric times, roughly 32,000 BC; however, this date has been disputed by some archaeologists. The Jomon period took place between 14,000 BC to 300 BC in Japan's history. The Jomon people were an ancient tribal civilisation, who were said to be hunter-gatherers that gradually evolved to adopt the practice of settlement in permanent locations of abode (Sedentism). The term 'Jomon', which means cord-marked, was named after the cord-marked pottery which the Jomon civilisation left behind. The Jomon era was eventually followed by the Yayoi era in the first millennium.

The Yayoi Era (300 BC - 300 AD)

The Yayoi people were part of an ancient ethnic population that migrated to the Japanese archipelago from the Korean peninsula. Radiocarbon evidence suggests that the Yayoi period in Japanese history occurred roughly (300 BC - 300 AD), although, some historians have stated an earlier settlement date. The Yayoi people brought their own technological advancements, agricultural knowledge, and experience to their new homeland in the archipelago. In addition, archaeological data implies warfare had taken place between the Yayoi tribe and the indigenous Jomon tribe, in addition, further scientific evidence indicates a higher mortality rate occurred within the Jomon population, resulting in a dramatic decline in the size of the Jomon people over the first few hundred years of settlement upon the archipelago by the Yayoi tribe, meanwhile, the Yayoi population increased significantly over the same period of time. The Yayoi people are believed to have integrated with the remaining minority Jomon population, which eventually formed the modern-day Japanese population. The migration theory is supported by genetic and linguistic studies, and in addition, detailed scientific studies of artefacts and skeletal remains of both the Jomon and the Yayoi ancient civilisations.

The Kofun Era (300 - 710)

The Yayoi migration was followed by the Kofun era (300 - 700). Archaeologists declare that the Kofun people originated partly from China and the Korean peninsula, and that both civilisations had merged and developed a shared culture. The Kofu era witnessed the first official recorded account of Japanese history and the introduction of Shintoism, as well as the rise of the Imperial House of Japan (Yamato Dynasty). The Kofun era saw concerted efforts by the ruling class to gradually unify Japan under a single sovereign kingdom. The term 'Kofun' refers to the large artificial mound tombs (over 160,000) which were built during that era, and they were primarily for the resting places of the elite classes. Moreover, the tombs were considered a symbol of the growing dominance of the new leaders of Japan at that time.

The Kingdom Of Yamatai (100 - 300)

The earliest written work about Japan was stated in the Chinese Book of Han, which was completed, 111 AD. The Book of Han referred to Japan as 'WA' Wakoku, and it stated that Japan was divided into one hundred kingdoms. Another famous book called 'Wei Zhi', stated that by 240 AD, one powerful Kingdom in Japan had achieved dominance over the other Kingdoms in Japan. And according to the book of Wei Zhi, this kingdom was called 'Yamatai', also referred to as 'Yamatai-Koku' and 'Yamato-Koku' (historians disagree on the original location). However, the Kingdom of Yamatai existed between 100 AD and 300 AD. It was also stated in the book of Wei Zhi that the Kingdom of Yamatai was ruled by a female monarch who was a spiritual leader called 'Himiko', meaning 'Sun child'. The term 'Japan' originated between the 6th and 7th centuries and was initially referred to as 'Nihon' or 'Nippon', translation 'Land of the Sun', reason being Japan is located east of China, and appeared to be in the place from which the glorious sun would rise at dawn.

The First Emperor Of Japan (660)

The classical age in Japan's remarkable history spanned (500 - 1185). This era was renowned for the introduction of Japan's political, economic, social, and cultural values, upon which Japan's successive generations had accomplished much greater heights of developments and advancements within their society. This period of time was also widely acknowledged by historians as the golden age of culture creation in ancient Japanese history. The title 'Emperor' was derived from ancient Chinese governmental ideology, which was adopted by the Japanese ruling classes as the official title for their head of state. The Emperor is the head of state over all the kingdoms of Japan and head of the Imperial Family of Japan. Also, under the constitution of Japan, the Emperor is defined as 'The symbol of the State and the unity of the people'. According to the ancient book 'Nihon Shoki' (chronicles of Japan), which is said to be the second oldest book about classical Japanese history, the concept of Emperor sovereignty was founded by Emperor Jimmu in 660, and he was considered to be the first Emperor of Japan. As written in the chronicles of Japan, and according to Japanese mythology, Emperor Jimmu was said to be the descendant of the Sun Goddess 'Amaterasu', meaning 'Great divinity illuminating heaven'. However, some historians consider Emperor Jimmu, a mere legendary figure, as not enough information can be ascertained to substantiate whether he actually existed. Japan's Imperial dynasty continues to this day, and is said to be the longest dynasty in the world. However, the current Emperor is no longer permitted to play a political role in Japan, but instead he is obliged to carry out ceremonial duties, in conjunction with his other official duties.

The Asuka Era (538-710)

The Kofun era was followed by the Asuka era (538 - 710), and the Asuka era overlapped the latter stage of the Kofun era. Asuka was a region in Japan where the Imperial capital of Japan was situated between 538 - 710. In present-day Japan, the area is located in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture. The Asuka era was a time of immense transformation for ancient Japanese society. The Asuka era witnessed the introduction of the Buddhist religion, which was adopted from the Korean kingdom of Baekje. Henceforth, Buddhism coexisted with the Japanese religion Shinto, also known as the Kami-no-michi. Shinto is polytheistic (the worship or belief in multiple gods). It is a religious belief system which states that gods and spirits inhabit all things in nature, such as plants, land, and animal life forms. The Asuka era is also known for the introduction of a variety of artistic cultures from Korea and China, and for the adoption of certain political ideologies from ancient China. In addition, this era witnessed the introduction of writing and a variety of standardised systems.

The Heian Era (794 - 1185)

The Emperor Kanmu (born 737 - died 806) founded a new Imperial capital in the city of Heian in 794, which marked the beginning of the Heian era (794 - 1185), said to be the last division of classical Japanese history. This era was named after the capital city of Heian-kyo (present-day city of Kyoto), the term Heian means 'peace' in Japanese. The Heian era was primarily based on an agricultural economy, and many of its citizens employed a bartering system for trading goods, because at this time, Japan had not fully established its own currency. Therefore, Japan had a temporary arrangement with China to use its currency as Japan's monetary currency. Importantly, the Heian era has been quoted by some scholars as Japan's golden age, partly because Japanese aristocrats had initiated a great revival and lavishing of Japanese culture, namely, idealistic beauty, elegance, and the concept of honour and correct behaviours. Thereafter, a generous refinement of Japanese literature and arts evolved, which resulted in a profound and lasting influence on Japanese society. Unfortunately, the Heian era covered the gradual erosion of power from the Imperial Court, which was initially founded on Chinese influences. The court nobles had descended into internal power struggles and were preoccupied with personal pursuits, instead of fully concentrating on their governmental responsibilities across the nation. In addition, the Heian era saw the rise of powerful nationalistic Japanese feudal clans and the birth of the Samurai, all of which were competing to rule Japan, namely, the Fujiwara, Kamakura, and Taira clans. The Heian era culminated with the Genpei War (1180 - 1185), a civil war between the Minamoto and Taira clans. Ultimately, the Minamoto clan, whose leader was Minamoto no Yoritomo, emerged triumphant. After which Japan's capital was relocated to Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 1192. Meanwhile, Minamoto proclaimed himself as the Kamakura Shogunate (military dictator).

The Kamakura Era (1185 - 1333)

The Kamakura era (1185 - 1333) marked the governance of Japan by the Kamakura Shogunate, which employed a system of military rule. Minamoto no Yoritomo (born 1147- died 1199) officially founded the Kamakura Shogunate (Shogun), 21 August 1192. The Shogun was the title given to the nominally appointed military dictators of Japan during most of this era (1185 - 1668). The Kamakura era witnessed a major transformation of Japan's social, political, and cultural structure. Japan's economy changed to a land-based economy, and many markets began to develop in large towns. Innovators started creating new manufacturing methods to produce high demand products, such as porcelain and paper. Meanwhile, Japan improved its trade relations with its neighbours China and Koria, which contributed to a more successful Japanese economy. The Kamakura era is also remembered for highly promoting and establishing Buddhism to a much greater degree across Japan, namely, building numerous Buddhist monasteries and schools that taught Buddhism. The Kamakura era is also known for the emergence of the Samurai, a hereditary line of nobility in Japan, who were the first military force to govern Japan. The Kamakura era marked a time of feudal conflict across Japan, in which the Samurai were considered the de facto rulers of the nation. The Samurai exhibited passionate adherence to the philosophy of bushido. meaning 'way of the warrior', said to be a moral code of strict adherence relating to the attitudes, behaviour, and lifestyle of the Samurai.

The Muromachi Era (1336 - 1573)

The Kamakura Shogunate was eventually defeated in 1333 by the Muromachi clan, who were a longtime rival contender to the Shogunate. In Japanese history, the Muromachi era was also known as the Ashikaga Shogunate era (1336-1573). After Ashikaga Takauji attained power, the Muromachi government continued to be afflicted with civil war across Japan, as it struggled to hold on to power. However, during this era, Japanese architecture, science, art, and education system developed rapidly. In 1546, Portugal was recorded as the first European nation to make contact with Japan, and the first nation to introduce and sell firearms to Japanese warmongers. This event initiated rapid technological developments and the mass manufacturing of such weapons across many parts of Japan. The Portuguese were also the first to introduce Christianity to Japan by way of a Roman Catholic missionary named Francis Xavier in 1549. In addition, Portugal was the first European nation to establish trading relations with the Japanese government, and given Japan had already established strong trade arrangements in China and Korea, the Japanese economy improved significantly, providing increased wealth to many regions across Japan, and importantly, during the Muromachi era, Japan began minting coins, which led to a transition from a barter-based economy to a very successful currency-based economy.

The Edo Era (1603 - 1868)

The Edo era or Tokugawa era spanned (1603 - 1868), at this time Japan was under the governance of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Edo is an ancient name for modern-day Tokyo, and it was the chosen region in Japan from which the Edo government implemented its authority across the other regions of Japan. The Edo era witnessed significant economic growth and population increase. The ruling class imposed an isolationist policy across Japan by limiting outside trading relations with other nations. General education, the performing arts, fine arts, and theatre entertainment increased significantly, additionally, many more people indulged in social interests. A new enigmatic form of popular female entertainers known as Geishas rose to prominence across Japan. The Edo era is remembered for bringing relative peace and stability across many regions of Japan for over 200 years, famously known as the Great Peace, it is said to be the most peaceful era in Japan's history. However, during the early 19th century, the Japanese economy began to decline once again, which marked the return of growing discontent across Japan.

The Meiji Restoration (1868 - 1889)

In 1853, a fleet of intimidating American warships arrived in the Japanese sea. The fleet was commanded by Matthew C. Perry, who was on a mission to end Japan's isolationist foreign policies and to forge trading relations between the US and Japan, by any means. The ruling Tokugawa Shogunate reluctantly acquiesced to the unfavourable demands of the Americans, to the fury of many citizens across Japan. Eventually, great civil unrest ensued, resulting in the Boshin civil war, also known as the Japanese revolution, which spanned 1868-1869, and was fought between the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate and those conglomerate opposing forces in Japan seeking to return full political power to the Imperial court. The revolution culminated in the fall of the Edo Empire, and the instalment of the Meiji government or the Meiji restoration, in 1868. The Imperial court was reinstated, then Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) and members of the Meiji government proceeded to abolish the Shogunate and the Samurai feudal system of sovereignty, and henceforth embarked on a mission to modernise Japan, in order to become equal in strength against any opposing foreign nation that Japan may be confronted with in the future.