A Brief History Of Japan

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 first Homo sapiens or Palaeolithic people to inhabit the Japanese archipelago (a group of islands connected or within close proximity), has been traced to prehistoric times, which was approximately 32,000 BC, although, this date has been disputed by some archaeologists. Japan's Archipelago includes 6,852 islands covering a total area of 377, 835, square Kilometres (145, 883 square miles). Japan's four main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The Jomon period took place between 1,000 BC and 13,000 BC in Japan's history. The Jomon people were an ancient tribal civilization that were said to be hunter-gatherers who gradually evolved into the practice of settlement in permanent locations of abode (Sedentism). The term 'Jomon' means cord-marked, and was named after the cord-marked pottery which the Jomon civilization left behind. The Jomon era was eventually followed by the Yayoi era in the first millennium.

The Yayoi people were part of an ancient ethnic population that migrated to the Japanese archipelago from the Korean peninsula. Radio-carbon evidence suggests that the Yayoi period in Japanese history was approximately (300 BC - 300 AD), although some historians have stated an earlier settlement date. The Yayoi people brought their own technological advancements, and agricultural knowledge and experience to their new homeland in the archipelago. In addition, archaeological data implies warfare had taken place between the Yayoi and the indigenous Jomon population, as well as further scientific evidence indicating a decline in the health, and a higher mortality of the Jomon people, resulting in a dramatic reduction in the size of the Jomon population, over the first few hundred years of settlement upon the Japanese archipelago by the Yayoi tribe, while the opposite occurred over the same period of time within the Yayoi population. 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 civilizations.

Kofun Era

The migration and evolution of the ancient Yayoi people upon the Japanese archipelago, was followed by the Kofun era which spanned approximately (300 - 538). The Kofun era saw concerted efforts by the ruling class, t0wards the gradual unification of Japan under a single sovereign kingdom. The term 'Kofun' refers to the large artificial mound tombs which were built during that era and were primarily for the elite class, furthermore, the tombs were considered a symbol of the growing dominance of the new leaders of Japan at that time.

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 'Wei Zhi' stated that by 240 AD, one powerful Kingdom in Japan, had achieved ascendency 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 foundation of Yamatai occurred between 100 AD and 200 AD. It was also stated in the book of 'Wei Zhi' that the Yamatai kingdom was ruled by a female monarch called 'Himiko' meaning 'Sun child'. The term 'Japan' originated between the 6th and 7th centuries and was initially referred to as 'Nihon' or 'Nippon' which is the equivalent 'Origin of the sun' the reason for this term is, Japan is located east of China, and appeared to be in the place from which the glorious sun would rise at dawn.

The title 'Emperor' was derived from ancient Chinese governmental ideology and utilized by the Japanese ruling class, 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 descendent 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.

 

Asuka Era

The Kofun era was followed by the Asuka era (538 - 710) which spanned the introduction of the Buddhist religion, and 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.

Heian Era

A new Imperial capital was founded in 794, which marked the beginning of the Heian era (794 - 1185), said to be the last division of classical Japanese history, named after the capital city of Heian-kyo or the modern city of Kyoto. The Heian era covered the gradual erosion of power from the Imperial court, and saw the rise of powerful feudal clans competing to rule Japan, such as the Fujiwara, Kamakura, and Taira clans. During this era the court nobles were said to have descended into internal power struggles and became preoccupied with personal pursuits, instead of fully concentrating on their many governmental responsibilities across the nation. The Genpei War was a civil war between the Minamoto and Taira clans, which spanned (1180 - 1185). The Minamoto clan eventually emerged triumphant, and once the leader, Minamoto no Yoritomo, attained power, he founded his capital in Kamakura, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, and then Minamoto proclaimed himself with the title of Shogunate on 21 August, 1192.

Kamakura Era

The Kamakura era spanned (1185 - 1333) and marked the governance of Japan by the Kamakura Shogunate, which employed a system of military rule. Minamoto no Yoritomo who lived (1147-1199), officially founded the Kamakura Shogunate (Shogun), 21 August, 1192. The Kamakura era is also known for the emergence of the Samurai (a hereditary line of nobility in Japan) and was the first military rule of Japan by the Shogun and Samurai clans. The Shogun was the title given to the nominally appointed military dictators of Japan during most of the period spanning (1185-1668). Kamakura era marked a time of feudal conflict in Japan, in which the Samurai was considered to be the de facto rulers of Japan. The Samurai was said to have passionately adhered to the philosophy of bushido. Bushido meaning 'The way of the warrior' is a moral code of very strict adherence relating to the attitudes, behaviour, and life style of the Samurai.

Muromachi Era

The Kamakura Shogunate was eventually defeated in 1333, by the Muromachi clan, they were a rival contender to the Shogunate. In Japanese history, the Muromachi era was also known as the Ashikaga Shogunate which spanned (1338-1573). After Ashikaga Takauji attained power, the Muromachi era continued to be afflicted with civil war across Japan, as it struggled to hold onto power. However, during this era Japanese education, architecture, and art began to flourish. In 1546, Portugal was recorded as the first European nation to make contact with Japan, and the first nation to introduce and sell fire arms to Japanese warmongers, a transaction that subsequently contributed to increased warfare across Japan. The Portuguese also introduced Christianity and established trading relations with the Japanese government, and in addition with the considerable trade arrangements already established with China and Korea, the Japanese economy elevated to greater heights, providing increased wealth to various regions across Japan. Importantly, during the Muromachi era, Japan began minting coins, and initiating the transition from a barter-based economy to a very successful currency-based economy.

After centuries of unrelenting warfare between the various ruling classes, by war lords who were referred to as 'daimyos' as well as the social unrest, and numerous attempts by those in power to achieve the ultimate goal of uniting the entire nation of Japan. There were three warlords of prominence recorded in Japanese history, who are credited with the title 'Great unifier', Oda Nobunaga, he lived (1534-1582) and overthrew the Ashikaga (Muromachi) Shogunate in 1573. The Samurai, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who lived (1536-1598), he completed unification of Japan, in 1590, which was started by his predecessor (Oda Nobunaga). And Tokugawa leyasu, who lived (1543-1616), he was recorded to have accomplished victory over the Western Army at the famous battle of Sekigahara in the year 1600, but his achievement was not officially confirmed until the year 1603.

Edo Era

The Edo era or Tokugawa era spanned (1603 - 1867), at this time Japan was under the governance of Tokugawa Shogunate. Edo was the ancient name for modern day Tokyo and was the chosen region in Japan, from which the Edo Empire had executed governance 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 abundantly, as more people indulged in social interests. A new enigmatic form of popular female performers became famous across Japan, they were known as 'Geishas'. Finally, the Edo era became renowned for bringing relative peace and stability across many regions of Japan for well over 200 years, known as the Great Peace. However, during the early 19th century the Japanese economy began to decline once again, which marked the return of growing discontent across Japan.

In 1853, a fleet of intimidating American war ships 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 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, on May 3, 1868. The Imperial court was reinstated, then Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) and members of the Meiji government proceeded to abolish the Shogunate and Samurai clans' 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 maybe confronted with in the future.   

Meiji Restoration

The Meiji Restoration meaning enlightened rule, spanned from 1868 until the demise of Emperor Meiji Mutsuhito in 1912. The Meiji government was originally formed by a group of Japanese nobles that seized control of the parliament of Japan following the Japanese revolution. The nobles which first formed the Meiji government were, Ito Hirobumi, Matsukata Masayoshi, Kido Takayoshi, Itagaki Taisuke, Yamagata Aritomo, Mori Arinori, Okubo Toshimichi, and Yamaguchi Naoyoshi. The Meiji Restoration began its rule by implementing major reforms to virtually all areas of Japan's government. The previous feudal system of Japanese government was transformed into a western style democratic state which was committed to greater domestic and foreign investments.

The Meiji Restoration enacted numerous legislations, such as equal and greater human rights for all Japanese citizens, including giving Japanese people more freedom of religious expression in 1873. The government introduced a new legislation to provide compulsive education for all Japanese citizens. New social reforms empowered the government to acquisition lands and dominions from Samurais, and the war lords known as daimyos. And in addition, the Samurais were stripped of their privileged statuses. Many Japanese nobles and students ventured abroad to study western politics, science, military, as well as various western languages and their cultures, yet, Japan insisted on retaining many of its national cultures and values. The Japanese army and navy were reformed, in order to build a stronger and more advanced defence, with greater attacking capabilities. This requirement was driven by Japan's fear and anxiety of becoming colonized by western powers. Ultimately, the Meiji government achieved a successful industrialized economy which was driven by agriculture, textile and natural resources, such as coal, success brought wealth which raised the standard of living for many Japanese citizens during that era.

Taisho Era

On the 30 July, 1912, Emperor Meiji died and crown Prince Yoshihito succeeded the throne as the new Emperor of Japan. During his coronation Yoshihito proclaimed his nengo (era name) 'Taisho', which means 'Great righteousness'. The previous Meiji government's great expenditure could not be allowed to continue unchecked, so the new administration was determined to hold onto the spending reins. However, the first political crisis of the Taisho era occurred when Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi attempted to reduce defence expenditure for the Japan military, this prompted the resignation of army minister Uehara Yusaku. A political turmoil ensued because according to the Japanese constitution an army minister was imperative to the function of the government, and no other statesman was prepared to take the new position, unless the financial demands of the military was agreed to, so eventually the government had to make a compromise. Throughout the Taisho era various political parties and statesmen contentiously vied for dominance. As a result, the Japanese government continued unsettled and at odds for a number of years. There was frequent interchanging of political parties and heads of state, yet remarkably, Japan's economy had remained strong and successful throughout that era. 

The previous Meiji government had succeeded in producing lasting economic success and a powerful Japanese military force, which wielded great political influence during the Taisho era. Although Japan had managed to avoid the fate of certain other Asian nations, who became victims of western colonization, ironically, Japan embarked on a mission of imperialism, by invading Manchuria, in China, in 1931, which led to a prolonged and gruelling war with China, lasting more than ten years.

In 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor which led to a war with the United States and its allies, a costly military move by Japan. The new war with the USA and its allies in conjunction with the prolonged war with China meant that Japan had over reached. On the 15 August 1945, Emperor Hirohito finally announced Japan's surrender, following the devastating nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and later Nagasaki, by the United States. After the war, the allies occupied Japan until 1952, during which, a new Japanese constitution monarchy was enacted in 1947. And after 1955, Japan enjoyed high economic growth and prosperity, under the governance of 'The Liberal Democratic Party' and thereafter evolved into a world economic powerhouse which spanned many decades.

Written by Star_gazer

Published 1 July 2021