Yayoi period

In the Yayoi period (c. 300 BC–c. AD 250), wet-rice farming, bronze and iron reached Japan from the continent via the Korean peninsula, transforming society.

Overview

The period is named for the Tokyo district where its pottery was first identified in 1884. Farming brought social stratification and warfare, and many small “countries” (kuni) emerged. Radiocarbon work suggests the period may have begun centuries earlier than the conventional date.

Key developments

Moated settlements such as Yoshinogari in Saga attest to conflict. Chinese records document this world: a Han-era gold seal given in AD 57 to the “King of Na” (found on Shikanoshima in 1784), and the Wei chronicle (Gishi Wajinden) describing the country of Yamatai, ruled by Queen Himiko.

End and transition

Around AD 250, society transitioned into the mound-building order of the Kofun period.

Overview

Key developments

End and transition

People