Brief History of Japan

Transcription

1 Japan

2 Brief History of Japan The first culture to inhabit Japan was the Jomon people, whose existence we know of from the large amount of pottery and ceramics they left behind. Around 500 BC, the Yayoi people came to Japan from mainland Asia (probably somewhere in China). With the Yayoi came developments such as rice farming and metalworking. During this time small kingdoms emerged and Buddhism came to Japan. Beginning in 710 AD, the Nara period saw the emergence of a strong centralized Japanese state with its capital in Kyoto. Japan s feudal era saw the emergence of the samurai, a powerful caste of warriors who had significant influence on Japanese politics. During the Muromachi period, contact with the west was made and Christianity was introduced to Japan. During the Edo period, Japan was reunited under one shogunate and the isolationist policy was introduced where western contact and trade was prohibited.

3 Brief History of Japan cont. With the Kanagawa Treaty, the United States forced Japan to abandon its policy of isolationism. This was the beginning of the Meiji restoration, which transformed Japan into a unified, modernized, industrialized imperial power and restored complete rule of the emperor. In the following decades Japan became increasingly militaristic and expansionist, obtaining colonies in Taiwan, Korea, Manchuria and Sakhalin. Following the international condemnation of Japan s brutality in Manchuria, Japan left the League of Nations and soon after became a member of the Axis powers, allied with Nazi Germany. Japan continued to expand into China and French Indochina, and in 1941 Japan declared war on the Allied powers. World War II would prove to be absolutely devastating for Japan, especially Japanese civilians. The atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima absolutely decimated these industrial cities. The United States aggressively carpet-bombed large Japanese population centers and destroyed most of Japan s infrastructure. After the war, Japan s new government was characterized by liberal democracy, and Japan s economy miraculously rebounded and achieved rapid growth. Today Japan is once again a world power.

4 Major Attractions in Japan 1. Kyoto: is the historical capital of Japan and home to thousands of beautiful temples and pagodas. Kyoto is also known for its delicious cuisine. 2. Mount Fuji: it's the tallest mountain in Japan and known for it s beauty and many sites of cultural interest. It is located near Tokyo and is a popular site for paragliding. 3. Meiji Shrine: the Meiji Shrine is an important national monument and Shinto shrine in Japan. It was built to commemorate Emperor Meiji s leadership during the Meiji 4. Kinkaku-ji Restoration. (also known as the Golden Pavilion ) is one of the biggest spots for tourism in Japan. It is a large Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold-leaf. It is well-known for it s stunning beauty. 5. Himeji Castle: is one of the best examples of feudal Japanese architecture and a beautiful site to visit.

5 Other Attractions in Japan Lake Towada is a very popular attraction. It is the largest crater lake in Japan. Shirakami-Sanchi: a famous oldgrowth forest known for it s beauty. Mount Osore: a active volcano covered in many Buddhist monasteries. It is thought to be the entrance to Hell. Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura: a Japanese cultural theme park popular with tourists. Universal Studios Japan: a theme park in Osaka

6 Physical and Political maps of Japan

7 Climate map of Japan

8 Population map of Japan

9 Land utilization maps of Japan

10 Brothers experience visiting the place Youtube videos Japan History books