Early Japan

Early Japan

Sevanah Portillo

Amber Olivas

Japan is a chain of islands that consists of three thousand, tiny islands that have been here for centuries. The four largest islands are known as Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu. The majority of people live on those islands. Japan is surrounded by the East Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Japan's Geography

The first settlers were people called Jomon. They made clay pottery, using cords to make designs on the clay. That is how they got their name.Over time they settled in fishing villages. Where fishing became their life.

The First Settlers

A Yamato is a clan that became strong enough to bring most of Japan under it's rule. In ancient times, Japan had many myths and stories about how things began. One small story is when two gods dipped a spear into the ocean which made the islands of Japan.

Who Were the Yamato?

Statue of Yamoto

Clay Pottery

Map of Japan

Prince Shotoku came to power in 593 A.D. He introduced Chinese culture to the Japanese. He taught them that they were to always work hard and obey the law.

Prince Shotoku

A drawing of the Prince

1. The sun goddess name was Amaterasu.2. Prince Shotoku believed harmony is to be cherished.3. Japan is made of tons of islands.4.The

Like many ancient people, the Japanese believed that all natural things are alive and have spirits. This idea is called animism. When the Japanese needed help they asked for help from the nature spirits, whom they called Kami. To honor the Kami the Japanese worshiped at shrines.

Aftter the Jomon culture ended, a new group of people appeared in Japan. They a known as the Yayio. They introduced farming to Japan and practiced a number of skills, that the Chinese and Koreans taught the them. They were also skilled at metal work. They made axes, knives, hoes, swords, spears, and bells from bronze.

The Yayio Importance

Who is Shinto?

Fun Facts!