Early Japan

  • 280

    first historical mention of Japan

    The first historical mention of Japan is in a
    Chinese account
  • 401

    Yamato Clan controlled southern Japan

    In the 5th century, the Yamato Clan came to control
    much of southern Japan through other clan chiefs
    pledging their loyalty
  • 601

    Yamato clan chiefs known as emperors

    In the 7th century, Yamato clan chiefs came to be
    known as emperors
  • 794

    Heian-Kyo

    In 794, the emperor moved the capital to Heian-Kyo, which later became Kyoto.
  • Period: 794 to

    Warlords controlled Japan

    Between AD 794 and AD 1867, Japan was controlled by series of warlords (military leaders) known as shoguns
  • 1101

    Japan governed by shoguns

    Japan was governed elsewhere by the shoguns from the 12th century onwards
  • Kyoto Emperor's capital end

    Kyoto remained the emperor’s capital until 1869
  • The modern constitution

    1889 – The modern constitution