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300
Jōmon Period
The Jōmon Period took place between 10,000 and 300 BC. This period was an important part of Japanese history because the basics of Japense culture formed. For example, basic agriculture originated here, stable living patterns formed, advanced fishing began here, simple clay vessels and vases were made during this time, patty farming, and basic government structures started during this time. -
552
Buddhist Teachings Spread to Japan
This event came after Emperor JImmu Although Buddhism had been in India since 400 BC, the religion did not reach Japan until 952 years later. This event is significant in Japanese history because it affected modern day Japan; 34% of the people in Japan are Buddhists (2008 Census). -
Jan 1, 607
Rule of Emperor Jimmu
Emperor Jimmu began his rule in 607 BC. This emperor is argued to be the most important emperor in Japan's history because he was the first. The Imperial House of Japan is based off of his time in throne. He is known as the "legendary emperor" because of his evidence of existence. -
Jan 1, 1191
Rinzai Zen Buddhism Established in Japan
The type of Zen Buddhism, now practiced by most Japanese buddhists helped establish the country's schools. It is important to Japan's history because of its value in the school system. -
Jun 28, 1274
Mongol Army Attacks Japan
The first attack by the Mongol Army against Japan occured in 1274 and again in 1281. The Mongols were one of the largest and most powerful armies of the time period, and the defeat of the army is of major significance in world history. Japan was clearly unprepared and unequiped for the invasion but managed to defeat the Mongols, showing the strenth of the Japanese. -
Jul 27, 1549
Saint Francis Xavier Arrives in Japan
St. Francis Xavier was a Spanish Catholic missonary that was an original Jesuit. He played a major role in spreading Catholocism into Japan and other Asian countries. -
Edo Period
This period is defined by the military dictatorship of the Tokugawa Shogunate. During this time, a form of taxation was developed for peasants and artisians. This period is recognized as significant for Japanese history because of the transferring of the capital city to Edo (present day Japan). -
Tokugawa Ieyasu Becomes Shogun
Before becoming shogun in 1603, Tokugawa had been preparing Japan for the Edo Period for years. This shogun was extremely important in Japanese history because he started the Tokugawa Shogunate (Edo Period). -
Edo Established as Capital of Japan
At the beginning of Tokugawa's rule, he immediatly moved the capital from Kyoto to Edo. Edo grew rapidly and instantly became the largest city in Japan. This event is important in Japan's history because Edo was renamed Tokyo, which is Japan's current capital. -
Himeji Castle is Completed
This system of buildings from the fuedal period was used as a major defensive fort. Construction started on the building in 1333, and after many remodelings, was finally completed in 1609. The castle plays a vital part of Japan's history beacuse it displays advanced Japanese arctitecture and created a large cultural impact. -
"Closed Country Edict" of Tokugawa Iemitsu
This edict signed in 1935 excluded Japan from the rest of the world in effort to preserve Japenese traditions and to block off western influences. This is a significant event in the history of Japan because of its effective preservation of Japanese traditions. -
Commodore Matthew Perry Arrives in Tokyo
In 1853, Commodore Perry was ordered to lead a mission to Japan, a country that had been isolated from the world since the 17th century. This was a major event in Japenese history because Perry was the first forienger to enter Japan for hundreds of years. When he arrived, he influenced Japan's culture by educating the Japenese what the world had been through since their exclusion. -
Meiji Emperor Begins His Rule
Emperor Meiji began his rule February 3, 1867 and immeadiatly led Japan in the right direction. He was the 122nd emperor of Japan and was an important historical figure. He led Japan to become a world power from a feudal state. -
The Treaty of Portsmouth
This treaty, signed September 5, 1905, ended the Russo-Japenese War. The treaty represents the rise of Japenese power in the country's history. -
Japan Declares War on Germany
The Japense were upset with Germany because of its assistence to China during the China-Japan War. In revenge, Japan declared war on Germany in WWI. This marks a large event in Japanese history because of the country's involvement in a world war. -
Emperor Hirohito Begins His Rule
The 124th emperor of Japan was a significant leader in Japenese history, He was the final approval for the bombing Peral harbor, put doen major Japense rebellions, and was a major leader in World War II. -
Japan Conquers Manchuria
This invasion in 1931 led to the US boycott of raw materials. Because the US was giving no materials to Japan, they retaliated and bombed Peral Harbor. This was an awful decision in Japanese history becasue of the the US counterattack that killed millions of Japanese citizens. -
The Nanking Massacre
Nanking, the former capital of the Republic of China, was invaded by Japanese soldiers that killed thousands of civilians. This marks a shameful and disappointing time in Japanese history because of the country's shameful acts. -
US Drops Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
As a result of Japan dropping bombs on Peral Harbor, the United States dropped an Atomic bomb on each Nagasaki and Hiroshima. This is a painful and sorrowful time in Japanese history because of the tremoudous loss of civilian life. -
Heian Era
This magnificent time period in early Japan dates from 784 to 1185. The Era is recognized as the peak for the Imperial House of Japan and as a golden age for art, literature and poetry. This time is important in Japan's history because it was the country's Golden Age and some of Japan's best artwork was created during this time.
