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2000 BCE
Antiquity
In antiquity, the region around present-day Japan was home to many *Diverse Japanese Ethnicities, who spoke a variety of unique languages and practiced different religions. Among the several native ethnicities, the predominant group is the *Yamato Japanese. Other ethnicities include the *Ainu, the *Ryukyuan, and the the*Emishi. The foremost language was *Japonic (A common language spoken in Japan). They each practiced diverse religions including *Shamanism and *Ancestor Worship. -
604
Buddhism is introduced from Korea
Buddhism was introduced from present-day South Korea to Japan in the middle of the 6th century. However, a true understanding of Buddhist teachings did not reach Japan until the early 7th century during the time of *Prince Shotoku, the ruler of *Yamato. In 604 he began to infuse *Buddhist and *Confucist ideals into his court life, causing the religion and ideals to spread across the Japanese region, eventually gaining more popularity. -
800
Chinese culture inspires *Kanji
For centuries, the Japanese have borrowed an abundance of Chinese culture. The Japanese used *Kanji (A Japanese writing form using Chinese characters) to write the Japanese language. Japanese culture became more independent in the 800s, inspired by original ideas. -
Today
Japan is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, three main religions, and one official language. The main ethnic groups include Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and others. The main and official language is *Japanese, with the other two most commonly spoken languages being *Chinese and English. The Japanese religion is made up of several major components, including *Shinto, Japan's earliest religion, *Buddhism, and *Confucianism. Christianity has been only a minor movement in Japan.