Japan - Yayoi Culture

Yayoi Culture -

Beginning of the fourth century B.C., Jomon was gradually replaced by the more advanced Yayoi culture, which takes its name from the site in Tokyo where pottery of this era was first discovered. This era is categorized by three major characteristics. First is wet-rice cultivation which is thought to have been introduced to Japan from Korea and southeastern China. This led to the growth of an agrarian society in Japan. The pottery had a striking contrast to Jomon pottery in that Yayoi pottery had clean functional shapes. Also the smooth surfaces of the pots lead many to believe that a pottery wheel was involved. And lastly, bronze and iron that were used to make weapons, armor and tools. This is surprising because iron made a relatively quick appearance on the island. This was caused by a large migrant population from Korea that brought iron to Japan.

Soga Clan –

The Soga clan was one of the most powerful clans in Yamato Japan and they were also one of the first families to dominate the Imperial House of Japan.. The Soga clan also having close ties with Baekje of Korea supported the spread of Buddhism. Many Japanese at the time disliked foreign ideas and that believing this new religion would be an affront to the Shinto gods. Soga clan's rivals were the Monobe and Nakatomi clans. These two clans succeeded in gathering hostility against the new religion and burned many of the Soga clan's temples.

Fujiwara Clan –

The Fujiwara clan, descending from the Nakatomi Clan, was a powerful family of regents. During the Heian period, they established a hereditary claim to the position of regent either for a sessho or kampaku. And this claim was acquired through marital politics. Many prominent Fujiwaras occupied these positions more than once. During this time period, central control of Japan has began to decline,