Pre-MODERN JAPAN	JAPAN: ca. 300-1000
POLITICAL CHANGE
Jomon culture: a Mesolithic culture, thrived in Japan from the 11^th-century to the 3^rd-century B.C. Yayoi: immigrants to Japan via Korea; originally from northern China. Uji: clans led by single patriarch (warrior/shaman) The Mythical Past Izanagi: central deity, along with his spouse, in the Japanese creation myth. Izanami: Shinto primordial deity and embodiment of the Earth and darkness; fatally wounded when giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi. Senbiki no iwa: the rock that divides the underworld and this world Amaterasu: Izanagi’s daughter and Shinto sun goddess, ruler of Heaven, whose name means 'shining heaven.'		Yamato “State” (Height of power ca.550-ca.710): confederation of uji, led by priests/king. Ruler-led cult of Amaterasu. Good Relations between Yamato court and Korean Paekche kingdom through 6^th-century Empress Suiko (r. 592-628 A.D): Prince Shotoku (573-621): regent of the Yamato court oversaw the adoption of Chinese institutions. The Seventeen Article Constitution (604) Tenno or "Heavenly Emperor"
INTELLECTUAL CHANGE
Early Yayoi society began the practice of worshipping kami, gods that represented forces of nature. Emperors were later considered kami as well.	Confucianism takes hold of court life, beginning in the early 7^th century.
SOCIAL CHANGE
Yayoi practiced polygamy. Women could serve as priests.	Local practices remain strong. Court culture mixes Confucian practices, Shinto beliefs and Buddhism.