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Intermediate Japanese - Free Online Course
YAYOI JIDAI
弥生時代
Yayoi Period
The Yayoi period began around 2nd or 3rd century BC, and lasted until the 2nd or 3rd century A.D.
Like the Jomon Jidai, the Yayoi era is named after pottery. The distinctive Yayoi pottery was first unearthed at Yayoicho, near Tokyo in 1884.
The Yayoi period was a time of significant technological innovation in Japan. During the Yayoi era, Japanese farmers adopted the practice of wet rice cultivation in paddies. Complex irrigation and drainage practices were implemented to regulate moisture in the fields.
Artisans began weaving cloth, and garments became more modern in appearance. (During the previous historical era --the Jomon Period--the Japanese wore robes made of bark and leaves.) The mortar and pestle were used for food preparation. Geta (下駄), or wooden clogs, also appeared during the Yayoi period.
Perhaps most importantly, the Japanese began smelting metal. Smelting began in Japan in a manner that defies historical patterns. In most societies, bronze metallurgy preceded iron metallurgy. In Japan, however, both bronze and iron smelting arrived from China more or less concurrently. This enabled craftspeople to make agricultural tools equipped with iron blades, like hoes and hand-held scythes
The Yayoi people were buried with beads, statuettes, and mirrors. Archeologists believe that these signified social rank. It is thought that the first Japanese royalty--who were local, minor chieftains--appeared in the Yayoi era.
There is evidence to indicate that the Yayoi Japanese had some religious beliefs. These likely took the form of shamanism and fertility cults.
