How was Japan different in 1500 AD compared to 500 AD?
Introduction:
Japan is an archipelago of thousands of global island that took its shape due to weather and geographical changes. Due to its position near the Korean peninsula and south China, these two states has deeply influenced the Japanese culture. Through Chinese records and Japanese art facts shows that Japanese traditional culture has been modified after the induction of foreign cultures.
Birth of Japan:
During the pre-historic period of Japan, writing system was not developed, the historians can only assume the Japanese life style during this period through the archaeological clues or through Chinese and Korean records. We hardly know that during the pre-historic period stone tools were used to hunt animals, and people survived on fish, animals and different edible plants. Japan adapted writing skills in the seventh century from China. Japanese culture has a deep impact of cultures from neighboring countries.
There had been drastic changes in the Japanese culture between 500 AD and 1500 AD. Transferring of new iron tools, techniques and the support of rise in global temperature, increased rise cultivation, which replaced the foraging of plants. By 500 AD there was a rise in Japanese population due to migration from Korea and betterment in cultivation. A trading link was also developed among the Japanese islands and the Korean Peninsula. China being the oldest empire has much influence on the Japanese culture. The law and mode of administration were also based on Chinese principles. Buddhism was also introduced in Japan through China. Later on, Japanese modified their culture, laws and agriculture making it somehow different from Chinese. Irrespective of many political disputes and changes within the Japan its developing process never stopped. By 1500 AD Japan held a prominent position among the global developed states.
Conclusion:
The Japanese culture is initially based on cultures of its neighboring states. The period between 500 AD and 1500 AD is phase in which Japan underwent lot of changes in its culture, administration and laws. Japan in 1500 AD is completely different of what it was in 500 AD.
