Period+7+Japan+History

media type="youtube" key="RQlxcz9U2x0" height="505" width="640" The early Japanese were migrants from China, Korea and Manchuria. Scholars believe that people of Malay stock from Oceania. The native Japanese were a Mongoloid race called the Ainu. Migrants from the mainland of the Asian continent forced the Ainu people to migrate northward. China does not appear in history until 57 AD when it is first mentioned in Chinese histories, where it is referred to as "Wa” or dwarfs. The Chinese history of the Wei of A.D. 297 records that the Japanese have sent tribute trading embassies to China as early as A.D. 57. Then in the early third century the country erupted into a long civil war. Japan’s government began during the seventh century when Jimmu Tenno became the first Japanese emperor. His empire became very powerful and was centered in Nara. During this time, Japan experienced a time of peace. The capital was soon moved from Nara to Heian-kyo. It was soon renamed Kyoto, which is Japanese for “capital.” Also during the time, the arts, such as literature, prospered. While culture was flourishing, rebellion broke out because of mass poverty. Yoritomo Minamoto, was a powerful warrior who challenged the emperor’s authority. Because of this, power was passed from the Imperial court down to the military supremo, also known as the Shogun. During this time the code of the Japanese warrior, or samurai, was developed. After the Kamakura shogunate fell, the Ashikga family took power. Western influence has also played a big part in shaping the early molding of Japan.

Japans modern history is an example of a contemporary state, many other countries have under gone change but Japan has progressed with borrowings from western experiences. Japan has had many downfalls and today is still trying to regroup as a country from the devastating acts other countries have put upon them. After World War ll, many large cities, industries, and transportation networks, were severely damaged. With the war being over, Japan had a huge shortage of food for many years. The occupation of Japan by the Allied Powers started in August 1945. General MacArthur was the first Supreme commander. After war Japans new constitution went into effect in 1947. The emperor lost all heavy powers and was made the symbol of the state. Universal suffrage was put into play and human rights were guaranteed.During the first half of the occupation, Japans media was subjected to a censorship of any anti American statements and controversial topics such as the huge talk over the race issue.

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