This document summarizes the history of pre-colonial Asia, focusing on Japan and Korea. It outlines 11 distinct periods in Japanese history from 12,500 BCE to 1573 CE, characterized by developments like the creation of pottery, introduction of agriculture and iron tools, construction of large burial mounds, acceptance of Buddhism, and the establishment of a feudal system. It also notes Korea was dominated by three kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Archaeological and historical evidence are used to understand these societies.

1. Chapter 4- Asia During Pre-Colonial Times
EAST ASIA
 Japan- Japanese had several periods that
marked their contributions to the development
of early societies not only in their country but
the entire Asia as well.
1.) Jomon Period (12 500-300 BCE)
-it started from the prehistoric era of Japan
which marked the creation of Asia’s first
potteries.
- The first settlers relied only in hunting and
gathering of subsistence.
2.) Yayoi Period (ambiguous period)
- people used iron implements to do their
agricultural work.
- production of potteries was made possible
using a potter’s wheel.
3.) Kofun Period (250 CE- 538 CE)
- the word “kofun” was taken from the name of
a famous burial mound for deceased ruling
classes.
- “Daisenryo Kofun” was the largest and most
famous burial mound which was built in the 5th
century in Osaka.
4.) Yamato Period (ambiguous period)
- clan-based politics and rituals were intensified
during this period.
-Chinese and Korean migrants also influenced
the cultural patterns of Japanese and one proof
was the acceptance of Buddhism as a religion
among the clan members.
- Japanese Imperial Court is a legal and political
unit responsible for administering policies and
reforms in the territory.
Archaeological Evidence Versus Historical
Evidence
Archaeological evidence was taken from the
artifacts while Historical evidence was taken
from the written documents.
5.) Asuka Period (550 CE- 700 CE)
- there was a transition of religious ideology and
belief from Shintoism (an indigenous form of
spirituality which involved a set of practices that
were believed to be “the ways of gods”) to
Buddhism (a spiritual tradition that practices
the teachings of “The Enlightened One”.
-Prince Shotoku was one of the key leaders
during this period.
6.) Nara Period (710 CE- 794 CE)
- two important documents that chronicled the
ancient history of the Japanese were published;
a. Kojiki (The record of ancient matters) in 712
CE
b. Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) in 720 CE.
- Emperor Jimmu was the first of a series of
emperors and that he descended directly from
Amaterasu, the son goddess.
Syncretism- is the practice of reconciling
divergent beliefs.
7.) Heian Period (794 CE- 1185 CE)
- it was the golden age of Japanese classical
literature.
-Murasaki Shikibu wrote “The Tale of Genji”
which became one of the world’s oldest novels.
-Waka means “Japanese poems” while Kanshi
means “Chinese poems”. This was to
differentiate the two native poetries.
- the most prominent clans were the Fujiwaras,
the Tairas, and the Minamotos.
Samurai- is a clan-based specialized warrior
Shoguns- were the military warlords.
8.) Feudal System (1185 CE- 1333 CE)
Shogunate- is a new form of political leadership
which was eventually paved the way for
feudalism in the country.
Feudalism- is a social system which people
worked and fought for nobles who gave them
protection and the use of land in return.
-Kamakura Shogunate was the first ruler under
the feudal system
Daimyo- is a group of feudal lords.
9.) Mongol Invasions (1274 CE-1281 CE
Kamikaze- literally means the “divine wind”
10.) Restoration Period (1333 CE- 1336 CE)
- this was led by Emperor Go-Daigo who
temporarily halted shogunate supremacy.
11.) Muromachi Shogunate (1336 CE- 1573 CE)
- it was established by Ashikaga Takauji.
- Sengoku Period took place from 1467 CE-
1573 CE also known as the “Period of Warring
Kingdoms”.
 Korea- was dominated by three kingdoms
namely; Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla
respectively.