Japan Timeline

They moved the capital from Nara to Heian, the Ruling Family became the Imperial house of Japan who's descendants still sit on the throne today, and technology became more advanced when they adopted rice cultivation. They also believed in local Gods/spirits which eventually combined to form Japan's earliest religion, Shintoism.

During this time period, known as the Golden-Age of pre-modern Japanese history, the Emperor was thought ot be a descendant of Shinto Gods and a sacred figurehead. Instead of the emperor having power, a chancellor, also known as a kwampaku, had the real power.

This was a time filled with peace, cultural brilliance, and prosperity. This allowed for painting and women's writing to excel, such as Lady Murasaki's "The Tale of Genji".

After the Portuguese were blown off course and landed near Tangeshima Island off of the southern coast of Japan, a local diamyo bought guns and made copies; therefore, making them a more advanced military power. The Portuguese also brought other goods such as tobacco and clocks.

Christianity was brought to Japan by Jesuit missionaries led by Francis Xavier. It was at first allowed and began to grow and be extremely successful with many converts, but when the dynamics of Japanese politics changed, Christianity was persecuted and finally crushed.

Ieyasu was loyal with Oda Nobunaga and when he died he formed an alliance with his successor Hideyoshi. When Hideyoshi died Ieyasu assumed control. Under his reign, he moved the capital to Edo, banned Christianity in Japan and all European merchants except the Dutch

During this period the society of Japan was strictly divided with the daimyo at the top and merchants at the bottom. Also, Christianity was persecuted and banned because their Government thought they were a threat to Japanese internal stability. Lastly, William Adams showed them how to build European style ships.

During Japanese seclusion, the Japanese people were not allowed to leave the country and Europeans were not allowed in. Strict regulations were put on trade and Catholicism was forbidden. As a result of this isolation, Japan fell behind Europe in science, technology, and military power, but also benefitted by sustaining a long period of peace and stability.

U.S. commodore, Matthew Perry, arrived in tokyo Bay and by the orders of the U.S. president he asked Japan to open up to foreign trade. After his arrival, Japan was forced to open its doors after he helped negotiate the Treaty of Kanagawa

The U.S. wanted new markets and Japan had new economic opportunities. The Treaty of Kanagawa was signed between the U.S. and Japan with the agreement that Japan would open to trade. As a result, Japanese isolation stopped and they focused on modernization