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The Japanese Invasion of Korea, 1592-8 CE
The two Japanese invasions of Korea between 1592 and 1598 CE, otherwise known as the 'Imjin Wars', saw Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598 CE), the Japanese military leader, put into reality his long-held plan to invade China through Korea. The...
Definition
Noh Theatre
Noh (Nō) theatre is a Japanese performance art which became especially popular from the 14th century CE and which is still performed today. Noh actors, who were always male in the medieval period, famously move and make gestures in a very...
Image Gallery
30 of Japan's Finest Castles
This image gallery includes 30 of the finest castles in Japan, based on their level of preservation as well as their architectural and cultural heritage. It is by no means an exhaustive list, as Japan has produced countless castles worthy...
Article
The Mongol Invasions of Japan, 1274 & 1281 CE
The Mongol invasions of Japan took place in 1274 and 1281 CE when Kublai Khan (r. 1260-1294 CE) sent two huge fleets from Korea and China. In both cases, the Japanese, and especially the samurai warriors, vigorously defended their shores...
Video
Introduction to the History of Ancient Japan
The History of Ancient Japan dates back to the fifteenth century BCE, and spans thousands of years until the beginning of the Medieval period in Japan. The Jōmon period was the first historical period of Japan, and the name Jōmon comes from...
Video
The History of Premodern Japan: Life in Heian Japan
This lecture discusses the livelihood of those living in Japan during the Heian period.
By: Kanda University of International Studies.
Image
Sea Routes from Ancient Japan to China
A map illustrating possible sea routes used for political and cultural embassies from ancient Japan to Tang Dynasty China.
Definition
Asuka Period
The Asuka Period (Asuka Jidai) of ancient Japan covers the period from 538 CE to 710 CE and, following on from the Kofun Period (c. 250-538 CE), so constitutes the latter part of the Yamato Period (c. 250-710 CE). For some scholars the period...
Image
Central Gate & Pagoda, Horyuji Temple
The Chumon or central gate and five-storey pagoda of the Buddhist temple Horyuji, Nara, Japan. It is the most important Buddhist temple in Japan and was first built in 607 CE by Prince Shotoku during the Asuka Period. The temple was destroyed...
Definition
Kojiki
The Kojiki ('Record of Ancient Things') is the oldest book of Japanese history and the oldest text of any kind from Japan. Compiled in 712 CE by the court scholar Ono Yasumaro, the work begins with the gods and the creation of the world...