Ancient Cultures

• Regional: Asia: Japan: Arts and Entertainment: Traditional  (186)
• Society: Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual: History: Pre-Modern Japan  (5)
• Society: History: By Time Period: Ancient  (1,159)
• World: Japanese: 社会: 文化  (106)

Ancient Japan - Gives timeline and events during old Japanese history from approximately 10,000 B.C. to the end of the Heian Period in 1192 A.D.

Ancient Japan - Outlines the major developments of the Jomon through the Nara periods. Mentions important figures and dates.

Asuka Historical Museum - History and art of Asuka, the first Japanese capital (7th century). Virtual museum containing both text and photos.

Crystalinks.com - Ancient Japan - Ancient Japan Haiku history and chronology.

Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan - Includes 3 diaries written by women aristocracy, created around 1000 AD.

East Asian History Sourcebook - Provides access to primary source texts from East Asian countries, particularly China, Japan, and Korea. Arranged by era from ancient history to post-World War II.

Edo Japan - A Virtual Tour - Take a tour through Tokyo during the period of the Tokugawa shoguns, and learn about the history of Japan's greatest city. Illustrated by ukiyo-e images, the text discusses the traditions that underlie Japanese culture.

History of Japan - William Gilmore - Outlines Japanese history through the Meiji period of restoration. Find links to major historical figures and events.

History of Japan's Literature - Includes brief overviews of each period of Japanese literature from ancient times to present.

Japan Information Network - Todaiji Temple - Temple complex in Nara, Japan includes the largest wooden building in the world. View the Great Buddha housed inside and learn about the complex's history.

Japan of Today - Includes a brief history of Japan from ancient times through developments after 1945. Find geographical and topographical details as well.

Japanese Rice Culture - The Misunderstood Philosophy of the Agrarian Past - Essay on ancient rituals and peasant society practices that became part of Japanese traditional culture and still influence present day rural society.

Jo-Bo System of Heijo-Kyo, Ancient Japan - Brief discussion of ancient city planning, using Nara as the example. Illustrations of the original grid system and its remains.

Kaido: The Ancient Roads of Japan - A kids' information site from the Nagano Olympics, has basic information on the establishment and use of roads from c. 700.

Kamakura - Includes origins, history, and glossary of place names.

Nakasendo Highway: A Journey to the Heart of Japan - Gives description and significance of one of Japan's most important roads, as well as its influence on history and Japan's development.

Study of the Enoshima Engi - A study, including translation, of the Enoshima Engi, a 6th century dragon story by the 11th century Japanese monk Kokei. Finds Kokei's narrative is closer to history than myth.

Women Warriors of Japan - Provides a history of women's role in Japanese martial arts from the ancient era until modern times.