Neolithic Period (Jomon)
• Jomon Culture [Timeline of Art History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art]
A short introduction, with images of seven artifacts in the museum's collection.
• Prehistoric Japan: Ceramics and Metallurgy [Princeton University Art Museum]
An excellent short overview of the Jomon and Yayoi periods.
• Early Japan (50,000 BC - 710 AD) [About Japan: A Teacher's Resource]
An overview of Japanese history from 50,000 BCE to 710 CE. Section 2 is about the Jomon Period.
Yayoi Culture
A short introduction, with images of three artifacts in the museum's collection.
• Early Japan (50,000 BC - 710 AD) [About Japan: A Teacher's Resource]
An overview of Japanese history from 50,000 BCE to 710 CE. Section 3 is about the Yayoi Period.
Origin Myths in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki
Primary Source • The Legendary Past: The Age of the Gods [Asia for Educators]
Introduction to the creation myths of Japan. Contains a paraphrased version of these myths as told in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. These legends have been important to Japanese religion, historical consciousness, and national identity. Includes discussion questions for students.
Shinto
• Shintō [Asia for Educators]
Text adapted from an article originally published in 1982 in FOCUS magazine, by Paul B. Watt, currently professor of Asian studies at DePauw University. Includes discussion questions for students.
• Shinto [Asia Society]
A short introductory reading.
• Religion & Ethics: Shinto [BBC]
The BBC's Religion & Ethics portal page on Shinto, with links to articles about many aspects of Shinto, including beliefs, history, rites and rituals, key texts, and festivals.
• Architecture and Sacred Spaces in Shinto [University of California at Berkeley, ORIAS]
Excellent information about Shinto shrines. This is a visual resources website created for a teacher workshop on teaching comparative religion through art and architecture.
Find more resources on Shinto
at OMuRAA (Online Museum Resources on Asian Art)
Women Rulers: Pimiko, the Queen of Wa
History of the Kingdom of Wei (Wei Zhi), ca. 297 CE
Primary Source w/DBQs • History of the Kingdom of Wei (Wei Zhi) [PDF] [Asia for Educators]
An extended account of Japan (called "Wa" by the Chinese) from a 3rd century dynastic history of the Chinese kingdom of Wei. This discussion of early Japanese society and government is particularly noteworthy of its focus on Pimiko, the Queen of Wa.
