ca. 10,500 to 300 BCE
• Jomon Culture [The Genographic Project: Atlas of the Human Journey, NationalGeographic.com]
Select the section under "15,000 B.C. to 10,000 B.C." on the timeline, then mouse over the orange pushpin-like icon over Japan to learn about the Jomon, who were the first settlers of Japan.

• Japan, 8000-2000 B.C. [Timeline of Art History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art]
"Japan's Neolithic Age coincides with a long period of climatic warming that begins about 10,000 B.C. and causes sea levels to rise — separating the Japanese archipelago from the Asian continent. This epoch, known as Jomon, or 'cord-marked,' takes its name from the distinctive vessels made during this time." With a period overview, list of key events, and one related artwork.

• Japan, 2000-1000 B.C. [Timeline of Art History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art]
"The people of this period live primarily in the foothills and along the coast. As indicated by huge shell mounds and the appearance of new fishing devices, the sea provides the primary source of food." With a period overview, list of key events, and four related artworks.

• 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.

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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.

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• Shinto [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.

• Sacred Spaces in Shinto [Teaching Comparative Religion through Art and Architecture, Office of Resources for International Area Studies, University of California at Berkeley]
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)

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