Japanese history

1, Japanese ancestor

There are many unknowns about the origin of the Japanese nation. Because many Japanese babies have blue spots on their buttocks, which are called Mongolian spots; Therefore, it is generally believed that the Japanese belong to the Mongolian race. In the Japanese archipelago, people lived in the Paleolithic Age from 1 10,000 years ago, and the stone tools and human bones left over at that time were also found. It used to be thought that these aborigines were different from the Japanese now, but later it was because the Japanese ancestors moved in and expelled the aborigines. However, according to the recent research, it is believed that the ancestors of the Japanese, not only the residents since the Paleolithic Age, but also many ethnic groups from China, Korea, Southeast Asia and other places, all moved to Japan, introduced their culture, and gradually mixed blood, becoming today's Japanese.

2. The origin of Japan

Around the first century AD, more than 100 small countries were scattered in various regions of Japan. Later, these countries gradually unified and became one country. In the 4th century, a relatively large country appeared in Kansai, which is the ancestor of the Emperor's family today. During this period, Japan's sphere of influence extended from the western half of Honshu and the northern half of Kyushu to Shikoku. Since Japan was gradually unified over a long period of time, it is difficult to determine when it was established. In the historical books such as Ancient Stories and Records of Japan edited in the eighth century A.D., the deeds of the first generation of emperors who acceded to the throne in 660 BC were recorded. Since Emperor Jimmu's date of accession to the throne is equivalent to February 1 1 day in the solar calendar today, it was designated as the "Founding Day" of Japan, and there was a day off.

3. Japanese history

Japan was connected with Chinese mainland from/kloc-0 to 20,000 years ago. Later, due to crustal changes, it separated from the mainland. Because Japan is an island country, it is not vulnerable to foreign aggression; However, the distance from the mainland is close at hand, and we can also learn from foreign progressive cultures. On the one hand, Japan maintains the commonality with mainland culture, on the other hand, it breeds independent Japanese culture until today.

A primitive times (to the third century A.D.): from 10,000 years ago to the rope age around the third and second centuries B.C., the lifestyle was mainly hunting, fishing and gathering; In the yayoi era of the third century, there was a production mode of rice and the use of metal utensils, which created the primitive pattern of Japanese life. Although there were many small countries at that time, they gradually unified.

B. Ancient times (4th century A.D. to12nd century A.D.): In the 4th century A.D., the Emperor unified Japan and introduced cultural relics such as writing, system, Buddhism, Confucianism and technology from the mainland, which laid the foundation of the country. At this time, the emperor controlled politics with the help of powerful people, while the people engaged in agricultural activities mainly based on rice. In the 7th century, the system of China (Tang Dynasty) was studied, and the system of a country ruled by law (legal politics) was completed. Since then, the land and people have been separated from the rule of the rich and owned by the state; Ordinary farmers, the state gives a person 2300 square meters (0.57 mu) of land, in addition to paying certain taxes, but also engaged in national defense labor. However, this system began to collapse in the eighth century, and the nobles privatized the land and turned it into a private manor. After the nobles ruled the land and people, they began to accumulate wealth and formed a unique aristocratic culture.

C. Middle Ages and Modern Times (12nd century to1first half of 9th century): The samurai who were originally controlled by nobles gradually gained power because they directly ruled the peasants everywhere. /kloc-after taking power at the end of 0/2 century, he continued to control the political power for nearly 700 years until 19 century. The greatest authority among the samurai was appointed by the emperor as the general to conquer foreign countries, and set up shogunate to dominate the samurai leaders in various regions (known as "royal family" in Kamakura era, "guarding Daming" in Muromachi era and "Daming" in Edo era). The leader of the samurai was recognized by the general to rule the land and people, and swore allegiance to the general. At the beginning of17th century, the shogunate refused to communicate with foreign countries. This is the so-called lock-up period. The main industry in this period was agriculture, but industry and commerce also prospered gradually. 18- 19 century is an era of sustained peace. After the economic strength of businessmen overwhelmed the samurai, the political system dominated by the samurai began to collapse. The rapid development of culture and education in this period laid the foundation for the development of modern countries.

D. In modern times (1the second half of the 9th century to 1945): 1853, taking the opportunity of Governor Bailey's visit to Japan, Japan opened its closed policy during the lock-up period and began to trade. However, this also forced the shogunate to the point where there was no way out. Because of the influence of trade, it brought economic crisis, and because of this opportunity, it strengthened the forces against the shogunate. When this force gradually gained the upper hand, it finally prompted the shogunate to cede power in 1867, which was called "the great return of the government". 1868, Emperor Meiji ascended the throne and established a new government. At that time, under the guidance of wise men, large-scale armed conflicts were avoided. After the fall of the shogunate, Japan followed the example of European countries, implemented various policies, and developed into a modern country in 20 years. In terms of the ruling system, the cabinet system is established and the constitution is formulated (parliament is established, judicial power is independent, and citizens' rights and obligations are formulated). At the same time, the German army and British navy were established, and local politics was reformed. Economically, land system reform has been implemented, state-owned enterprises have revitalized industries and unified the monetary system. In terms of social culture, a modern school system has been implemented and established. Abolish the economic and social privileges of samurai in order to extract the essence of European and American culture. Japan has strengthened its national strength by realizing these modernizations. Moreover, it has to experience some conflicts with the United States, Britain, France, the Netherlands, Russia and other countries on vested interests. Domestically, from the end of19th century, the industrial revolution started and capitalism developed. After World War I, party politics gradually became universal. However, due to the economic panic crisis in 1929, military forces rose, and gradually, military forces controlled Japan's political and diplomatic leadership, and the Sino-Japanese War broke out in 1937. With the outbreak of World War II, the competition for rights and interests between Japan and other advanced countries in Asia became more intense. Countries have successively implemented measures such as freezing Japanese overseas assets and prohibiting the export of resources to Japan. 194 1 year1February, the Pacific War finally broke out among Japan, the United States and Britain. 1939, Germany ignited a war in Europe, forcing the war between the three axis countries of Japan, Germany and Italy and the allies of other countries to become a world war. At the beginning of the war, the armies of Japan, Germany and Italy were in an advantage; However, the situation quickly reversed. In the first six months, Japan occupied a large area of the southwest Pacific. However, the United States-based Coalition forces turned to fight back. 1945, after landing in Okinawa, the US military dropped the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and then the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Under this impact, Japan finally announced its unconditional surrender in August 1945, ending the Pacific War. Finally, because Italy and Germany had already surrendered, World War II ended.

E One of modernization (1945 to the second half of 1980s): Japan began to move towards a democratic and peaceful country on the basis of the occupation and indirect rule of the United Nations led by the US military. Democratization is based on the implementation of the new Constitution (1947) and the electoral law that recognizes women's participation in politics, as well as the formulation of the labor relations law and other relevant laws and regulations that protect labor rights. 195 1 year, Japan signed the "San Francisco Peace Treaty" to restore the form of an independent country. However, due to the antagonistic relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union (Cold War), only Japan and western liberalism signed the San Francisco Peace Treaty. On the same day, Japan also concluded a US-Japan security treaty with the United States and agreed to provide a US military base. Therefore, Japan has also become a member of the western camp. In addition, Japan continues to work hard to restore friendly relations with socialist countries in Eastern Europe. 1956 Signed the Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration; In the same year, Japan's accession to the United Nations was also recognized. 1972 established diplomatic relations with People's Republic of China (PRC), 1978 signed the Sino-Japanese peace and friendship treaty. During this period, Japan's economic achievements attracted worldwide attention. The foundation of economic development lies in the immediate post-war reconstruction work, and under the guidance of the United States, several fundamental reforms have been implemented, namely, the formulation of anti-monopoly law, the disintegration of chaebol, and the reform of agricultural land. In addition, a series of fiscal policy reforms centered on the tax system were carried out, which also overcame the very serious inflation at that time. In the 1960s, Japan's economy was dominated by heavy chemical industries such as steel, shipbuilding, automobiles and chemistry, and achieved a high degree of economic growth. By the end of 1960s, Japan's gross national product (GNP) had jumped to the second place in a liberal country. During this period, Japan also became one of the eight members of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and joined the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), and gradually occupied an important position in the world economic activities. During the oil crisis in 1970s, Japanese enterprises saved energy by importing high-tech machinery, and survived the oil crisis with the effect of expanding exports. 1975, in the first summit of advanced countries, Japan, the United States, Britain, France, old West Germany and Italy participated in this meeting (after the second meeting, Canada also participated in this meeting). In 1980s, Japan's economy strengthened its international competitiveness. Since the second half of 1980s, despite the sharp appreciation of the yen exchange rate, Japanese industrial products have been continuously exported to various markets. During this period, Japan's economic indicators have shown a very remarkable phenomenon. That is, huge trade surplus, low unemployment rate, stable consumer price index and so on. The per capita national income converted at the exchange rate of US dollars is also the highest in the world. As mentioned above, the post-war economic development has greatly changed the Japanese way of life. Especially since 1964, the lifestyle has changed obviously. In the same year, the Tokaido Shinkansen was opened to traffic. The first Asian Olympic Games was also held in Tokyo. In addition, due to the popularization of household electrification and automobiles, the opening of expressway network and domestic and international routes, and the development of communication networks such as television, telephone and fax machine, national life has reached a very convenient and comfortable realm. In addition, thanks to the impact of the sharp appreciation of the yen, in recent years, there are10 million Japanese traveling abroad every year. Such a scene of social prosperity was unimaginable to the Japanese at the end of the war.

F. Second modernization (after the second half of 1980s): Great changes in the last decade have led to the privatization of large state-owned enterprises such as Japan Telecom and Japanese monopoly companies. 1985, Japan Telecom Telephone Company and Japan Cigarette Industry Company were privatized one after another. Then in 1987, China Railway was privatized and divided into JR Company. 1989, Japan first introduced 3% consumption tax (value-added tax). 1in the second half of 1986, the consumption and equipment investment of general enterprises increased greatly under the asset interest generated by the fierce stock price and land price rise, and the Japanese economy snowballed under the so-called "bubble economy". Later, due to the financial crisis, stocks, land and buildings plummeted in the early 1990s, and the bubble economy was shattered and disillusioned. However, due to a large number of bad debts generated by the bubble economy, Japan's economy has been in a long-term downturn and the pace of recovery is still slow. To make matters worse, the 1993 yen began to appreciate sharply, and enterprises began to implement "reorganization" from the bottom up. In this context, the trade surplus that has been criticized for many years is also decreasing year by year. 1993, after 38 years in power, the conservative Chinese Democratic Party surrendered power for the first time. 1992 promulgated the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Law, which also became the legal basis for sending an appropriate number of self-defense forces overseas for international assistance.

4. The motive force of Japan's rapid modernization.

Japan's modernization began in 1867, when the policy of shutting the country out for more than 200 years was lifted. The following year, the new Meiji government issued the following "Five Pledges". 5. Take an oath, promote the meeting by Wen Guang, and hand it over to a referendum by all means; Join forces to participate in politics and revitalize Confucian classics; Courtiers, warriors and even ordinary people all have their own ambitions, and at the same time make people not concentrate on fatigue; Get rid of old bad habits and base on justice between heaven and earth; Seek knowledge from the world and revitalize the imperial base. The basic policy of Meiji government is to adopt an open policy and negotiate with other countries, so as to make Qiang Bing a rich country and maintain national independence. The enterprising directors of Meiji Restoration resolutely carried out this policy. Including the above policy reasons, the following are the main reasons for Japan's modernization drive: A. Japan's policy abolished the feudal feudal system, established the county system with the administrative units of modern countries, and completed the centralized state system. B) Abolish the class system of intellectuals, peasants and industry and commerce, and establish an education system that enables all people in the country to receive equality. This is because while considering Japan's modernization, we must first improve the knowledge level of ordinary citizens. Therefore, Japan's policy at that time was to popularize national education. C. Recognize farmers' freedom to buy and sell land, cultivate various industries in a planned way, and establish railway, telephone and postal systems in a state-run way. In addition, public demonstration factories have been established to encourage private enterprises to invest (such as Nagasaki Shipyard and Youxiang Textile Factory) and actively provide loans. D. Actively employ foreign consultants in various fields, and devote themselves to introducing and absorbing foreign technologies and systems (such as legislative and legal education in Boya Sonad (France), medical education in Baelz (Germany), agricultural education in Clark (America), railway construction in Moeller (Britain), and operation guidance in Baqi Iron Works in Schebe (Germany), etc.). (5) Under the banner of "civilization", the people have continuously introduced western civilization. In addition, the Japanese people also work hard to save their income and create the capital needed for modernization. As mentioned above, the motive force of Japan's modernization is actually the foundation laid in the peaceful feudal era of locking up the country. In other words, through the ruling experience in the samurai stage, the bureaucratic system and organized talents were cultivated, the facilities of roads and air routes were rectified, and the prototype of circular economy headed by rice was formed.

5. Historical and cultural relations between foreign countries and Japan.

Japanese culture is greatly influenced by China, Europe and America. Besides, many cultures from other regions have also spread to Japan via China, Europe and America. From the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century BC, after the introduction of rice seeds and rice cultivation techniques from China, it also became a turning point, and it also changed from the hunting era to the era of agriculture based on rice, so social life changed and gradually developed. In the first century A.D., Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty gave Kyushu governors a golden seal. This record is also recorded in China's history books, and it is also recorded in China's history book "Were Han Shu". This golden seal was excavated in Fukuoka Prefecture in the18th century. In the third century, the Queen of Evil Matai sent envoys to Wei, and there are also records that Wei sent envoys to Evil Matai. After entering the 4th century, the historical records of exchanges between Korea and Japan also appeared. From the 5th century to the 6th century, Chinese characters, fine arts, agriculture and other crafts were also introduced from North Korea, among which China cultural relics were also introduced through North Korea. At the beginning of the sixth century, Confucianism was introduced into Japan, which had a great influence on Japanese morality and outlook on life. In the 7th century, during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the Japanese also sent "envoys in Tang Dynasty" and many overseas students to China. These messengers and overseas students also introduced many local cultural relics and systems, especially the Tang Dynasty system, which had the most far-reaching influence. The history of Japanese Buddhism began in the 6th century, with the Buddha statues and scriptures donated by North Korea. In the 9th and10th centuries, monks traveled between China and Japan, which promoted the development of Japanese Buddhism. During this period, cultural relics related to Japanese architecture and arts and crafts were also deeply influenced by China. From the end of 10 century to 12 century, the relationship between China and Japan was interrupted for a period of time, and the trade with Song and Ming countries resumed only after 12 century. In Kyle Poirot's Notes on the East (1299), it was introduced to Europe under the name of "Purple Pangu", and when Columbus discovered America, it was said that he also sailed west and wanted to visit Japan. However, the first contact between Europeans and Japanese was actually in 1543, after the Portuguese drifted to Tanegashima in the south of Kyushu. At that time, the Portuguese inherited Japanese iron guns (spears) and gunpowder. Later, Spanish, Portuguese, British and Dutch also came to Japan to preach or engage in trade. /kloc-After the second half of the 6th century, there were wooden boats of 200-800 tons built in Japan between South China, Siam, Philippines, Java, Sumatra and Borneo. 1592, the official trading ship "Zhu Yin Ship" carrying Toyotomi Hideyoshi Athena Chu also started sailing. These ships exchanged Japanese silver, copper, iron, sulfur and groceries for raw silk, silk products, leather, lead and sugar. At this time, the Japanese in the overseas trade zone had moved to Japan, and after 1639, the overseas Japanese could not return to Japan. At that time, a girl in Kyushu left a letter full of homesickness because she couldn't return to Japan, and now she is in Hirado, Japan. At that time, only the non-Catholic Netherlands was allowed to continue to engage in trade with Japan after it moved its business hall from Hirado to Nagasaki after the lock-up policy. So Japan studied Dutch medicine in the early days and began to learn Dutch. 1853, Matthew Bailey, the American prefect, led four warships to Japan with the credentials of Philip Moore, then editor-in-chief, and concluded the U.S.-Japan Friendship Treaty the following year. Since 1639, Japan's diplomacy with foreign countries has been interrupted. However, with the active promotion of the United States, Japan reopened the door. Subsequently, treaties were concluded with Britain, Russia, France and the Netherlands. The result of these foreign policy changes turned into an opportunity, which led to the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate. At the same time, under the Meiji Restoration, Japan gradually transformed into a modern country. In the process of modernization, on the one hand, Japan absorbed western European culture and introduced western European constitutional system, on the other hand, it revitalized industry and established modern capitalism with western European technology. And Japan's modernization is nothing more than westernization. Many Japanese go to Europe and America to learn knowledge and technology, and many Europeans and Americans also come to Japan to pass on culture. From 188 1 year to 1898, 6 177 teachers and technicians were recruited in Britain, 2,764 in the United States, 9 13 in Germany, 6 19 in France and 9 in Italy. Before modern times, there was no direct communication between the Middle East and Japan, but the cultures of these regions also spread to Japan through other countries. For example, the Zhengcangyuan in the 8th century, the Persian treasures and the harp made in China all originated from the Assyrian Empire. In addition, Arabic numerals and astronomy also spread to Japan through Europe.