Ainu
Ainu - Spirit of a Northern People, Ainu Articles, Ainu Language and Japan's Ancient History, Ainu Photos, Ainu-English Word List, Foundation for Research and Promotion Ainu Culture, John Bachelor, Literatures and Materials of Ainu Language: For Le, NOVA Online - Island of the Spirits, The Ainu Language
Jomon
Fukui Cave, Jomon Archaeology, Jomon Japan, Jomon Research in 1996, The Jomon Period in Japan, The Paleolithic Period / Jomon Period
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). Site includes a 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.
Japan, Inc. - The Emperor System and Japan's
Offers an overview of the Japanese imperial system, with an emphasis on the modern emperors. Find a list of emperors dating back to the ancient times.
Japanese Rice Culture - The Misunderstood Philosop
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.
Keyhole Tombs
Article on the kofun, or ancient burial mounds in Japan, with background information, history, timeline, types and characteristics.
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.
The Tale of Murasaki
Gives descriptions of chararacters in the famous Japanese story, as well as life in Heian Japan including period cosmetics, fashion, food, music, and religion. Authored by Liza Dalby, the only westerner to ever become a geisha.
Time Line of Japan
Chronological outline of the History of Japan.
Women Warriors of Japan
Provides a history of women's role in Japanese martial arts from the ancient era until modern times.