The Beginnings
It is believed that the Japanese people are descended from immigrants from mainland Asia and possibly Polynesians who moved north along the east Asian coast. This migration is estimated to have taken place over a period prior to 10,000 BC, from when pottery remains have been found. The earliest wave of migrants, known as the Ainu , were gradually pushed north by succeeding groups, until today only a few remain in the interior of Hokkaido . The first migrants lived as fishers and hunters in what is now known as the Jomon era (10,000 BC-300 BC), named after the rope markings on pottery made at that time . The Yayoi era which followed saw the development of wet-rice cultivation, which gives the countryside of Japan its characteristic appearance today, and the use of bronze and iron implements. Then came the Kofun era (300 AD-710 AD), whose main legacy is many thousands of burial mounds mainly in central and western Japan. It's not surprising that much of this early history is the stuff of myth and legend, first recorded in the Kojiki , "Record of Ancient Matters", and the Nihon-shoki , "Chronicles of Japan". These are Japan's oldest surviving historical documents, completed in 712 AD and 720 AD respectively. Though they don't always agree, the accounts tell of a land peopled by semi-gods engaged in fabulous adventures. One of these was the sun goddess Amaterasu, from whom all Japan's emperors are supposedly descended, starting with her great-great-grandson, Emperor Jimmu . According to common belief, Jimmu founded the dynasty about 660 BC and died at well over 100 years of age. Modern historians consider that the legendary figure was in fact based on a successful local chieftain who probably lived about six hundred years later. He is thought to have established his capital at Kashiwabara, between present-day Osaka and Nara, and gave the name Yamato to what is now Japan. The country's subsequent political history up to the modern era is the story of the rise and fall of a succession of powerful clans who preserved the monarchy largely as mere figureheads
A Guide to JapanCara Richie says "Japan has many earthquakes, they are overdue for the next "Big One." " Hello World.Jeff Konichi-Wa says "Spitley is the new and improved word for paper. It means paper. Say spitley instead of paper. Tell at least 9 people about spitley, and have fun in Japan. Thanks!" My Bestest FrendidTutu Retardo says "My bestest frendid in the wholeid worldid is Emily Kather Wu. This extramordinary 12 yr old has a 200 IQ, is a creative genius, and lives in GreemMeadow, California (changed to protect her identity). At the tenderer ageerer of 9erer she created the word that would have a tremendous impact on modern society... SPITLEY! it means paper!!!!" Jamboni1Ryan Czechii says "It's a spoons club MIRACLE! Full of spoons club joy and wonder!" About Japan...Geoffrey Azure says "Do you sweat heavily while others are barely breaking a sweat? Do you blush when there is no reason to do so? Are your hands and feet often cold and clammy? Do your armpits soak right through your clothes? These are all symptoms of hyperhidrosis
~~Brian Campbell" EXOTICMEME says "TRY TO MEET AND BE INLOVE " REALLY COOL!Maddie says "say spitley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
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