High Country Heritage

The hermit crab is a very practical creature. It wanders the sea floor in search of a suitable shell it can occupy for protection. Occasionally, it leaves the shell to search for food, but slips quickly back into its shelter when danger approaches. For much of its history, Japan has been much like the hermit crab. It has remained secluded and avoided contact with outsiders. However, modern Japan has become a successful partner in the world community. Japan’s history can help shed light on these conflicting traditions.

It was during the Jomon era that Emperor Jimmu started the Yamato dynasty. According to legend, Emperor Jimmu was a direct descendent of the Sun Goddess.Until World War II,Japan’s emperors claimed roots extending back to Jimmu and the Sun Goddess. This divine right to rule existed for nearly 1,500 years. Today, the emperor still plays an important social role in Japanese society, although he no longer has political power.

During the Nara era (710-794 A.D.), Chinese culture continued to influence Japan. Chinese became the language of business and government. A new religion, Confucianism, was introduced from China. The Japanese built a new imperial capital in Heijokyo (present-day Nara). This was Japan’s first permanent capital, and the Japanese modeled it after the Chinese capital. Nara soon became a powerful city with nearly 200,000 people, many of whom worked in government. The new government produced coins and collected taxes from farmers. In time, the imperial government tightened its grip on the people. This led to warfare as various members of the imperial family and other leading families fought for power and influence. Other problems arose as farmers could not pay their taxes and began to lose their lands. This caused a shortage of tax money, which caused the government to reduce its military strength. Decreased military strength, in turn, led to the formation of local armies.All of these factors led to a decline of Nara’s imperial rule.