High Country Heritage

1. Japan’s Early History

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....

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2. THE FIRST DYNASTY

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...

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3. THE NARA PERIOD

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...

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4. THE FIRST SHOGUNS

In about 1192, Yoritomo assumed leadership and became Japan’s first shogun. A shogun is a hereditary title given to military commanders. Frequently, the shoguns operated as the real power behind the emperor. This form of government was known...

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5. STRUGGLES FOR POWER

demise of the brutal Kamakura shogun leadership left a vacuum that was briefly filled by Emperor Go-Daigo. He was older, wiser, and more able to exert his leadership over the shogun than were emperors during the Kamakura era. He defeated all of the...

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