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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.
Most archaeologists (scientists who study early humans) believe that the islands of Japan were first inhabited about 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. These early settlers were called the Jomon. Historians believe that the Jomon were the ancestors of the Ainu who still exist in small numbers on the island of Hokkaido. The Jomon were related to peoples in southeastern Asia and were a hunting, fishing, and gathering culture. They were nomadic and existed primarily along the coastlines in Honshu and Kyushu, where they roamed following food sources.
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