What factors influenced the development of early Japan? Notes #31
Japan is an archipelago (a chain of islands) in the Pacific Ocean, near the mainland of Asia.
Japan has an irregular coastline, which has many natural harbors for Japan, and was where many early people lived.
Because Japan is located near the mainland of Asia, early Japan experienced a great deal of cultural diffusion with other Asian cultures.
Two cultures that most influenced the development of early Japan were Chinese and Korean.
For example, Japan was introduced to Buddhism, Confucianism, calligraphy, martial arts, and tea by the Chinese and Koreans.
Despite borrowing much from other cultures, early Japan also maintained a unique individual culture.
For example, many early Japanese practiced both Buddhism (from China) and their own religion of Shinto.