Science and Technology
During this time, Yayoi Japan acquired knowledge of Wet Field agriculture, irrigation, Iron and Bronze casting, Advanced Architecture, and commercialism.
One of the most important technologies in this time period were the knowledge of wet rice paddies, it has improved life conditions and eventually gave birth to national currency in japan, this method of agriculture even in primitive forms were all possible because of irrigation technology which guaranteed more success in crops.
Bronze and Iron Casting was introduced in this period as well, during the yayoi period and the early kofun period bronze objects were more commonly used by upper class people as jewelry or ritual/ceremonial artifacts due to it's brilliant shine and color, examples of such artifacts include Dotaku, mirrors and sometimes swords for armies. Iron objects were used by common people, who used it to create tools such as blades and shackles to harvest crops, It was'nt until the late kofun period where most armies used iron swords instead of Bronze ones. (JapanHeritage)
Powerful chieftains and priest kings of tribes often built grand shrines to worship their gods, such examples would include the Ise Shrine and the Oniwa shrine in the Saki area known for it's many relocations in the 7th century around the holy mt Miwa, and replicas can be seen in archaeological sites such as Yoshinogari site in Saga. ("Sagaprefecture")
Before currency, Yayoi and Yamato people accumulated wealth based on their storage of grain and rice and Trade was done across northwestern Japan (Northern Kyushu and Kansai area). People later realized how scarce metals were after prolonged use and replaced grain and rice, however, grain and rice still remained one of the most powerful exports leading to battles for control over land. Yayoi villages commonly had markets, with individual stores selling fish, agricultural products and sandstone molds for casting metal.
One of the most important technologies in this time period were the knowledge of wet rice paddies, it has improved life conditions and eventually gave birth to national currency in japan, this method of agriculture even in primitive forms were all possible because of irrigation technology which guaranteed more success in crops.
Bronze and Iron Casting was introduced in this period as well, during the yayoi period and the early kofun period bronze objects were more commonly used by upper class people as jewelry or ritual/ceremonial artifacts due to it's brilliant shine and color, examples of such artifacts include Dotaku, mirrors and sometimes swords for armies. Iron objects were used by common people, who used it to create tools such as blades and shackles to harvest crops, It was'nt until the late kofun period where most armies used iron swords instead of Bronze ones. (JapanHeritage)
Powerful chieftains and priest kings of tribes often built grand shrines to worship their gods, such examples would include the Ise Shrine and the Oniwa shrine in the Saki area known for it's many relocations in the 7th century around the holy mt Miwa, and replicas can be seen in archaeological sites such as Yoshinogari site in Saga. ("Sagaprefecture")
Before currency, Yayoi and Yamato people accumulated wealth based on their storage of grain and rice and Trade was done across northwestern Japan (Northern Kyushu and Kansai area). People later realized how scarce metals were after prolonged use and replaced grain and rice, however, grain and rice still remained one of the most powerful exports leading to battles for control over land. Yayoi villages commonly had markets, with individual stores selling fish, agricultural products and sandstone molds for casting metal.
"Agricultural Revolution in Japan." Heritage of Japan . JapanHeritage, n. d. Web. 4 Jun. 2013. <http://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/yayoi-era-yields-up-rice/the-advent-of-agriculture-and-the-rice-revolution/>.
"Trade and Tribal Wealth." Heritage of Japan . JapanHeritage, n. d. Web. 4 Jun. 2013. <http://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/yayoi-era-yields-up-rice/lifestyle-and-society-of-the-land-of-wa/trade-and-tribal-wealth-and-status/>.