Japan and Foreign Influence

Throughout the course of East Asian history, Japan has been largely influenced by the Asian mainland. From ancient times to the medieval period, significant contributions to Japan can be seen coming from both Korea and China. Both of these countries diffused elements of their cultures to form the basis of Japanese society – namely China. These foreigners would influence various aspects of society including technology, philosophy, politics, and religion.

The first instance of foreign influence in Japan is documented as the Yayoi revolution. As a result of uncertainty during the Warring States Period, a large-scale migration of peoples from the Asian mainland – mainly Koreans and Chinese – crossed into Japanese territory. The migrants brought with them major technological advancements that had been in practice on the mainland including; wet-rice cultivation, as well as iron and bronze technology – making Japan the only civilization to experience bronze and iron revolutions simultaneously. Wet-rice cultivation was a technique that used a strain of rice from the southern regions of china, and produced vast quantities of food. Bronze was used to make various ceremonial objects, where iron was used mostly for weaponry and agricultural tools. The introduction of these technologies advanced the migrants ahead of the native Ainu peoples, and aided in their new control of the island.

During the Yamato State period, the Japanese had extensive relations with the Koreans that would enhance them both politically, and culturally. During this period, Korea was ruled by three dominant kingdoms; Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla. These three kingdoms were at constant war with each other; due to Silla's aggression, Paekche looked to Japan for aid....

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...and Buddhism. Similarly, another monk by the name of Kukai made his way to China to study a new sect called Shingnon. Shingnon was based on mystical and esoteric rituals, and became popular in the Japanese court.

Buddhism became so popular in Japan that the traditional Shinto deities began to rank second in society. Since both religions addressed different aspects of life, a syncretism occurred. Emperors practiced Buddhism, while at the same time taking part in Shinto rituals to aid in harvests. Eventually in the mid-eighth century, Buddhist priests began to take part in Shinto rituals. This participation of Buddhists in Shinto ceremony resulted in the Shinto deities and Buddhist bodhisattvas relating to each other; the deities began to be seen as being manifested by the bodhisattvas. What Japan saw was its traditional religion being combined with foreign beliefs.