Ruffner
Lauren Ruffner
HIST 321
Professor McNally
10 June 2015
History of Japanese Women (Prehistoric – 1000 CE)
Japanese women from prehistoric times to year 1000 CE showed undeniable influence
through political sovereignty, spiritual and religious powers, and talent through art and literature.
The purpose of this essay is to acquire a deeper understanding of Japanese women and their
experiences during Japan’s development as a nation. To achieve this goal, I will develop an
extensive historical background of Japanese women during each of the five eras; Jōmon, Yayoi,
Asuka/Tomb, Nara, and Heian. First, for each era I will list the major female figures and the
significant events in which they are remembered for. Second, for each era I will analyze the
major events that affected Japanese women. Third, for each era I will investigate the changes
made to perceptions of the Japanese female gender. Fourth, for each era I will compare the
power of women to the power of men, and explain any times when men may have superseded
women in any way. Lastly, I will summarize the overall experience of women during prehistoric
Japan to 1000 CE, and briefly reflect on the similarities to modern Japanese women. In
conclusion, we can understand the impact of women and their experiences on the development of
Japan as a nation by studying the events of 10,000 BCE to 1000 CE.
The Jōmon Era (10,000 BCE – 300 BCE) is greatly known for unique, clay pottery that is
presumably the oldest known form of a container in the world. These functioning containers
prove a hunter-gatherer type culture, and their intricacy shows evidence of predominantly female
work and creativity.
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The most influential female figure during this period is Amaterasu. The mythological
story of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, derives from this era and serves as a basis for fundamental
Japanese values. Her story of locking herself up in a cave out of anger and then coming out
permanently to make world shine again with the sun, symbolizes Japan’s intention to choose
peace over destruction by embracing the epitome of female characteristics in Amaterasu. Later
on, she would be used as a symbol of intelligence and purity and reflected very much the image
of women for society. All women were seen to be significant figures during the time because the
population was growing, and groups inhabited new lands. This beginning of this period is known
for an increase in population due to more efficient styles of living, and besides the reproduction
ability of women, the home making and maternal extinct can be the determining factor for the
success of the Jōmon culture’s survival.
Major events that affected Japanese women during this era included climate change, the
forming of villages, and migration patterns. Jōmon women were in charge of running and
maintaining the home, which meant making clothes, pots, baskets, etc. for their every day life.
The mythological beliefs supported women in practicing spiritual ceremonies, which are evident
by the pottery and artifacts left behind. Archaeologists presume that women were believed to
have contact with a high power and be able to heal evil and direct those in the right path. The
most significant ceremonies in which women were involved were burial ceremonies because
they would insure peace and prosperity on the soul and land. Prehistoric Japan was a matriarchal
society in which women were viewed based on spiritual beliefs. The Jōmon Era introduced the
shamanistic practices and powers of women as healers and peacekeepers. With a developing
culture that valued land and unity, women were counted on for stability and spiritual guidance
because they were believed to have that power. Women undoubtedly held superior power over
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men in relation to providing peace and healing to the people. However men provided a lot of the
subsistence and physical protection needed for survival. During the Jōmon period, men and
women worked together and there was no evidence of a status system based on burial rituals and
pottery art. There was no sense of a dominating gender when establishing rule until later in
Japanese history.
The Yayoi Era (300 BCE – 300 CE) is known for its advancements in agricultural and
economical stability. Increased efficiency in rice cultivation, and the use of bronze and iron
introduce the base for a class system in Japan during this time because some possessed more than
others.
Significant female figures during this era include Queen Himiko and Empress Jingu.
Queen Himiko was the chosen ruler of Japan in the kingdom of Yamatai. She is known to be
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