AD 300-600 Kofun

During the 4th century AD one of the many regional kingdoms in Japan, Yamato (modern-day Nara prefecture) gradually gained dominance over the others. The period is known as the Kofun period, after the huge earthen mounds (kofun in Japanese) that were constructed as tombs for members of the ruling elite. The most important of these covered several hundred acres, and were surrounded by multiple moats. Thousands of ceramic figurines (haniwa) depicting people, horses, and buildings were placed over their surface to play a symbolic, protective role.

Close contacts were maintained with the Asian continent during this period, and especially with the three kingdoms of Korea. Similarities can be seen in various aspects of culture, such as the forms of tombs, their interior decoration and the grave goods contained within them.

Significant advances were made in the technology for kilns and furnaces, allowing for developments in both metal-working (such as strong, straight swords) and ceramics (high-fired Sue ware). The excavated contents of the tomb mounds, including iron weapons, bronze mirrors, gilded horse trappings and ceramic vessels and sculptures, demonstrate the very high level of technical skill. Towards the end of the period tomb walls were decorated with paintings, again taking their motifs and symbolism from mainland Asia.