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A (very!) Brief History of the Nihonjin
A (very!) Brief History of the Nihonjin
The Nihonjin (translating as 'people of sun origin') are the inhabitants of the country of Japan (Nihon in Japanese) in East Asia. The Nihonjin are partly descendants of the first humans to reach the Japanese archipelago, as well as descendants of later settlers from wider East Asia.
The Nihonjin (translating as 'people of sun origin') are the inhabitants of the country of Japan (Nihon in Japanese) in East Asia. The Nihonjin are partly descendants of the first humans to reach the Japanese archipelago, as well as descendants of later settlers from wider East Asia.
As part of the wider Human global migration, over the course of 100,000 years, groups of humans made their way across the Middle East, into Southern and Central Asia, before making the ocean crossing to the Japanese archipelago, approximately 35,000 years ago.
As part of the wider Human global migration, over the course of 100,000 years, groups of humans made their way across the Middle East, into Southern and Central Asia, before making the ocean crossing to the Japanese archipelago, approximately 35,000 years ago.
S Wilkinson. PhysicsScotland
The original inhabitants of the Japanese archipelago lived primarily as hunter-gatherers, building only semi-permanent settlements as they followed the seasonal migration of animals, mostly the Wild Boar and Skia Deer of the forests, but also marine animals such as seals, dolphins and whales. In approximately 300 BCE, migrants from the Asian mainland introduced wet-rice agriculture, bronze, and iron. This surplus of food led to permanent farming settlements, social hierarchies, and the eventual unification of early Uji (clans).
The original inhabitants of the Japanese archipelago lived primarily as hunter-gatherers, building only semi-permanent settlements as they followed the seasonal migration of animals, mostly the Wild Boar and Skia Deer of the forests, but also marine animals such as seals, dolphins and whales. In approximately 300 BCE, migrants from the Asian mainland introduced wet-rice agriculture, bronze, and iron. This surplus of food led to permanent farming settlements, social hierarchies, and the eventual unification of early Uji (clans).
As society stratified, a central state began to form, deeply influenced by the Asian mainland. Borrowing heavily from the Chinese Tang Dynasty. By the mid-6th Century CE, the Nihonjin introduced Buddhism, adopted Chinese characters (kanji) for writing, and established a centralised imperial government under an Emperor.
As society stratified, a central state began to form, deeply influenced by the Asian mainland. Borrowing heavily from the Chinese Tang Dynasty. By the mid-6th Century CE, the Nihonjin introduced Buddhism, adopted Chinese characters (kanji) for writing, and established a centralised imperial government under an Emperor.
S Wilkinson. PhysicsScotland
By the late 12th Century CE, this central government had been severely weakened by the rise of strong regional military lords (daimyo), and their warrior retainers (samurai) rose to power, eventually establishing military dictatorships known as Shogunates. This led to the "Warring States" period, where for over a century, brutal civil wars raged as rival warlords fought for control of the archipelago. In 1603 CE, the Tokugawa shogunate emerged victorious from these conflicts and established over 250 years of strict peace and self-imposed isolation (sakoku), known as the Edo period. Society was strictly divided into classes (samurai, peasants, artisans, merchants), and the population became increasingly urbanised.
By the late 12th Century CE, this central government had been severely weakened by the rise of strong regional military lords (daimyo), and their warrior retainers (samurai) rose to power, eventually establishing military dictatorships known as Shogunates. This led to the "Warring States" period, where for over a century, brutal civil wars raged as rival warlords fought for control of the archipelago. In 1603 CE, the Tokugawa shogunate emerged victorious from these conflicts and established over 250 years of strict peace and self-imposed isolation (sakoku), known as the Edo period. Society was strictly divided into classes (samurai, peasants, artisans, merchants), and the population became increasingly urbanised.
This period of isolation ended abruptly in 1853 when American Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed a squadron of heavily armed US Navy ships into Edo Bay (modern-day Tokyo Bay). In two encounters over the following year, under threat of naval bombardment, the Tokugawa shogunate realised their traditional defences could not compete with modern Western artillery and yielded to American demands. They signed the Treaty of Kanagawa, officially opening two ports to American vessels, which triggered a massive internal political crisis, eventually leading to the collapse of the samurai class and the rapid modernisation of the country.
This period of isolation ended abruptly in 1853 when American Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed a squadron of heavily armed US Navy ships into Edo Bay (modern-day Tokyo Bay). In two encounters over the following year, under threat of naval bombardment, the Tokugawa shogunate realised their traditional defences could not compete with modern Western artillery and yielded to American demands. They signed the Treaty of Kanagawa, officially opening two ports to American vessels, which triggered a massive internal political crisis, eventually leading to the collapse of the samurai class and the rapid modernisation of the country.
In 1868, the Tokugawa shogunate was overthrown, and nominal political power was 'restored' to Emperor Meiji. The new government abolished the samurai class and adopted a guiding policy of Fukoku Kyohei ("Enrich the country, strengthen the military"). Recognising that survival against Western imperial powers required immediate technological parity, Japan underwent a period of breakneck modernisation. As Japan industrialised, it needed access to raw materials and sought the same colonial prestige held by European powers, and so began territorial expansion. Between 1894 and 1918, Japan militarily beat both China and Russia, taking control over Taiwan and Korea.
In 1868, the Tokugawa shogunate was overthrown, and nominal political power was 'restored' to Emperor Meiji. The new government abolished the samurai class and adopted a guiding policy of Fukoku Kyohei ("Enrich the country, strengthen the military"). Recognising that survival against Western imperial powers required immediate technological parity, Japan underwent a period of breakneck modernisation. As Japan industrialised, it needed access to raw materials and sought the same colonial prestige held by European powers, and so began territorial expansion. Between 1894 and 1918, Japan militarily beat both China and Russia, taking control over Taiwan and Korea.
After the Great Depression of 1929 devastated the economy of Japan, ultranationalist factions and military officers increasingly took control of state policy, often acting completely independently of the elected cabinet. In 1931, the Japanese military staged a false-flag bombing on a Japanese-owned railway to justify a full-scale invasion of resource-rich Manchuria (northeastern China), establishing a puppet state. Then in 1937, border skirmishes escalated into a brutal, all-out war with China, characterised by horrific atrocities against civilians, most notably the Nanjing Massacre. As Japan expanded further into French Indochina, the United States imposed crushing oil and steel embargoes. Rather than abandon its conquests, Japan chose to go to war.
After the Great Depression of 1929 devastated the economy of Japan, ultranationalist factions and military officers increasingly took control of state policy, often acting completely independently of the elected cabinet. In 1931, the Japanese military staged a false-flag bombing on a Japanese-owned railway to justify a full-scale invasion of resource-rich Manchuria (northeastern China), establishing a puppet state. Then in 1937, border skirmishes escalated into a brutal, all-out war with China, characterised by horrific atrocities against civilians, most notably the Nanjing Massacre. As Japan expanded further into French Indochina, the United States imposed crushing oil and steel embargoes. Rather than abandon its conquests, Japan chose to go to war.
In 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbour to cripple American naval power, officially drawing the US into World War II. Simultaneously, Japan launched coordinated invasions across Southeast Asia. At its peak in 1942, Japan controlled vast stretches of the Pacific, the Philippines, Malaya, the Dutch East Indies, and Burma. After 1942, the Allied "island-hopping" campaign steadily destroyed the Japanese navy and pushed forces back toward the home islands. Following a devastating strategic bombing campaign that burned major Japanese cities, the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet Union's declaration of war, the Empire of Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945.
In 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbour to cripple American naval power, officially drawing the US into World War II. Simultaneously, Japan launched coordinated invasions across Southeast Asia. At its peak in 1942, Japan controlled vast stretches of the Pacific, the Philippines, Malaya, the Dutch East Indies, and Burma. After 1942, the Allied "island-hopping" campaign steadily destroyed the Japanese navy and pushed forces back toward the home islands. Following a devastating strategic bombing campaign that burned major Japanese cities, the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet Union's declaration of war, the Empire of Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945.
Following the devastation of WWII, Japan adopted a pacifist constitution. The country experienced an "Economic Miracle," rapidly rebuilding to become a global leader in manufacturing, technology, and pop culture exports, all while maintaining deep ties to its traditional roots.
Following the devastation of WWII, Japan adopted a pacifist constitution. The country experienced an "Economic Miracle," rapidly rebuilding to become a global leader in manufacturing, technology, and pop culture exports, all while maintaining deep ties to its traditional roots.
Traditional Nihonjin culture is rooted in Shinto, an animistic belief system that sees kami (spirits or deities) residing in the natural world, in mountains, rivers, and ancient trees. This reverence for nature evolved into a profound aesthetic philosophy. Today, Nihonjin culture is a global force. While the ancient arts remain fiercely protected, Japan is simultaneously a hub of hyper-modernity. The country is a global leader in digital technology, robotics, and pop culture exports, with anime, manga, and video games shaping contemporary entertainment worldwide. This duality, where a sprawling metropolis of neon and smart-tech surrounds a quiet, centuries-old shrine, is the defining characteristic of modern Nihonjin culture.
Traditional Nihonjin culture is rooted in Shinto, an animistic belief system that sees kami (spirits or deities) residing in the natural world, in mountains, rivers, and ancient trees. This reverence for nature evolved into a profound aesthetic philosophy. Today, Nihonjin culture is a global force. While the ancient arts remain fiercely protected, Japan is simultaneously a hub of hyper-modernity. The country is a global leader in digital technology, robotics, and pop culture exports, with anime, manga, and video games shaping contemporary entertainment worldwide. This duality, where a sprawling metropolis of neon and smart-tech surrounds a quiet, centuries-old shrine, is the defining characteristic of modern Nihonjin culture.
The Nihonjin & Gassho-Zukuri Architecture
The Nihonjin & Gassho-Zukuri Architecture
Due to the wide climatic differences across the Japanese archipelago, Nihonjin architecture has developed into a wide range of highly localised styles, each suited to the specific needs of an area. One example of this is the Gassho-zukuri architecture of the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages in the remote, mountainous Shogawa river valley of central Japan.
Due to the wide climatic differences across the Japanese archipelago, Nihonjin architecture has developed into a wide range of highly localised styles, each suited to the specific needs of an area. One example of this is the Gassho-zukuri architecture of the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages in the remote, mountainous Shogawa river valley of central Japan.
Due to local climatic conditions, the winters experienced by these villages are extremely harsh, with an average winter snowfall of 400 to 415 inches (10 to 10.5 meters), and average winter temperatures usually just below freezing. This level of snowfall and low temperatures provides challenging architectural requirements. A typical building roof would not be able to withstand the weight of the accumulated snow (usually between 1 & 3 m deep) without collapsing. The buildings of these villages are therefore highly engineered to withstand such snowfall.
Due to local climatic conditions, the winters experienced by these villages are extremely harsh, with an average winter snowfall of 400 to 415 inches (10 to 10.5 meters), and average winter temperatures usually just below freezing. This level of snowfall and low temperatures provides challenging architectural requirements. A typical building roof would not be able to withstand the weight of the accumulated snow (usually between 1 & 3 m deep) without collapsing. The buildings of these villages are therefore highly engineered to withstand such snowfall.
Gassho-Zukuri Architecture : STEM
Gassho-Zukuri Architecture : STEM
The very steep 60-degree angle of the gassho-zukuri (translates as 'constructed like hands in prayer') roof allows the heavy snow to slide off naturally before it can accumulate to a dangerous weight. The thick thatch acts as heavy insulation, and the flexible, nail-less wooden joints allow the massive frame to bend and flex under the weight of winter storms and high winds without snapping.
The very steep 60-degree angle of the gassho-zukuri (translates as 'constructed like hands in prayer') roof allows the heavy snow to slide off naturally before it can accumulate to a dangerous weight. The thick thatch acts as heavy insulation, and the flexible, nail-less wooden joints allow the massive frame to bend and flex under the weight of winter storms and high winds without snapping.
Cut off from the rest of Japan for months by immense snowfall, villagers could not rely on outdoor winter agriculture and were forced to develop indoor industries to survive. They utilised the massive, multi-level attic spaces, often three or four stories high, created by their steep, towering roofs to cultivate silkworms and produce washi paper. To sustain this sericulture through the freezing winters, the houses were designed with slatted wooden floors that allowed heat and smoke from the ground-floor sunken hearth (irori) to naturally rise and warm the upper levels.
Cut off from the rest of Japan for months by immense snowfall, villagers could not rely on outdoor winter agriculture and were forced to develop indoor industries to survive. They utilised the massive, multi-level attic spaces, often three or four stories high, created by their steep, towering roofs to cultivate silkworms and produce washi paper. To sustain this sericulture through the freezing winters, the houses were designed with slatted wooden floors that allowed heat and smoke from the ground-floor sunken hearth (irori) to naturally rise and warm the upper levels.
S Wilkinson. PhysicsScotland
STEM Task :
STEM Task :
- Build two card houses following the instructions in the video above: one with a typical, low-pitched roof and one in the Gassho-Zukuri architectural style.
- Test their ability to withstand 'heavy snowfall', by running damp sand through a colander above them, comparing their structural integrity.
- Extension - Vary the pitch of the Gassho-Zukuri style roof; is ~60 degrees the 'best' angle for maximising space within and 'snow accumulation prevention'?
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