B.C.
To 500 A.D.
660
Supposed foundation of the Japanese Empire by Jimmu
A.D.
3
Emperor Suinin flourished. Abolition of the practice of burying retainers alive on the master’s death
59
Reputed Korean immigration
125
Legendary hero Yamato Daké flourished
202
Reputed conquests in Korea by Empress Jingō Kōgō
397
Probable introduction of Chinese civilisation, through Korea
500–1000
552
Introduction of Buddhism
645
The Taikwa Laws of Kōtōku
675
Encouragement of Buddhism by Temmu
689
The Laws reduced to a written code
750
Development of the Samurai class
782
Emperor Kwammu
800
Fusion of Shintō with Buddhism by Kōbō Daishi
889
High offices become hereditary in the Fujiwara family
1000–1500
1155
Wars of the Taira and Minamoto clans
1186
Victory of the Minamoto
1192
The Minamoto Shogunate established. Japanese feudal system
1220
Supremacy of the Hōjō family
1275
Attempt of Kublai Khan to invade Japan
1281
Destruction of the Chinese (Mongol) Armada
1333
Ashikaga revolt and overthrow of the Hōjō
1337
Rival Mikados of the North and South for fifty-five years
1500–1800
1543
First appearance of Europeans (Portuguese) in Japan
1549
Francis Xavier attempts to introduce Christianity
1574
Overthrow of Ashikaga by Nobunaga
1581
Rapid development of Christianity
1582
Death of Nobunaga. Supremacy of his general Hideyoshi (Taikō Sama)
1583
Envoys sent from feudal lords to the Pope
1592
Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea
1598
Death of Hideyoshi. Accession to power of Iyeyasu
1606
Prohibition of Christianity
1615
Restoration of Minamoto Shōgunate
1617
Foreign trade limited to two ports
1621
Japanese prohibited from foreign travel
1624
Decree of expulsion against all foreigners except Dutch and Chinese
1637
Peasant and Christian revolt
1641
Dutch and Chinese restricted to Nagasaki
1694
Development of trade-guilds
1792
Russian squadron visits Japanese coast
1800–1867
1804
Russia attempts unsuccessfully to open relations with Japan
1818
Captain Gordon at Yedo Bay
1844
Holland makes proposals for extension of trade
1848
Visit of American and French warships to Japanese waters
1853
Commodore Perry in Yedo Bay
1854
First Japanese Treaty with a Western Power (U.S.A.) in March. First Treaty with Great Britain in October
1855
Russian Treaty
1856
Dutch Treaty
1859
Readmission of Christian missionaries
1861
Attack on British Legation
1862
Murder of Mr. RichardsonJapanese Embassy to the Treaty Powers
1863
Bombardment of Kago-shima by British
1864
Bombardment of Shimonoseki by international squadronContest and reconciliation of the two great clans (Sats-cho)
1866
Kei-ki, last ShōgunNew Conventions with Western Powers
1867
Accession of Mutsu-hito as MikadoAppointment of Europeans: French military and British naval instructorsResignation of Shōgun Kei-ki
1868–1907
1868
Restoration of imperial power
1869
The Emperor takes up residence at Yedo, re-named Tokio. Emperor’s “charter” oathThe Daimiyo surrender feudal rights
1871
Feudalism abolished
1872
Establishment of religious toleration
1873
Adoption of Gregorian CalendarUniversal Military Service
1874
Saga rebellion. Formosan expedition
1875
Saghalin exchanged for Kuriles
1876
Korean Treaty
1877
Revolt and death of Saigo
1879
Annexation of Riu-Kiu Islands
1889
Promulgation of the Constitution. Establishment of local self-government.Anti-foreign reaction
1890
First Imperial Parliament. New civil and commercial codes
1894
War with China
1895
Victory over China. Formosa annexed
1897
Revised customs tariff. Gold standard. Freedom of Press and public meetings
1899
New Treaties on terms of equality. Opening of the whole country
1900
Expedition against Boxers in China
1902
Anglo-Japanese agreement
1904
War with Russia
1905
Victory over Russia. Japan obtains Port Arthur, S. Saghalin, control of S. Manchuria, and protectorate of KoreaAnglo-Japanese alliance
1907
Franco-Japanese AgreementRusso-Japanese Convention
1910
Korea annexed
1911
Anglo-Japanese Agreement