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Bundle 69: What Drove the Jomon-Yayoi People

Researchers studying ancient Japan have little material—mainly ruins of buildings, earthenware, and iron tools. Nevertheless, as these essays show, scholars understand much about what drove the Jomon and Yayoi (ethnic groups who fought and killed each other). For instance, people hungered for metal to craft weapons, vessels, coins, and needles (to make clothes), and this quest sparked battles. Still, many aspects of the Jomon and Yayoi eras (c. 14,000 BCE–300 CE) remain contested; experts disagree about the origins of the Yayoi people and of wet rice cultivation in Japan, as well as the existence of Stonehenge-like Jomon-era monuments.
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稲
rice plant
JOK: 1656
This kanji has quite a split personality. Growing rice (稲) is a deeply down-to-earth pursuit. But 稲 is also linked to fanciful notions that lightning impregnates rice and that tofu-loving foxes are messengers for the god Inari (稲荷). He is reputed to help with crops, health, sex, and money, so Inari shrines abound, steeped in fox statues and other symbols—all a far cry from farmers’ earthy concerns.
緻
detailed
JOK: 2065
This kanji is about getting the details right. When people are bent on doing that, they go to fascinating extremes. This essay covers books about drawing ultra-detailed otherworldly scenery, playing mah-jongg carefully, and creating sacred rock formations. You'll learn to say, "The company is famous for its accuracy" and "Her dyed works are very elaborate and at the same time dynamic."
冶
melt
JOK: 2119
Find out how far back the Japanese craved metal and see how acquiring it changed society, enabling people to have weapons, tools, coins, bells, sewn clothes, and even sacred mirrors. Learn to talk about metal experts, from blacksmiths and swordsmiths to metallurgists and those who separate metal from ore. Also discover why there are wavy patterns on Japanese sword blades.
弥
increasingly
JOK: 2120
Discover the shocking roots of the language and people of Japan (i.e., Yayoi versus Jomon). Find out about Buddhist figures and terms that have eluded you. And learn to say, “They hooted at his suggestion,” “That makes you even more attractive,” “That’s nothing more than a temporary remedy,” and “The origins of (certain) kanji will make your hair stand on end with fear.”
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