Early Evolution Stages of Japanese Architecture: Formation of National Identity and External Influences

Formation of National Identity and External Influences

Abstract

Taking as an example the excavation and reconstruction of several significant prehistoric settlements, the article studies the development paths of Japanese architecture of the Neolithic and Bronze periods (the Jomon and Yayoi eras). It describes the main types and constructions (such as tateana and takayuka) and analyses foreign influences and original features of Japanese architecture of the early evolution stages. The article tells about social and religious conditions of development of the Japanese society in that period and touches upon the main artistic artefacts of the Neolithic and Bronze epochs related to architecture (such as dogu and haniwa). It focuses on the recent problems of reconstruction of ancient Japanese settlements based on archeological remains.