Jomon

The Jomon period (14,000 BCE – 300 BCE) is one of Japan’s earliest cultural epochs, marked by deep connections to nature and a rich mythological tapestry. Known for its intricate pottery, the period reflects a spiritual worldview centered on animism and the reverence of natural forces.

Folklore featured kami (spirits) inhabiting mountains, rivers, and forests, while ritual practices aimed to maintain harmony with these entities. Dogu figurines, often depicting human-animal hybrids, are believed to represent fertility, shamanistic rituals, or protective talismans. Myths of creation and transformation permeated their cultural identity, blending survival with spirituality. The Jomon’s enduring legacy lies in its symbolic artifacts and the mythic narratives that shaped early Japanese culture.