This article explores the history of the native people of Japan from ancient times to modern day. It covers the Jōmon period (14000 BC - 300 BC), Yayoi period (300 BC - 250 AD), Kofun period (250 AD - 538 AD) and today's population which includes some ethnic minorities such as Ainu people and Ryukyuans. The cultural legacy left by these ancient peoples can still be seen in many aspects of modern life in Japan, including language, religion, architecture and food culture.