1. Introduction
The question of what Japan was called before 1947 has been a topic of debate for centuries. While the modern name of the country is Japan, it has gone through numerous name changes throughout its history. In this article, we will explore the various names that have been used to refer to what is now known as Japan, beginning with pre-historic times and ending with post World War II.
2. Pre-Historic Japan
Before recorded history, Japan was known as Wa or Yamato by its inhabitants. This period is referred to as the ‘Jomon Period’ and dates back to 10,000 BC. It is believed that this period saw the first settlers arrive in Japan from mainland Asia, bringing with them their own culture and language which would eventually evolve into Japanese culture and language as we know it today.
3. Ancient Japan
In ancient times, around 300 BC – 300 AD, Japan was known as Yamataikoku. This was a powerful kingdom located in western Honshu and ruled by a female monarch named Himiko or Pimiko who was said to have ruled over an area ranging from Kyushu to northern Honshu. During this period, there were also several other kingdoms that existed in various parts of the country such as Kibi and Na state in western Honshu and Yamatai in eastern Honshu respectively.
4. Classical Japan
During the classical period (300 AD – 710 AD), Japan was referred to as Nihon or Nippon which literally translates to “the land where the sun rises”. During this time, Buddhism arrived from China and spread throughout the country leading to a period of cultural exchange between China and Japan which resulted in many aspects of Chinese culture being adopted by Japanese people including language, writing system and art forms such as calligraphy and painting.
5. Medieval Japan
During the medieval period (710 AD – 1568 AD) when the samurai ruled over most of the country, it was referred to as Dai Nihon or Great Nippon by its inhabitants and Dai Nihon Teikoku or Great Empire of Nippon by foreigners who visited or traded with them during this time. This period saw many foreign influences enter into Japanese culture including Zen Buddhism from China which had a profound effect on Japanese philosophy and art forms such as Ikebana flower arranging and tea ceremony which are still practiced today in modern-day Japan.
6. Early Modern Japan
The early modern period (1568 AD – 1868 AD) saw more foreign influence enter into Japanese culture due to increased contact with European countries such as Portugal who were trading with them during this time period. During this era, it was commonly referred to as Oranda or Holland by Europeans due to their strong trading ties with Holland at that time while it continued being known simply as Nihon by its own people at home.
7. Meiji Period: When The Name Changed To “Japan”
It wasn’t until after 1868 when Emperor Meiji took power that the name changed officially from Nihon to Dai Nippon Teikoku meaning “Great Empire of Japan” which is what we now refer to the country today simply as “Japan”.This name change reflected Emperor Meiji’s desire for modernization along Western lines while still preserving traditional aspects of Japanese culture such as Shintoism which remains widely practiced even today in modern-day society.
8 Post World War II And The Current Name Of “Japan”
After World War II ended in 1945, there were some attempts made at changing the official name back from Dai Nippon Teikoku (Great Empire of Japan) back to just Nihon but these efforts were unsuccessful due mostly because they were seen by some people at home and abroad alike as an attempt at reviving militaristic nationalism.As a result,the current official name remained unchanged since 1947 when it officially became known simply again as “Japan”.
9 Conclusion
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To conclude,it can be seen that what is now known officially today simply as “Japan” has gone through numerous name changes throughout its long history starting from pre-historic times right up until post World War II when it finally settled on its current official name.From Wa or Yamato during pre-historic times all way up until Dai Nippon Teikoku during Meiji Period,different names have been used throughout different eras depending on political climate prevailing at those times but ultimately settling on “Japan” after World War II ended in 1945.
What was Japan originally called?
Historians say that the Japanese called their country Yamato in their early history and started using Nippon around the 7th century. Nippon and Nihonare are used interchangeably as country names.
Why is Japan called Nippon?
Both Nippon and Nihon literally mean the origin of the sun meaning the place where the sun rises and are often interpreted as the place where the sun rises. This nomenclature comes from imperial correspondence with the Chinese Sui Dynasty and refers to Japans eastern position relative to China.
Why don t we call Japan Nippon?
Because they are exactly the same name. In Japan its Nippon or Neon (both are acceptable but Nippon feels more patriotic). It means land of the rising sun. This name was given to Japan by China in AD.
When did Japan start being called Nihon?
In the 7th or 8th century Japans name was changed from Wagoku to Nihon. Some documents say that the Japanese ambassador asked China to change his name because he did not like it and that Empress Wu Zetian of China ordered Japan to change her name.
What is the old name of China?
In addition to Zhongguo Chinese names in China include Zhōnghuá (中华/Chongqing Beauty Center) Huáxià (花夏/小夏美艳) Shenzhou (Xinzhu Shengzhou) Jiuzhou (九州九州).
What did Tokyo used to be called?
Edo
The history of the city of Tokyo stretches back some 400 years. Originally named Edo, the city started to flourish after Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa Shogunate here in