HISTORY

Feudalism Period - 1185 to 1868

The hierarchy was divided into two classes, the nobility and the peasants.
Emperor and Shogun were the highest ranking nobles, followed by Daimyo that were powerful warlords with armies made up of Samurai warriors. Then the Peasants were also divided into several sub-classes, the highest being Farmers, followed by Craftsmen or artisans and then the lowest class: Merchants.
It was an important period for the Japanese, it helped shape their culture, with arts, theatre, religion and martial arts. It also left important buildings such as castles that now are part of tourist itineraries.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 1945

In retaliation to Pearl Harbor's attack, US planes drop two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Emperor Hirohito surrenders and relinquishes divine status.
Japan is placed under US military government and all Japanese military and naval forces disbanded.

Natural Disasters - 2011

Earthquake and subsequent tsunami devasted miles of shoreline.
Damage to Fukushima's nuclear plant causes radiation leaks and leaves extensive areas uninhabitable.
As of June 2016, the reported number of deaths was 15,894 and more than 2,500 were still reported missing.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941

The US was trying to stop JApan's Global Expansion, in 1940 Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy.
Japan attacks the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii.
The United States and allies declare war on Japan.

Summer Olympics - 1964

The Olympic Games are held in Tokyo, the first Games in Asia.
It was Japan's re-entry into the world community after decades of shame caused by the defeat in the war, it was the most explosive urban transformation in history.
Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) starts to operate.