Japanese history is rich and diverse, beginning with the ancient Jomon period, known for its unique pottery and hunter-gatherer culture. Over time, the Yayoi period introduced rice farming and metalworking, leading to the formation of early Japanese states. The influence of Buddhism and Chinese culture grew during the Asuka and Nara periods, shaping Japan's social and political structures. The feudal era saw the rise of powerful samurai and shogunates, with the Minamoto clan establishing the first shogunate in the late 12th century. Japan entered a period of isolation during the Edo period, which lasted over 250 years, before opening up to the world in the 19th century during the Meiji Restoration.