The Kofun period (c. 250-538 AD) is a significant era in Japanese history characterized by the construction of large burial mounds called kofun. These mounds were built for the elite and often contained grave goods, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. The period is named after these distinctive tombs, which vary in shape and size. During the Kofun period, Japan saw the emergence of powerful clans and the establishment of a more centralized political structure. This era also marked the introduction of Buddhism and Chinese cultural influences, which would later play a crucial role in shaping Japanese society.