The Yayoi period in Japan lasted from around 300 BCE to 300 CE. It is characterized by the introduction of rice cultivation, which significantly influenced the culture and economy of the region. The people of this era are known for their distinctive pottery, which often features cord-marked designs and is considered a precursor to later Japanese ceramics. During the Yayoi period, social structures began to evolve, leading to the formation of more complex communities. This era saw advancements in metalworking, particularly with bronze and iron, which were used for tools and weapons. The Yayoi culture laid the foundation for the subsequent Kofun period in Japan.