Prehistoric Japan refers to the time before written records, spanning from around 30,000 BCE to 300 CE. This era is divided into several periods, including the {Jomon} period, known for its distinctive pottery, and the {Yayoi} period, which saw the introduction of rice farming and metal tools. Early inhabitants were primarily hunter-gatherers, later transitioning to agriculture. During the {Jomon} period, people created intricate pottery and lived in pit dwellings. The {Yayoi} period marked significant cultural changes, including the arrival of new technologies and social structures. These developments laid the foundation for the emergence of more complex societies in Japan.