 |
 School Uniform Button Japan Black Top Cardigan $11.19 Time Remaining: 3d 7h 33m Buy It Now for only: $11.19 |
 BURBERRY LONDON JAPAN WOOL COAT WITH PATENT LEATHER DETAILS Size 36 $52.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 51m |
 Black Must Have 80s Womens NWT Japan Fashion Blazer Jacket US sz S sale $10.50 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 45m |
 Wool Military Double Breast Lined Japan Black Jacket M2283 $13.99 Time Remaining: 51m |
 FREE SHIPPING Quality Stylish Faux Leather Lined Japan Black Jacket M766 $35.99 Time Remaining: 19d 7h 11m Buy It Now for only: $35.99 |
 FREE SHIPPING Adorable Japan Black Coat Top M1962 $16.99 Time Remaining: 51m |
 Quality Zip Faux Leather Belt Japan Black Jacket M892 $18.99 Time Remaining: 51m |
 JAPAN KOREA WHITE BLACK LACE DOUBLE BREASTED BELTED A LINE KNEE LENGTH COAT $19.99 Time Remaining: 27d 5h 11m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 BURBERRY LONDON JAPAN MOTOCYCLE STYLE 100 WOOL QUILTED JACKET Size 42 $20.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 52m Buy It Now for only: $499.00 |
 Final SALE Sweet Funky Knit Wear Japan Red Black Coat Cardigan M971 ZH $15.83 Time Remaining: 1h 51m |
 NEW Japan slim lady vintage blazer punk cropped faux leather jacket outwear top $25.99 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 29m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 |
 Final Sale Quality Fashion Princess Sweet Funky Japan Black Coat M725 ZH $13.83 Time Remaining: 1h 51m |
 Final Sale Military Sweet Funky Japan Black Jacket S M L ZH $15.83 Time Remaining: 1h 51m |
 FREE SHIPPING Gorgeous Brilliant Military Japan Black Jacket M $23.19 Time Remaining: 18d 13h 57m Buy It Now for only: $23.19 |
 Final Sale Sweet Funky Lined Japan Black Jacket M1798 ZH $13.83 Time Remaining: 1h 51m |
 Final Sale Wonderful Sweet Funky Military Lined Japan Black Jacket M2283 ZH $12.83 Time Remaining: 1h 51m |
 Military Style Retro Unique Japan Black Jacket S M L $19.54 Time Remaining: 14d 11h 44m Buy It Now for only: $19.54 |
 NEW JAPAN WHITE LEATHER BLACK PETAL COLLAR WOOLEN COAT $125.00 Time Remaining: 4h 13m Buy It Now for only: $148.00 |
 JAPAN LOLITA BOW BLACK SOULDER HOLE SEXY COTTON JACKET $28.00 Time Remaining: 4h 13m Buy It Now for only: $38.00 |
 Unisex Visual KEI punk goth rock japan kera emo vest top shirt S L $42.99 Time Remaining: 10d 23h 19m Buy It Now for only: $42.99 |
 Unisex Visual KEI punk goth rock japan kera Japan street rock vest top shirt L $15.00 (23 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 53m |
 JAPAN LOLITA BLACK RUFFLED DOT GREEN COTTON JACKET RARE $888.00 Time Remaining: 4h 23m Buy It Now for only: $999.00 |
 Zip Up Faux Leather Lined Japan Black Jacket $17.84 Time Remaining: 16d 15h 12m Buy It Now for only: $17.84 |
 JAPAN PUNK GOTHIC SKULL GOLD BLACK WHITE HOOD COTTON JACKET S $85.00 Time Remaining: 4h 23m Buy It Now for only: $95.00 |
 School Uniform Double Button Japan Black Coat M1868 $14.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 51m |
 Quality Stylish Faux Leather Lined Japan Black Jacket $15.99 Time Remaining: 24d 13h 41m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 Harajuku Japan Kera Shop Chinese style Shirt Top B064 S $24.99 Time Remaining: 8h 26m |
 JAPAN TRENDY GOTHIC DOLLY PUNK NET BLACK JACKET $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 6h 42m |
 New Japan Retro Style Black Pictures Pattern Jacket Top $8.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 J2207 Japan Korea Top Women Lady Red Double Breasted Black Collar Coat $14.99 Time Remaining: 9h 15m |
 Gorgeous Brilliant Military Japan Black Jacket S D002 $1.04 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 22h 51m |
 Unisex Punk Kera Cosplay EMO Japan rock Gothic JACKET VEST BLAZER S L free ship $59.00 Time Remaining: 16d 5h 1m Buy It Now for only: $59.00 |
 J2212 Japan Korea Top Hot Fashion Stylish Elegant Woman Black Pom Pom Shawl Coat $9.99 Time Remaining: 11h 56m |
 punk visual kei black rock goth japan shirt top blouse Japan fashion free ship $10.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 7h 11m |
 UNISEX gothic punk visual kei JApan man made leather coat jacket blazer S XL $95.99 Time Remaining: 7d 1h 6m Buy It Now for only: $95.99 |
 J8008 Japan Work Cute Black Patch Faux Silk Suit Blazer $9.99 Time Remaining: 9h 52m |
 J8023 Japan Korea Fashion Women Top Black Faux Fur Zip Up Hood Coat $14.99 Time Remaining: 14h 21m |
 Quality Faux Leather Zip Up Lined Japan Black Jacket $15.99 Time Remaining: 22d 8h 4m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 J9774 Japan Fashion Black Hooded Lantern Sleeve Coat $14.99 Time Remaining: 9h 9m |
 J8008 Japan Work Cute Black Patch Faux Silk Suit Blazer $9.99 Time Remaining: 13h 38m |
 New Fashion Japan Double Breasted Suit Cotton Top $14.24 Time Remaining: 15d 13h Buy It Now for only: $14.24 |
 204E Japan Korea Fashion Women Ladies Black New Gift Zip Up Faux Leather Jacket $17.99 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 34m |
 T827 Lovely Japan Lady Bear Ears Hoodie Long Jacket $13.95 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 8m Buy It Now for only: $18.95 |
 Quality Side Zip Faux Leather Belt Japan Black Jacket $17.59 Time Remaining: 22d 5h 37m Buy It Now for only: $17.59 |
 Final SALE Sweet Funky Lined Soft Faux Leather Japan Black Jacket M2322 ZH $13.83 Time Remaining: 13h 51m |
 1300B Japan Korea Fashion Black Stylish Off Lady Long Sleeve Suit Jacket Blazer $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 34m |
 1569B Japan Korea Fashion Women Ladies Black 2in1 Long Outerwear with Top + Belt $24.99 Time Remaining: 26d 12h 52m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 5011E Japan Korea Fashion Women Ladies Gift Top Black Buttons Up Stripe Cardigan $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 56m |
 C406 Japan Korea Diamond Princess 3 4 Sleeve Suite $7.99 Time Remaining: 3d 10h 51m |
 FREE SHIPPING Quality Fabulous Stylish Lined Japan Black Jacket M $29.59 Time Remaining: 17d 3h 30m Buy It Now for only: $29.59 |
 FREE SHIPPING Charm Stylish Japan Black Coat Top M1962 $17.99 Time Remaining: 23h 51m |
 9758B Japan Korea Fashion Black Double Breasted Shoulder Pads Women Waist Coat $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 4m |
 Quality Butterfly Strap Lined Japan Black Trench Coat M $24.99 Time Remaining: 5d 3h 36m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 Final Sale Fluffy Hood Unique Japan Black Coat M878 $0.99 Time Remaining: 22h 52m |
 M WOMENS GIRL NEW JACKET SIZE S FAMOUS KOREA JAPAN TOP FASHION STYLE CLOTHES SZ $19.97 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 27m |
 Quality Stunning Stylish Japan Black Coat Top $12.79 Time Remaining: 21d 4h 20m Buy It Now for only: $12.79 |
 WOMENS GIRL NEW JACKET SIZE XS FAMOUS KOREA JAPAN TOP FASHION STYLE CLOTHES SZ $19.97 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 27m |
 Wool Zip Sleeves Stylish Lined Japan Black Jacket M2316 $16.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 51m |
 FREE SHIPPING Stylish Lined Japan Black Jacket M1778 $27.99 Time Remaining: 18d 7h 59m Buy It Now for only: $27.99 |
 1551B Japan Korea Fashion Women Ladies Gift Top Black Pleated Bottom Knit Blazer $17.99 Time Remaining: 4d 3h 6m |
 Final SALE Sweet Knit Wear Japan Red Black Coat Cardigan M971 $15.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 51m |
 New Japan Cute Black Hot Drilling Puff Sleeve Jacket $11.99 Time Remaining: 7d 17m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Final Sale Elegant Wool Double Breast Japan Black Jacket M1764 $14.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 52m |
 Final SALE Fashion Lined Soft Faux Leather Japan Black Jacket M2322 $15.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 52m |
 New Japan Womens Cute Black Plush Long Outwear $10.99 Time Remaining: 8d 8h 38m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 Final Sale Quality Fashion Princess Stylish Japan Black Coat M725 $13.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 51m |
 Quality Fabulous Stylish Lined Japan Black Jacket M $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 51m |
 Unisex Visual KEI punk goth rock japan kera Japan street rock vest top shirt S L $42.99 Time Remaining: 10d 3h 40m Buy It Now for only: $42.99 |
 Military Elegant Quality Japan Black Jacket S M L $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 52m |
 Japan Vivi Korean Style Elegant Fur Coat Black $32.50 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 21m Buy It Now for only: $38.00 |
 204E Japan Korea Fashion Women Ladies Black New Gift Zip Up Faux Leather Jacket $28.99 Time Remaining: 26d 12h 52m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 CC09894 Japan Korean Style Fashion Long Sleeve Jacket with Hood $39.99 Time Remaining: 4d 8h 12m Buy It Now for only: $43.99 |
 Stylish Lined Pockets Japan Black Jacket M1756 $14.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 52m |
 FREE SHIPPING Stylish Lined Soft Faux Leather Japan Black Jacket M2322 $32.79 Time Remaining: 22d 3h 15m Buy It Now for only: $32.79 |
 Final Sale Stylish Lined Ribbon Japan Black Coat M1693 $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 52m |
 Final Sale Fasihion Trendy Stylish Fitted Japan Black Coat M195 $15.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 51m |
 FREE SHIPPING Quality Side Zip Faux Leather Belt Japan Black Jacket M892 $36.99 Time Remaining: 19d 3h 11m Buy It Now for only: $36.99 |
 Quality Wool Military Lined Japan Black Jacket M2283 $13.99 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 52m |
 2307B Japan Korea Fashion Women Black Flower Collar Beads Long Sleeve Outerwear $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 3h 9m |
 Korea Japan Style Butterfly Printed Lace Short Sleeve Bolero Jacket Shrug Size M $13.98 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 21m Buy It Now for only: $13.98 |
 1301B Japan Korea Fashion Women Ladies Gift Black One Button Slim Blazer Jacket $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 3h 6m |
 Final Sale Fabulous Stylish Lined Japan Black Jacket M1798 $13.99 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 52m |
 FREE SHIPPING Faux Leather Zip Japan Black Jacket M1170 $26.39 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 33m Buy It Now for only: $26.39 |
 Final Sale Faux Leather Zip Up Japan Black Jacket M13 $13.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 51m |
 Gorgeous Brilliant Military Japan Black Jacket M D002 $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 51m |
 Korea Japan Casual Style Black Hem Lapel Long Sleeves Outerwear Cloak $19.80 Time Remaining: 9d 6h 8m Buy It Now for only: $19.80 |
 Black Celebrity Womens Ladies Japan NWT Fashion Blazer Jacket US sz S $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 26m |
 UNISEX gothic punk visual kei JApan Unisex rock coat jacket blazer size S female $5.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 1h 21m |
 FREE SHIPPING Fitted Stylish Lined Pockets Japan Black Jacket M1756 $21.24 Time Remaining: 14d 8h 38m Buy It Now for only: $21.24 |
 Black MOD Trendy Ladies Stylish Japan New Boho Blazer Jacket US sz S $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 31m |
 Military Lined Double Breast Japan Black Jacket M1778 $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 51m |
 New Japan Womens Sweet White Single Button Jacket Top $9.99 Time Remaining: 22d 1h 26m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Wool Stylish Lined Soft Faux Fur Japan Black Jacket M2320 $13.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 51m |
 Stylish Lined Soft Faux Leather Japan Black Jacket M2322 $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 23h 51m |
 C387 Japan Fashion Hoodie Girdle Waist Blouse Jacket $8.99 Time Remaining: 20d 10h 46m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 Quality Wool Double Breast Japan Black Jacket M1764 $13.99 Time Remaining: 2d 23h 51m |
 Adorable Lined Japan Pink Black White Jacket M1778 $13.99 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 51m |
 UNISEX PU gothic punk visual kei knight Japan long coat jacket blazer S XL $89.99 Time Remaining: 14d 4h 21m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 Black Stylish Korea NEW Japan Ladies 80s Womens Fashion Blazer Jacket $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 49m |
 Quality Fashion Princess Stylish Japan Black Coat M725 $15.99 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 51m |
The History of Japan
A land richly steeped in history and culture, legend attributes the creation of Japan to the sun goddess Amaterasu, whose claim to the throne by her grandson Emperor Jimmu in 660 B.C, was a traditional belief that constituted official recognition until 1945. The first indication of recorded history in Japan was around the year A.D. 400, when the ambitious Yamato clan based in Kyoto was successful in gaining control over several other key family groups in central and western Japan. The next several centuries were kept under the tight reign of this powerful clan, who succeeded in creating an imperial court similar to that of China, and whose authority was eventually undermined by influential
aristocratic families who vied for control. Also emerging in the same period were elite warrior clans referred to as samurai, a strong military force that eventually took control in 1192 under their leader Yorimoto, who was designated as the supreme military leader known as Shogun. The imperial court who had ruled for centuries was now resigned to taking a relatively obscure role in internal affairs, as a succession of Shoguns from various clans ruled Japan for the next 700 years. Contact with the West was initially made in 1542, when a Portuguese ship apparently off course arrived in Japanese territory, and an array of Spanish, Dutch, English, and Portuguese traders and missionaries soon followed. Trade was eventually prohibited during the beginning of the Tokugawa period (1603-1867) due to the Shogun's suspicions that traders and missionaries were actually forerunners of a military conquest from the west. All foreigners were subsequently expelled from the country, with the exception of Dutch and Chinese merchants restricted to the island of Dejima in Nagasaski Bay. Attempts from the West to renew trade were futile until 1853, when Commodore Matthew Perry entered Tokyo Bay with an American fleet known as the “Black Ships.” The ships were named in reference to the color of their hulls, and to the black clouds of smoke that hovered over the steam driven coal burning vessels. Perry's show of superior military force enabled him to negotiate a treaty with Japan that opened the doors to trade with the West, thus ending many years of self imposed isolation.
Contact with the West proved to be the catalyst for a radical restructuring of Japanese society on several levels. The Shogunate which had retained control for hundreds of years was forced to disband, with the emperor being restored to power in 1868. The period that followed is known as the “Meiji Restoration” and among the many changes it initiated was the abolishment of the feudal system. Numerous policies were adopted based on the Western legal system, and a quasi parliamentary constitutional government was eventually established in 1889. These new reforms also prompted Japan to take steps to expand their empire, and a brief war with China in 1894 enabled them to acquire Taiwan, the Pescadores Islands, and part of southern Manchuria. War broke out again with Russia in 1904, with Japan ultimately gaining the territory of southern Karafuto, with Russian port and rail rights in Manchuria also being forfeited to the conquering Japanese forces. Their expansion continued with the onset of World War One, as they successfully took control of Germany's Pacific islands, and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles that followed granted Japan mandate over the islands. Japan attended the peace conference in Versailles with a new image as one of the great military and industrial powers, and was recognized as one of the “Big Five” of the new international order. In just a few decades, Emperor Meiji's new reforms which significantly altered the social, educational, economic, military, political, and industrial structure of the country, transformed Japan into a viable world power.
As Japan's eye for expansion became increasingly more apparent, the invasion of inner Chinese Manchuria in 1931 set the stage for the ensuing years of war that followed. The incident brought with it international condemnation, resulting in Japan resigning from the League of Nations in 1933. Fueled by an expansionist military, the second Sino Japanese War began in 1937, which resulted in the signing of the Axis Pact of 1940 between Japan and its new allies Germany and Italy. The infamous attack against the U.S. at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 marked the beginning of Japanese involvement in World War Two, and subsequently to their ultimate defeat in 1945 by U.S. Forces. General Douglas MacArthur was appointed commander of the U.S. occupation of postwar Japan, and in 1947 a new constitution took effect, followed by a security treaty between the two nations in 1951 that allowed U.S. troops to be stationed in Japan. Japan regained full sovereignty in 1952, and the Ryukyu islands including Okinawa which were seized during the war were returned to Japan in 1972. Japan's postwar economic recovery was nothing short of miraculous, and it's success in part was spurred by economic intervention through the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry which was instrumental in coordinating and organizing the cooperation of manufactures, distributors, suppliers, and banks into closely knit groups called firetruck. Additional incentive among workers who were guaranteed lifetime employment, along with highly unionized blue collar factories ensured a highly motivated work force, eventually making Japan the world's second largest economy in the world.
About the Author
Jim Sherard is the author of "Land of the Rising Sun, A Guide to Living and Working in Japan", which can be found at: http://www.escapeartist.com/e_Books/Living_and_Working_in_Japan/Living_and_Working_in_Japan.html
'Black lifestyle' in Japan