The uniquely Japanese historical division known as the “Jomon Period,” which emerged after World War II, has long been thought to represent a primitive lifestyle centered around hunting. However, in recent years, the discovery of traces of rich settled life found in sites such as the Sannai-Maruyama Site in Aomori Prefecture, which has also been registered as a World Heritage Site, has led to a significant change in our understanding of the Jomon Period. Evidence such as various highly artistic pottery and traces of boiling or roasting fish and nuts suggest sharing nature’s bounty and living in peace. The Jomon Period is said to have followed the Paleolithic Age and lasted for about 13,000 years, starting around 16,000 years ago. Notably, the absence of weapons for combat suggests that people lived in peace for over 10,000 years. As the transition from the Jomon Period to the Yayoi Period occurred, rice cultivation, introduced from the continent, began, leading to successful mass production and storage of rice. Rice cultivation requires land and a water source. Ironically, this advancement created disparities in wealth, leading to frequent conflicts across Japan. During the Jomon Period, settlements were organized in a style where they encircled a circular plaza, but during the Yayoi Period, they transitioned to a layout surrounded by moats around residential areas. Following this, it is said many immigrants arrived from the continent, and during Jomon and Yayoi people coexisted. It’s believed that the concept of “nation” was formed during this period, leading to conflicts both large and small. In Japan at that time, “oral tradition” was highly valued, so there were limited sources of information about this period. Currently, the “Kojiki” and the “Nihon Shoki,” completed in the early 8th century, serve as the basic sources of information. These documents contain stories of the “Amatsukami,” who descended from Takamagahara, and the “Kunitsukami,” who lived in Japan before their arrival. Ancient people passed down various messages through rich metaphorical myths, leaving us with many messages even today. These tales have been inherited by modern creators, and the stories of Japanese gods are incorporated into novels, anime , games, and more. The messages left by ancient people still penetrate the hearts of young people today, providing them with mystery romance, and inspiration (From May issue, 2024 / 2024年5月号より)