1.
Kofun period (c. 250–538 CE)
A historical period in Japan named after the large keyhole-shaped burial mounds (古墳) built for powerful chieftains and early emperors. It marks the emergence of the Yamato state and roughly corresponds to the late third century through the early sixth century CE.
古墳時代の土器。
Earthenware from the Kofun period.
古墳時代には大きな墓が作られた。
Large tombs were built during the Kofun period.
仁徳天皇陵は古墳時代の代表的な古墳だ。
The tomb of Emperor Nintoku is a representative kofun of the Kofun period.
古墳時代は、大陸からの技術や文化が盛んに伝わった時代でもある。
The Kofun period was also a time when techniques and culture from the continent were actively brought in.
Composed of 古墳 (ancient burial mound) + 時代 (era, period). Named for the distinctive large burial mounds (kofun) built for rulers, many of which are keyhole-shaped and still visible today. Conventionally dated from around 250 to 538 CE, though exact boundaries vary by source.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
- Characterized by the rise of the Yamato court, which would become Japan's imperial line
- Major technologies introduced from the Asian mainland: ironworking, horse-riding equipment, wheel-thrown pottery (須恵器), and the Chinese writing system
- 埴輪 (haniwa) — clay figures of people, animals, and houses — were placed on top of and around kofun
- Ends conventionally with the formal introduction of Buddhism from the Korean kingdom of Baekje in 538
RELATED TERMS:
- 弥生時代: Yayoi period — the previous period, characterized by wet-rice agriculture
- 飛鳥時代: Asuka period — the following period, marked by the spread of Buddhism
- 前方後円墳: keyhole-shaped tomb — the most famous form of kofun, with a square front and round back
- 埴輪: haniwa — hollow clay figures placed on and around kofun
USAGE:
A standard historical term taught in Japanese elementary and middle school history classes. Appears frequently in museum displays, travel guides to archaeological sites, and news stories about newly discovered tombs.