The first unified Japanese state is generally considered to have been founded in the 6th century CE by Prince Shotoku, who served as regent for Empress Suiko. The country was then known as "Yamato", after the province where the imperial court was located.
The Taika Reforms of 645 CE marked the beginning of a centralized government and the establishment of a legal code. The Asuka period (552-710 CE) was a time of significant cultural and political change, with the introduction of Buddhism and the development of a unique Japanese art and architecture.
In the 8th century CE, the capital was moved to Nara, which became the first permanent capital of Japan. The Nara period (710-794 CE) was a time of peace and prosperity, and saw the flourishing of Buddhist art and literature.
In 794 CE, the capital was moved again, this time to Heian-kyo (present-day Kyoto). The Heian period (794-1185 CE) was a time of great cultural achievement, with the development of literature, poetry, and art. The imperial court was also a center of political intrigue, and the period was marked by a number of civil wars.
In the 12th century CE, the samurai class began to rise in power, and in 1185 CE, Minamoto no Yoritomo established the Kamakura shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1192 to 1333 CE. The Kamakura period was a time of military rule, and saw the development of Zen Buddhism and the rise of the samurai warrior culture.
In 1333 CE, the Kamakura shogunate was overthrown by Emperor Go-Daigo, who restored imperial rule. The Muromachi period (1336-1573 CE) was a time of political instability, with a number of civil wars and the emergence of powerful regional warlords (daimyo).
In the 16th century CE, Japan was reunified under the rule of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603 CE, which ruled Japan for the next 250 years. The Edo period (1603-1868 CE) was a time of peace and prosperity, and saw the development of a unique Japanese culture and way of life.
In the 19th century CE, Japan was forced to open its doors to the West by the United States, which led to the Meiji Restoration of 1868 CE. The Meiji period (1868-1912 CE) was a time of rapid modernization and industrialization, and Japan quickly became a major world power.
In the 20th century CE, Japan experienced a period of militarism and expansionism, which led to World War II. After the war, Japan was occupied by the United States, and a new constitution was adopted in 1947 CE. Japan has since become a prosperous democracy and one of the world's leading economic powers.