HISTORIC ARTICLE

Feb 11, 660 BC: Japan’s National Foundation Day

On February 11, 660 BCE, the legendary Emperor Jimmu established what would become the nation of Japan.

Grades

9 - 12

Subjects

Geography, Human Geography

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On February 11, 660 BCE, the Jimmu united what would become the of Japan, and on February 11, Japan its national holiday. There is no Jimmu or other early Japanese emperors existed, but holds that Jimmu his with smart . Jimmu and his older brothers northward from the southern tip of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands. Eventually, the brothers made their way to the Seto Inland Sea, which separates Kyushu from the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Jimmu established his in Yamato (today, Nara Prefecture) in southern Honshu. The Yamato people are the most populous group in Japan.

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Writer

National Geographic Society

Producer

National Geographic Society

other

Last Updated

October 19, 2023

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