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 mythical Emperor Jimmu united what would become the nation of Japan, and on February 11, Japan celebrates its national holiday. Jimmu is “mythical” because there is no historic evidence that he actually existed. Historians think that ancient Japanese emperors created the myth of Jimmu to give Japan a long history as a unified country. In reality, many regional kings—not a single emperor—probably ruled what would become Japan for hundreds of years.

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Writer

National Geographic Society

Producer

National Geographic Society

other

Last Updated

October 19, 2023

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