Most sources agree that horses were introduced to Japan during the
Kofun Period (also called the Tumulus Period), between the fourth and
sixth centuries.
"Although there is still some controversy over the subject, it is
generally believed that horses did not exist in Japan during the
Paleolithic, Mesolithic or Neolithic periods (Stone Age, Jomon and
early YaYoi eras). It is also believed that all Japanese native horses
are descended from animals brought from the mainland of Asia at
various times and by various routes. Domestic horses were definitely
present in Japan as early as the 6th century and perhaps as early as
the 4th century."
Kentucky Horse Park: Japanese Native Horses
http://www.imh.org/imh/bw/japan.html
"In the tumulus period (4th-6th Century), people were breeding horses
and the harness were introduced into Japan by Korean people with the
skills of making iron."
Historical Relations between Korea and Japan: Ancient Historical
Relations between Asian Continent and Nagano
http://www.avis.ne.jp/~hisa/History/History.htm
"Armor changed as the type of battles changed. A big change occured in
the 5th century when horses were introduced to Japan."
Kyuba no Michi: The Samurai
http://victorian.fortunecity.com/duchamp/410/samurai2.html
There is a minority view (called the "Horse Rider Theory") which
places the introduction of horses to Japan in the 3rd Century:
"The discovery of haniwa horses and horse riders and equestrian gear
led some scholars to argue that in the third century C.E., Japan was
invaded by a horse-riding people of continental origin. In one version
of this theory, the conquerors were from the state of Puyo, in what we
now call Manchuria, and were driven southward by turmoil in north
China and Manchuria, down through the Korean peninsula, and across the
Korea Strait to Japan. This theory, which is known as the horse rider
theory, is accepted by only a few scholars."
UCLA Asia Institute: Overview
http://www.isop.ucla.edu/eas/japan/classical/overview.htm
Google Web Search: "japan" + "horses" + "century"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=japan+horses+century
I hope this information is helpful. If anything is unclear or
incomplete, or if a link doesn't work for you, please request
clarification; I'll be glad to offer further assistance before you
rate my answer.
Best wishes,
pinkfreud |
