Which period of time is known to be the earliest historical era of Japan? The Neolithic Period The Jomon Period Yayoi Period

The earliest historical era of Japan is known as the Jomon Period. This period is characterized by its distinctive pottery which is cord-marked, and it dates back roughly from 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE. The Jomon people were primarily hunter-gatherers who lived in small communities and utilized the abundant natural resources of the environment. This contrasts with the Yayoi Period that followed, which introduced wet-rice agriculture and metallurgy, marking a significant shift in Japanese society. The Neolithic Period generally refers to a broader global context of advancing agricultural practices and is not specifically used to define the early historical eras of Japan. Thus, among the given options, the Jomon Period stands out as the earliest historical era.