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Japanese civilization dates back from pre-Christ era, Jomon civilization was prevalent in Japan at that point of time. Several Jomon settlements are a testimony to the fact that Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun has evolved over centuries, it has been the slow nurturing of time. Today, Japan can boast of many things, she is a “first” in many things. The fame of Japanese technology has become legendary, one is awestruck by the progress of this country from the ruins of WWII. Like a sphinx, she has risen from the ashes to become what she is today-powerful, invincible and proud! When we talk about the history of Fakuoka, we have to know first and foremost that Fakuoka is the oldest city in Japan, if we leave aside the Jomon settlements. Apart from this, Fukuoka has another claim to fame, it was probably in this place, the first agrarian revolution in Japan took place, that is rice farming. History of Fakuoka reveals that rice farming made the region grow in stature, as it was one of the staple foods of the people. In 57AD, Emperor Guan Wu from the Late Han Dynasty presented the local rulers, a gold seal-this was done because of diplomatic obligations. A farmer in 1784AD discovered this seal. Fukauoka remained an important part of Japan even under Nara and Heian eras, the position of the city as an important hub of trade and travel remained undiminished through the centuries. Zen, which evolved in Japan established the first Zen monastery in Fukuoka-this alone shows the high esteem in which the city was regarded in olden times. Japan had frictions with the Mongols, namely when Kublai Khan turned his attention to Japan around 1268AD. With Kamakura Shogunate repeatedly refusing to accept Mongolian supremacy, Kublai Khan landed in the northern part of Kyushu with a large fleet, but storms made the invasion a tame affair. Again the Great Khan tried to impose his will on the Japanese people, but luck in form of a disastrous typhoon sank all the ships and thwarted the plans of the mighty Mongols, this typhoon later came to be known as Kamikaze meaning Divine Wind. The gradual evolution of Fukuoka as a contemporary city is well chronicled in history of Fukuoka. In 1889 Hakata and Fukuoka were merged (Hakata was more vibrant commercially), Fukuota had several Samurais to boast of. After the merger, the name of Fukuoka was retained and today it is one of the finest cities of Japan.
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