Examples of Distortions

Japan: “Together with the receipt of the culture from the Continent, the contribution of visitors from the Continent was great, and once a country ruled by law had been established, their descendants were hired by the government.” (High School, Japanese History, Daiichigakusyu Publishers, 1994.)

“In the sixth century, Confucianism, which is the teachings of China’s Confucius, and Buddism, which was advocated by India’s Sakyamuni, have been transferred.” (Elementary School Social Studies for sixth graders, Trends in Japan, Chyukyo Publishers, 1992.)

Comment

  The vague reference in the first textbook is intended to obscure the fact that the “visitors” were from Korea and is meant to give the impression that culture from the Continent was directly received rather that transmitted through Korea. This is thus a distortion of historic fact.

It is generally acknowledged that culture is transmitted from a more advanced to a lesser-advanced country. Visitors from Korea brought to Japan Chinese characters, literature and Buddhism, among other things, so that the Yamato Administration benefited from this advanced culture. Furthermore, the introduction of technology and advanced agricultural techniques contributed greatly to improving Japanese Society.

Among the ancient Three Kingdoms Goguryeo(37 B.C. ? A.D.668), Baekje(18 B.C.-A.D. 660) and Silla(57 B.C.-A.D. 935)- Baekje was the most active in spreading culture to Japan. Baekje people sailed to Japan and taught Chinese characters, Buddhism, music and art. As a result, the Asuka culture Flourished. Goguryeo also disseminated Buddhism and Confucianism, as well as the knowledge of how to make paper and ink-sticks. The murals of Horyu Temple, which are considered as treasures in Japan, were painted by the Goguryeo monk, Damjing. Silla taught Japan embankment and shipbuilding skill. These examples show that, during the Three Kingdom’s period, Koreans transmitted advanced technology to Japan and contributed greatly to the birth of the Yamato Administration and to advancement of Asuka culture