The is an
Iron Age era in the history of
Japan traditionally dated 300 BC to AD 300. It is named after the
neighborhood of
Tokyo where
archaeologists first uncovered artifacts and features from that era. Distinguishing characteristics of the Yayoi period include the appearance of new pottery styles and the start of an intensive rice agriculture in
paddy fields. A hierarchical social class structure dates from this period. Techniques in
metallurgy based on the use of
bronze and
iron were also introduced to Japan in this period.