Iron and bronze

Metals were introduced together with rice cultivation at the beginning of die Yayoi period. Iron smelting technology had been acquired in China by the time wet-rice cultivation began in Japan, and iron tools, and the processing technology required to produce them, diffused swiftly. Therefore, bronze and iron were introduced into Japan at the same time. However, in contrast to the practical use of iron, bronze was used predominantly for ceremonial objects or prestige goods.