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The "Yayoi" culture entered southern Japan by way of Korea and introduced iron tools and the process of rice farming, among other things. People quickly adopted a lifestyle heavily dependent on agriculture and began using - and making - iron tools. By AD 100, Yayoi culture had replaced Jomon culture in southern Honshu and had deeply changed the culture of the remaining Jomon in northern Honshu. Yayoi technology and ideas began to influence Jomon culture of Hokkaido, as well. The shaded area represents this influential contact area.
Yayoi farming practices were shared with the Jomon culture in northern Honshu and Hokkaido and new types of crops were also introduced to the north. Agriculture that required dry fields was accepted by the Jomon. Rice farming, which required water-logged fields, was largely dismissed, however. This is probably due to its impracticality in the cold weather of the north. Also, fishing, hunting, new dry crops, and the intensification of their pre-existing small-scale agriculture (such as barley and millet) was supplying the inhabitants of Hokkaido with ample resources, making the large-scale cultivation of rice unnecessary.
Iron tools, however, were popular among the people in Hokkaido and iron was quickly used in the making of harpoons and other tools. Trade and friendly relations with the Yayoi of northern Honshu brought rice, different pottery styles, glass, and metals to Hokkaido. These changes marked the beginning of a distinct culture in Hokkaido termed "Epi-Jomon" by archaeologists.
During this time bear images start appearing on pottery, suggesting a religious significance of the bear in Epi-Jomon life. Today, the bear plays a significant role in the religion of the Ainu culture.
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