Prehistory to 552 in Japanese History
There is little documentation of what Japan was like before 552. Legend has it that a divine brother-and-sister couple, Izanagi and Izanami, created the islands. From Izanami's left eye came Ameratsu, the Sun Goddess. From his right eye came Tsukiyomi, the Moon God. The couple had children and one of the grandkids, Ninigi, was sent down to Mount Takachiho on the island of Kyushu to watch over the earth. This is in fact where the earliest relics from Japanese culture are found.
Legend has it that Ninigi's grandson, Jimmu Tenno, was the first Emperor of Japan, and that all Emperors since have come in direct line from Jimmu.
From historical evidence, we know that there were a hairy, caucasian group of people on the northern islands of Japan. Explorers from Korea or China must have come across the sea and landed on the Japanese islands, and driven those "Ainu" northwards.
However the emperors began, we know from references that they had two lieutenants, an Oomi and an Omuraji - to manage the general population. There were no official soldiers other than these two enforcers. But soon came Empress Jato who knew about the Chinese and imitated them in many ways. She promised a tax-free time to soldiers, who she divided up to protect her own properties and the borders of her empire.
As the population of Japan grew, emperors now enlisted 'regent' families to act as the government, doing all of the administration and organizing. There still were not professional soldiers - the government had a cache of weapons, and would give them out when necessary.
The big change came when Korea opened up talks, bringing in new culture and religion.
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