Although myth indicates that Japan was founded in 660 BCE by Emperor Jimmu, the first clear records concerning Japan are provided by the Chinese almost one thousand years later, in the third century CE. Since its beginnings, Japan has been heavily influenced by the Korean and Chinese cultures. For most of its history, Japan was a feudal society. Its modern political, economic, and social culture has its roots in the transformation that began in the nineteenth century and continued through two world wars. Learn more about Japan's ancient and modern historical highlights, which have contributed to the modern Japanese mind-set and led to the country’s emergence as a global powerhouse.