Japan occupies an archipelago that stretches for 2,400 km, isolated by the sea from the rest of the world. Its geographic location, as well as the long periods of its political and cultural seclusion, have fueled the conception of its uniqueness. Yet Japan has largely been influenced by neighboring countries, especially China, which prided itself on an ancient and highly evolved civilization when Japan was still living in the Stone Age. It was only natural that Japan would seek guidance from its neighbor in all matters of technology, religion, economy, and even fashion.
Japanese political structure was also influenced by Chinese traditions, though rather ineffectively. Prior to the 7th century AD, Japan was divided up among a number of clans, presided over by an inept emperor. Then, in 645 AD, the Fujiwara clan rose to power and proceeded to forge Japan's destiny
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