Toraijin

Toraijin (Japanese: 渡来人, とらいじん) refers to the ancient people who migrated to the Japan archipelago, as well as their naturalized descendants. Up until the 1960s, these people were commonly called the "Kikajin (Japanese: 帰化人, きかじん)", meaning "naturalized people", but beginning in the 1970s, the term was replaced by "Toraijin", meaning "people who have crossed over" as not all those who came to Japan became naturalized. They arrived in Japan as early as the Jōmon period or Yayoi period, and their arrival became more significant from the end of the 4th century (Kofun period) to the late 7th century (Asuka period). During these periods, they introduced Confucianism, Buddhism, Chinese characters (Kanbun/Kanji), medicine, lunar calendar, and cultural practices such as Sue ware production and weaving to Japan. They were favored by the Yamato Imperial Court, and many were appointed to government positions.