6.Epi-Jomon Period
During this period, rice cultivation became more widespread in Honshu and Honshu became an agrarian society, however in Hokkaido, cultures continued to focus on hunting, fishing, and gathering lifestyles, the same as during the Jomon Period. This is why the period classifications are differentiated for Honshu and Hokkaido, with this being called the "Epi-Jomon Period" for Hokkaido.
During this period, very small amounts of ironware introduced from Honshu began being used in addition to the earthenware and stone tools which were already in use. Meanwhile, trade with Sakhalin Island, the Kuril Islands, and other areas in the north also became very prosperous during this time. Amber beads from Sakhalin Island, glass beads made using raw materials from the Chinese mainland, and other items are proof of this trade. It is thought that these types of beads were mainly owned by specific individuals, and it is thus estimated that a societal class structure began to form during this time.