1. In the sixth century, Buddhism (originally from India) reached China to influence the culture and increase diversity of both thought and culture. With it came art that originated outside of China. Along with Buddhism, naturalism and realism arose to complement an array of outside influences. Central Asia art and architecture also became relevant as it traveled across the Silk Road.
2. Xinjiang played a substantial role in East Asian history during the fourth and fifth centuries, as it became a melting pot of different religions. Religions like Taoism, and Zoroastrianism gave a unique culture and coexistence of religions. Alongside these religions came a blend of different sacred sites, paintings, music, and dancing. With the help of the Silk Road, Xinjiang became an oasis of different ethnic groups, religions, and art.

3. The Koreans are a historic people who originate from the Korean Peninsula and Manchuria. They speak the Korean language and use Hangul as a writing system. In the mid-1860s, a huge emigration and Korean diaspora occurred. Important dates regarding Korea include 1916 when Korea was placed under Japanese rule. In 1945, Korea separated between north and south. Since then, the north and south have fought and sought allies making their unification increasingly unlikely.

4. The exchange from China via Korea had an immense role on influencing the Japanese people, as they were somewhat removed and isolated form other parts of the world. The Chinese introduced Buddhism to Japan to shape their art, culture, religion, and philosophy. Music, architecture, and city planning reaffirm the role it played. Even clothing molded Japanese people as seen by the presence of the kimono in Japan that actually originated from the Chinese Han period.

5. The role of religion and its expansion is a motif throughout this time period. Buddhism in Japan is worth considering as it entered the area through exposure from other parts of Asian. The exchange became possible through trade. Today Buddhism remains relevant as it continues to be practiced in countries like Japan. However, its prevalence has certainly dwindled to show a trend in religions’ decline in relation to neighboring areas. Recent news articles have addressed Japan’s dwindling practitioners of Buddhism to account for the surrounding areas deviation from the practices.