China was the most significant outside influence on ancient Japan. Chinese culture, art, and technology were all introduced to Japan through trade and travel. Chinese writing, Confucianism, and Buddhism were all adopted by the Japanese.
Korea
Korea was another important outside influence on ancient Japan. Korean culture, art, and technology were all introduced to Japan through trade and travel. Korean writing, Silla culture, and Baekje culture were all adopted by the Japanese.
India
India was a third important outside influence on ancient Japan. Indian culture, art, and technology were all introduced to Japan through trade and travel. Indian writing, Indian religions, and Indian philosophy were all adopted by the Japanese.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian culture, art, and technology were also introduced to Japan through trade and travel. Southeast Asian writing, Southeast Asian religions, and Southeast Asian architecture were all adopted by the Japanese.
Europe
European culture, art, and technology were introduced to Japan through trade and travel. European writing, European religions, and European technology were all adopted by the Japanese.