Can anyone recommend English books or other resources on the history of the Yayoi and Kofun periods?
I am particularly interested in the the emergence of the Japanese culture and statehood, how the early Japanese interacted and mingled with the neighboring peoples, and the gradual introduction of technologies from mainland Asia.
You can't go wrong with The Cambridge History of Japan. For the more cultural aspects Sources of Japanese Tradition is also good. Of course since I am not a historian, I have to recommend Donald Keene's Seeds in the Heart. It's about literature but he gives ample historical background