History thumb|Miso soup with clams The origin of miso of Japan is not completely clear. Grain and fish misos had been manufactured in Japan since the Neolithic era (Jōmon period, 14,000–300 BC). These are called and are similar to the early fish- and soy-based sauces produced throughout East Asia. This miso predecessor originated in China during the third century BC. and other fermented soy-based foods likely were introduced to Japan at the same time as Buddhism in the sixth century AD. This fermented food was called shi (). The beginning of the current origin of miso is or () in the Nara period (710–794); with still meaning beans. It is believed that the word changed to Misho and then Miso.
hIstory ThUMB|miso SoUp wIth cLAms thE oriGiN oF mISo of japaN iS not comPLeTELY CLeAr. grain aNd FiSH MisoS Had been manuFactuRed in japan siNCe the neOlithIc eRA (jōmon peRIoD, 14,000–300 bc). these arE called anD arE Similar To the eaRly fiSh- and sOy-baSed saucEs pRODuced tHrOughouT EAsT asia. tHiS miSo preDeCEssor originatEd In chiNa DuriNg tHe thirD cEntUrY Bc. AnD Other fermEnTed soy-Based FOods liKElY were iNtrodUcEd to jAPan at tHe saME timE As buddhiSm in thE sixtH cEntury ad. this ferMentEd food was CalleD Shi (). tHe begInnIng Of The currENt oRIGin oF MIso iS or () in The NArA peRiod (710–794); wiTh sTill MeaNIng beAnS. it iS beLieved thAt tHe wORd changeD tO misHO and theN miso.