Sakoku

Definition

Sakoku, meaning 'locked country', refers to Japan's policy of national isolation that lasted from the early 17th century until the mid-19th century. Under this policy, Japan severely restricted foreign contact and trade, limiting interactions primarily to the Dutch and Chinese while completely prohibiting entry by foreigners and Japanese citizens traveling abroad. This isolation profoundly influenced cultural development, including the evolution of art during the Late Edo period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sakoku was implemented by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1635 as a means to control foreign influence and maintain political stability in Japan.
2. The policy resulted in the closing of Japanese ports to all foreign nations except for designated traders in Nagasaki, limiting international exchange.
3. During sakoku, Japan developed a unique culture that blended traditional practices with limited foreign influences, particularly seen in art and literature.
4. Although sakoku restricted contact with most countries, it allowed for some trade with the Dutch and Chinese, which introduced certain Western ideas and technologies.
5. The end of sakoku came with Commodore Perry's arrival in 1853, which forced Japan to open its ports to American trade and marked the beginning of modernization efforts.

Review Questions

• How did sakoku impact the development of art during the Late Edo period?
  • Sakoku significantly influenced art during the Late Edo period by fostering a unique cultural identity due to limited foreign contact. Artists focused on themes from everyday life, nature, and traditional Japanese practices. The isolation allowed for the flourishing of Ukiyo-e prints, which depicted scenes of leisure and beauty in a distinctly Japanese style. This concentration on domestic subjects contributed to a rich artistic heritage that remains influential today.
• Evaluate the role of Dutch Learning in shaping Japanese knowledge during sakoku and its effects on Late Edo art.
  • Dutch Learning played a crucial role during sakoku by introducing Western scientific and medical knowledge while Japan remained largely isolated. The limited contact with the Dutch provided Japanese artists with new techniques and perspectives that influenced their work. Although traditional styles prevailed, some artists began incorporating Western elements into their art, bridging Eastern and Western aesthetics. This exchange enhanced artistic innovation within the confines of sakoku.
• Analyze the reasons for the eventual end of sakoku and its significance for Japan's transition into modernity.
  • The end of sakoku was precipitated by several factors including external pressure from Western powers, notably Commodore Perry's expedition in 1853 that forced Japan to open its ports. This pivotal moment marked a shift from isolation to engagement with global trade and politics. The subsequent Meiji Restoration led to significant changes as Japan began modernizing its economy, military, and society. The transition from sakoku opened Japan to new ideas and innovations that reshaped its identity on the world stage.

Related terms

Edo Period: The Edo Period was a time of peace and stability in Japan from 1603 to 1868, characterized by strict social orders, economic growth, and isolationist foreign policies.

Ukiyo-e: Ukiyo-e is a genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period, producing woodblock prints and paintings depicting landscapes, kabuki actors, and scenes from everyday life.

Dutch Learning: Dutch Learning (Rangaku) refers to the knowledge gained from the Dutch during Japan's period of isolation, which included advancements in science, medicine, and technology.