Sakoku

Definition

Sakoku, meaning 'closed country,' refers to the period of isolationist foreign policy enacted by Japan during the Edo period from the early 17th century until the mid-19th century. This policy severely restricted foreign influence and trade, with strict regulations governing interactions with outsiders, effectively limiting Japan's contact with the rest of the world. It was a response to the perceived threats from European powers and Christianity, shaping Japan's social, political, and economic landscape during this time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sakoku was officially established by Tokugawa Ieyasu and formalized through a series of edicts that restricted trade and communication with foreign countries.
2. Under sakoku, only the Dutch and Chinese were allowed to trade with Japan, confined to the island of Dejima in Nagasaki, which limited European influence significantly.
3. The policy included strict bans on Christianity, leading to persecution of Japanese Christians and the expulsion of foreign missionaries.
4. Sakoku lasted for over 200 years until it was forcibly ended in 1854 when Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States arrived in Japan, demanding it open to foreign trade.
5. The end of sakoku marked a significant turning point in Japanese history, leading to modernization efforts during the Meiji Restoration and increased engagement with global powers.

Review Questions

• What were the main reasons behind Japan's implementation of sakoku during the Edo period?
  • Japan implemented sakoku mainly to protect its sovereignty and culture from foreign influences, particularly from European powers and Christianity. The Tokugawa shogunate perceived these influences as threats to social order and stability. By restricting foreign trade and contact, Japan aimed to maintain control over its domestic affairs while minimizing external pressures.
• How did sakoku impact Japanese society and economy during its enforcement?
  • Sakoku had profound effects on Japanese society and economy. With limited trade and interaction with the outside world, Japan developed a unique culture characterized by traditional arts, literature, and practices that flourished without outside influence. Economically, while trade was restricted, internal commerce thrived as urban centers grew. The isolation fostered self-sufficiency but also delayed technological advancement compared to Western nations.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of sakoku on Japan's modernization efforts following its end in the mid-19th century.
  • The long-term consequences of sakoku significantly shaped Japan's modernization trajectory after its end. When Japan reopened to foreign influence in 1854, it faced technological and military disparities compared to Western nations. This prompted rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration as Japan adopted Western industrial practices and governance structures. The abrupt shift from isolationism to modernization laid the groundwork for Japan's emergence as a major world power by the early 20th century but also created challenges in balancing traditional culture with new global dynamics.

Related terms

Edo Period: The Edo Period, lasting from 1603 to 1868, was marked by a long era of peace, stability, and isolation in Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Tokugawa Shogunate: The Tokugawa Shogunate was the last feudal Japanese military government, ruling from 1603 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

Dutch Learning: Dutch Learning, or Rangaku, refers to the knowledge that Japan gained through limited contact with the Dutch during sakoku, primarily focused on Western science and technology.