Sakoku, meaning “closed country” in Japanese, was a policy of isolationist foreign relations implemented by the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). This policy aimed to restrict contact with foreign powers, particularly European countries, and maintain Japan’s cultural and political independence.
Key Facts
- Threat to Stability: The shogunate, the ruling military government, imposed the sakoku policy to remove the colonial and religious influence primarily from Spain and Portugal. These foreign powers were perceived as posing a threat to the stability of the shogunate and to peace in Japan.
- Concerns about Christianity: Christianity had been propagated throughout Japan since the arrival of the Jesuit Francis Xavier in 1549. However, the Tokugawa shogunate viewed Christianity as a threat to its rule and initiated religious persecution. In 1614, Christianity was banned, and in 1635, Japanese people were prohibited from making overseas voyages or returning from overseas.
- Shimabara Rebellion: The shogunate’s distrust of foreign influence deepened after the Shimabara Rebellion (1637-1638), an uprising of Japanese Roman Catholics. The rebellion was seen as a result of foreign religious influence, further reinforcing the need to close off Japan from foreigners.
- Fear of Western Influence: The shogunate was concerned about the spread of Western culture, trade goods, and potential diseases like smallpox. The popularity of European trade goods and the presence of missionaries raised worries about the infiltration of foreign influence into Japanese society.
Historical Context
The implementation of the sakoku policy was influenced by several factors:
Threat to Stability:
The shogunate, the ruling military government, imposed the sakoku policy to remove the colonial and religious influence primarily from Spain and Portugal. These foreign powers were perceived as posing a threat to the stability of the shogunate and to peace in Japan.
Concerns about Christianity:
Christianity had been propagated throughout Japan since the arrival of the Jesuit Francis Xavier in 1549. However, the Tokugawa shogunate viewed Christianity as a threat to its rule and initiated religious persecution. In 1614, Christianity was banned, and in 1635, Japanese people were prohibited from making overseas voyages or returning from overseas.
Shimabara Rebellion:
The shogunate’s distrust of foreign influence deepened after the Shimabara Rebellion (1637-1638), an uprising of Japanese Roman Catholics. The rebellion was seen as a result of foreign religious influence, further reinforcing the need to close off Japan from foreigners.
Fear of Western Influence:
The shogunate was concerned about the spread of Western culture, trade goods, and potential diseases like smallpox. The popularity of European trade goods and the presence of missionaries raised worries about the infiltration of foreign influence into Japanese society.
Implementation of Sakoku
The sakoku policy was implemented through a series of edicts and directives issued by the shogunate. These edicts included:
- Banning Japanese ships from leaving the country and Japanese people from traveling abroad.
- Prohibiting foreign ships from entering Japanese ports, with the exception of a few designated trading posts.
- Expulsion of foreign missionaries and persecution of Japanese Christians.
- Strict regulation of trade with foreign countries, primarily through the Dutch East India Company at the port of Nagasaki.
Impact of Sakoku
The sakoku policy had a profound impact on Japan’s political, cultural, and economic development:
- Japan experienced a period of relative peace and stability under the shogunate’s rule.
- Japanese culture flourished, with the development of unique art forms, literature, and philosophy.
- Japan’s economy became more self-sufficient, with a focus on domestic production and trade.
- Contact with the outside world was limited, resulting in a lack of exposure to Western scientific and technological advancements.
End of Sakoku
The sakoku policy ended in 1853 when Commodore Matthew C. Perry of the United States Navy arrived in Japan with a fleet of warships. Perry’s arrival forced the shogunate to open Japan to foreign trade and diplomatic relations. The signing of the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854 marked the end of Japan’s isolationist policy and the beginning of a new era of engagement with the West.
Conclusion
The sakoku policy was a significant chapter in Japanese history, reflecting the shogunate’s desire to maintain control over the country’s political, religious, and cultural affairs. While the policy had some positive effects, it also hindered Japan’s economic and technological development. The end of sakoku marked a turning point in Japan’s history, leading to the Meiji Restoration and Japan’s modernization in the late 19th century.
References
- “Sakoku.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/sakoku. Accessed 11 Jan. 2024.
- “Why the Japanese Couldn’t Leave Their Country for Two Centuries.” Interesting Shit, Interesting Shit, 19 Apr. 2017, https://medium.com/@interestingshit/why-the-japanese-couldnt-leave-their-country-for-two-centuries-7795bea4b00b.
- “Sakoku.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Jan. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakoku.
FAQs
What was the sakoku policy?
The sakoku policy was a policy of isolationist foreign relations implemented by the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). It aimed to restrict contact with foreign powers, particularly European countries, and maintain Japan’s cultural and political independence.
Why did the Japanese implement the sakoku policy?
The shogunate implemented the sakoku policy due to several factors, including the perceived threat to stability from foreign powers, concerns about the spread of Christianity, the Shimabara Rebellion, and the fear of Western influence on Japanese society and culture.
How was the sakoku policy implemented?
The sakoku policy was implemented through a series of edicts and directives issued by the shogunate. These edicts included banning Japanese ships from leaving the country and Japanese people from traveling abroad, prohibiting foreign ships from entering Japanese ports, expelling foreign missionaries and persecuting Japanese Christians, and strictly regulating trade with foreign countries.
What was the impact of the sakoku policy on Japan?
The sakoku policy had a profound impact on Japan, leading to a period of relative peace and stability under the shogunate’s rule, the flourishing of Japanese culture, and the development of a self-sufficient economy. However, it also resulted in limited contact with the outside world and hindered Japan’s economic and technological development.
When did the sakoku policy end?
The sakoku policy ended in 1853 when Commodore Matthew C. Perry of the United States Navy arrived in Japan with a fleet of warships, forcing the shogunate to open Japan to foreign trade and diplomatic relations. The signing of the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854 marked the official end of Japan’s isolationist policy.
What were the consequences of the sakoku policy ending?
The end of the sakoku policy led to a period of rapid change and modernization in Japan. It resulted in the Meiji Restoration, the adoption of Western technologies and institutions, and the rise of Japan as a major economic and military power in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
How is the sakoku policy viewed in modern Japan?
The sakoku policy is viewed with mixed feelings in modern Japan. Some view it as a necessary measure to protect Japan’s independence and culture during a time of great upheaval and foreign influence. Others see it as a missed opportunity for Japan to engage with the world and participate in global developments, leading to a period of relative stagnation and isolation.
Are there any remnants of the sakoku policy in Japan today?
While the sakoku policy is no longer in effect, some aspects of it can still be seen in Japanese society and culture. For example, Japan’s immigration policies are relatively strict compared to other developed countries, and there is a lingering sense of cultural and linguistic isolationism among some segments of the population.