Sakoku Edict

Definition

The Sakoku Edict was a series of policies enacted by the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century that established Japan's national isolation from foreign influence. This policy significantly restricted foreign trade and interactions, promoting a sense of cultural and political unity within Japan while limiting the spread of Christianity and European influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sakoku Edict was formally enacted in 1635, but its roots can be traced back to earlier policies aimed at controlling foreign influence.
2. Under the Sakoku Edict, Japanese citizens were prohibited from traveling abroad, and any foreign nationals who entered Japan faced strict regulations and limited interactions.
3. Trade was heavily regulated, with Nagasaki being the only port open to foreign commerce, primarily with the Dutch and Chinese.
4. The policy was primarily motivated by the desire to maintain political stability and prevent the spread of Christianity, which was seen as a threat to the established order.
5. The Sakoku Edict remained in effect until the mid-19th century when Japan began to open up again in response to Western pressures.

Review Questions

• How did the Sakoku Edict impact Japan's interactions with foreign countries during the Tokugawa period?
  • The Sakoku Edict had a profound effect on Japan's foreign interactions by isolating it from most of the world. With strict regulations prohibiting Japanese citizens from traveling abroad and limiting foreign access to Japan, the country maintained a controlled environment. This policy aimed to preserve Japanese culture and prevent foreign influence, particularly from European powers and missionaries, creating a unique societal landscape that lasted for over two centuries.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the Tokugawa shogunate's decision to implement the Sakoku Edict and its implications for Japanese society.
  • The Tokugawa shogunate implemented the Sakoku Edict primarily to maintain political stability and control over its population. The fear of social upheaval caused by foreign religions, especially Christianity, prompted the shogunate to restrict outside influence. As a result, Japan experienced a prolonged period of peace and cultural development; however, this also led to technological stagnation compared to Western nations, creating challenges for Japan when it eventually reopened to international trade.
• Assess how the Sakoku Edict shaped Japan's response to Western imperialism in the 19th century.
  • The Sakoku Edict played a critical role in shaping Japan's initial response to Western imperialism by creating a gap in technological and military advancements compared to Western nations. When forced to open up in the mid-19th century due to pressures from Western powers like the United States, Japan faced challenges in quickly modernizing its military and economy. The experience of being isolated under the Sakoku Edict pushed Japan towards rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration as it sought to avoid colonization and establish itself as an equal player on the world stage.

Related terms

Tokugawa Shogunate:

The feudal regime in Japan that lasted from 1603 to 1868, known for its strict social order and centralized governance.

Christianity in Japan: The arrival of Christianity in Japan in the 16th century, which faced strong opposition and suppression under the Sakoku Edict.

Dutch Learning (Rangaku): A term referring to the knowledge acquired from Dutch sources during Japan's period of isolation, which became crucial for scientific and technological advancements.