This article explores the history of European relations with Japan and why they were ultimately banned from entering the country. It explains how the seclusion policy enforced by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, which prohibited contact with foreigners, had a major impact on Japan's economy, leading to lower standards of living and reduced economic growth. The ban was eventually ended in 1854 when Commodore Matthew Perry forced open two Japanese ports for US ships. This set off a chain reaction that eventually led to more open relations between Europe and Asia culminating with Emperor Meiji's reforms during the Meiji Restoration period (1868-1912).