This article explores the period of Japanese isolationism known as Sakoku, which lasted for over two hundred years and was characterized by a policy of closed borders and no foreign contact. Political factors such as maintaining control over their people and promoting cultural homogeneity were important reasons for Japan's self-imposed isolationism. Economic considerations such as limiting competition for Japanese merchants and preventing inflation also played a role. The period of isolation had both positive and negative impacts on Japan, but ultimately ended in 1853 when U.S Commodore Matthew Perry arrived with four warships demanding that Japan open its ports for trade with America. Although modern day Japan no longer practices Sakoku, there are still remnants from this era in terms of strong nationalism, protectionist policies, and other aspects of society.