1. Introduction
The relationship between Japan and Europe is one that has been evolving since the 16th century. During this time period, Japan was largely isolated from the outside world. It was only during the mid-1800s when Japan opened its doors to foreign trade and diplomatic relations with other countries. One of the countries that Japan had contact with was Europe. As a result, the Japanese had to come up with a name for Europeans in order to differentiate them from other people they encountered. In this article, we will explore what the Japanese called Europeans during different periods of history, and how this term has evolved over time.
2. Historical context of Japan and Europe
The first contact between Japan and Europe occurred in 1543 when Portuguese traders arrived in Japan, bringing with them Christianity and Western technology. This marked the beginning of a period of trade between the two regions which lasted until 1639 when the Tokugawa Shogunate closed off Japan from foreign influence. During this period, known as Sakoku (or “closed country”), contact between Europeans and Japanese was limited to Dutch traders who were allowed to maintain a trading post on Deshima Island near Nagasaki.
3. The Japanese view of Europeans in the Edo period
During the Edo period (1603-1868), European traders were seen as exotic foreigners who brought with them new technologies, ideas, and beliefs that were not found in Japan at that time. Despite their differences, there was also a sense of admiration for their advanced knowledge and skills which made them respected figures in Japanese society. However, due to their unfamiliarity with local customs and language, they were also viewed with suspicion by many Japanese people who saw them as potential threats to their culture and way of life.
4. The term used to refer to Europeans during the Edo period
The term used by Japanese people to refer to Europeans during this time was “Oranda-jin” (オランダ人). This term literally translates as “Dutch person” or “person from Holland”, referring specifically to Dutch traders who were allowed access into Japan during this era due to their exclusive trading rights granted by the Tokugawa Shogunate government at that time. Despite being used mainly for Dutch traders, it eventually became a generic term for all Europeans in general as more nations began trading with Japan after its reopening in 1853 under Emperor Meiji’s rule.
5 How did the term evolve over time?
As more countries began trading with Japan after its reopening in 1853 under Emperor Meiji’s rule, so too did the term “Oranda-jin” begin to evolve over time into a more generic term for all Europeans regardless of nationality or origin.For example, by 1900 it had become commonplace for “Oranda-jin”to refer not just exclusively Dutch traders but any foreigner from Europe regardless of origin or nationality.This evolution can be seen even today where “Oranda-jin” is still used as an umbrella term for all foreigners hailing from European countries such as England,Germany,France,Italy,etc.
6 The influence of Christianity on Japanese views of Europeans
Christianity had a major impact on how European traders were perceived by Japanese people during this era.Due to its association with missionaries coming from Europe,Christianity quickly gained popularity among both commoners and members of nobility alike.This newfound faith helped bridge cultural divides between both sides by providing common ground through shared beliefs.As such,many Japanese people began viewing European traders not just as exotic foreigners but also potential allies due to their shared faith.This newfound appreciation would eventually lead many Japanese people towards adopting some aspects of Western culture such as fashion,architecture,music,etc.
7 The modern usage of the term for Europeans in Japan
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Today,“ Oranda – jin ” is still widely used throughout various parts of modern day Japan although its meaning has changed slightly over time.Nowadays it is mainly used as an umbrella term encompassing all foreigners hailing from European countries regardless if they are tourists or expatriates living within Japan itself.Although there are other terms such as “ ei – koku – jin ” ( 英国人 ) which literally translates into “ English person” or “ gaikoku – jin” ( 外国人 ) which means foreigner regardless if they are from Europe or elsewhere,none have gained such widespread usage like “ Oranda – jin ” has over centuries past.
8 Summary & Conclusion
In conclusion,it can be seen that throughout history there have been various terms used by Japanese people when referring to foreigners hailing from Europe.Initially these terms referred specifically only towards Dutch traders before eventually evolving into more generic terms encompassing all foreigners regardless if they are tourists or expats living within modern day Japan itself.Furthermore due largely thanks towards Christianity helping bridge cultural divides between both sides through shared beliefs,many aspects western culture have been adopted by many parts throughout modern day society making it easier than ever before for foreigners visiting or living within Japan itself feel right at home no matter what part they come from originally!
9 References
1 ) Kornicki P F ( 1998 ) The Book inJapan : A Cultural History From Beginnings To Present Day Tokyo : Kodansha International Ltd 2 ) Mason R B ( 2000 ) History OfJapan New York : Routledge 3 ) Totman C C ( 1993 ) Early ModernJapan Berkeley : University Of California Press
How did Japanese view Europeans?
The Japanese thought that the early Europeans (Portuguese sailors in southwest Kyushu in 1547 IIRC) were handsome and unspeakably hideous hairy smelly uglies. You can still find some Japanese who hold the same opinion.
When were Europeans in Japan?
The first Europeans to arrive in Japan did so by accident rather than design. In 1543 a Portuguese ship capsized in a storm on the island of Tanegashima off the southwestern tip of Japan drowning its sailors.
What was Japan’s 1st contact with Europeans?
In 1543 three Portuguese explorers traveled on Chinese ships to a small island called Danga Island near Kyushu. They were the first Europeans to visit Japan.
What did the Japanese call the Europeans who arrived in the 16th century?
The Japanese usage of nanban took on new meanings when the use of the word nanban reached first the Portuguese in 1543 and then other Europeans who arrived in Japan. The word Nanman originates from the four barbarians in the conflict between the Hua and the barbarians in the Chinese century.
What was the Japanese equivalent of European chivalry?
Bushido has been described as the Japanese spirit of chivalry. There are important similarities and differences depending on which type of bushido is being compared to chivalry. Christianity influenced chivalry while Bushido was influenced by Zen Shinto and Confucianism.
Why didnt Europe colonize Japan?
Only four countries have completely freed themselves from European colonial rule. Japan and Korea have successfully resisted European hegemony because of their strength their foreign policy and perhaps their distance.