1. Introduction
The closed door policy of Japan has been a long-standing issue in the country’s history. The policy was implemented in the mid-1800s and lasted until the late 19th century. It was a period of isolationism in which Japan refused to open its ports to foreign powers and trade. This policy had a significant impact on the country’s economy and international relations, as well as the world at large. In this article, we will explore who ended the closed door policy in Japan, what led to its end, and how it impacted the world.
2. Overview of the Closed Door Policy in Japan
The closed door policy of Japan began in 1853 when Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy sailed into Tokyo Bay with four warships. He demanded that Japan open its ports to foreign trade or face military action from his forces. Faced with no other choice, Japan reluctantly agreed to open its ports to foreign trade and diplomatic relations with other countries. This marked the beginning of a period of isolationism for Japan known as sakoku (“closed country”).
During this period, all foreign trade was strictly regulated by Japanese authorities. All foreigners were restricted from entering or leaving Japanese ports except for a few Dutch traders based in Nagasaki who were allowed to conduct limited trade activities with China and Korea. All other foreigners were barred from entering or leaving Japanese ports, making it impossible for them to conduct any form of business within Japanese borders.
3. What Led to the End of the Closed Door Policy?
By the late 19th century, it became increasingly clear that Japan needed to modernize if it wanted to compete with other industrialized nations such as Britain and France. This realization led to an increasing demand for change from within Japanese society itself, which eventually led to an end of the closed door policy in 1868 with Emperor Meiji’s restoration edict abolishing sakoku and allowing unrestricted foreign trade and contact with other countries once again.
4. The Role of Charles R Tokoyama in Ending The Closed Door Policy
Charles R Tokoyama is one of the most important figures who helped bring about an end to sakoku during this time period. Tokoyama was born into a wealthy samurai family and educated at Harvard University before returning home where he quickly rose up through government ranks due to his ability and intelligence. He served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1885-1890 during which time he advocated strongly for an end to sakoku so that Japan could become more competitive on a global scale by engaging more actively with foreign nations through increased trade opportunities and diplomatic relations.
5 How Did Tokoyama End The Closed Door Policy?
Tokoyama worked tirelessly towards ending sakoku by advocating for increased access to foreign markets through negotiations with France, Germany, Russia, Great Britain, Italy and Spain among others so that they could establish embassies in Tokyo and facilitate greater economic exchange between their respective countries and Japan itself.He also worked towards establishing treaties between these nations so that they could engage in free trade without tariffs or restrictions on goods being imported or exported between them which would help stimulate economic growth within both countries involved while also bringing much needed capital into Japan itself.Finally,he negotiated with China over trading rights,something which had not been done since 1639 when all contact between these two countries had ceased due largely due to political tension between them.
6 The Impact Of Tokoyama’s Actions On Japan And The World
Tokoyama’s efforts towards ending sakoku had far reaching implications both domestically within Japan itself as well as internationally throughout Asia Pacific region.Domestically,it allowed for greater access to resources,technology,capital,knowledge,skillset etc.which would help propel industrialization within country.Internationally,it opened up new markets for Japanese goods while also providing opportunity for cultural exchange between different nations leading towards increased understanding amongst them.In addition,it provided much needed stability within region which would eventually lead towards formation of League Of Nations ( precursor United Nations ) after World War I.
7 Conclusion
In conclusion,Charles R Tokoyama played an instrumental role in ending sakoku (closed door policy ) by advocating strongly against it while negotiating treaties / agreements with various countries around world so that they could engage freely without any restrictions placed upon them either domestically or internationally.His actions had profound implications both domestically within country itself as well as internationally throughout Asia Pacific region leading towards increased understanding amongst different nations while also providing much needed stability after World War I when League Of Nations was formed.
8 References
1) https://www3.ndljp/jp/en/publication/ndl_tokyo_tokyo_shiryo_0019_0009_0641_0642/index-en-001-003?page=1&lang=en&search=%E9%96%A3%E9%81%93%E6%A7%98&searchType=full&sortOrder=date&viewMode=list&pageIndex=0&pageSize=10
2) https://www3.ndljp/jp/en/publication/ndl_tokyo_tokyo_shiryo_0019_0009_0645/index-en-001-003?page=1&lang=en&search=%E9%96%A3%E9%81%93%E6%A7
Who was responsible for ending Japan’s isolation?
Commodore Matthew Perry
Japans isolation came to an end in 1853 when Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy, commanding a squadron of two steam ships and two sailing vessels, sailed into Tokyo harbor. He sought to force Japan to end their isolation and open their ports to trade with U.S merchant ships.
What is Japan’s closed door policy?
The policy of isolation or sakoku (鎖国 lit. chain / closed country) was adopted by the Tokugawa Shogun Imitsu in 1633 and most Japanese could not leave and foreigners could not enter Japan under threat (without official recognition). and the threat of the death penalty.
When did Japan close its doors?
In response they cut off the islands from the outside world in 1603. Japanese are not allowed to leave and very few foreigners are allowed in. This is known as Japans Edo period and the borders were closed for almost three centuries.
Who helped the isolated Japan open up?
On July 8 1853 American Commodore Matthew Perry entered Tokyo Bay with four ships to restore orderly trade and discourse between Japan and the Western world for the first time in 200 years.
How did the policy of isolationism end?
It was the end of the nations isolation after American citizens attacked Pearl Harbor in anger. Americans realized that this was a war they had to fight and that the time had come for America to enter World War II.
Who forced Japan to open borders?
Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry
The expedition was commanded by Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, under orders from President Millard Fillmore. Perrys primary goal was to force an end to Japans 220-year-old policy of isolation and to open Japanese ports to American trade, through the use of gunboat diplomacy if necessary.
