Introduction: This article will explore the reasons why Europeans wanted to gain access to Japan, with a particular focus on economic interests, strategic location, trade opportunities and cultural exchange in the 19th century.
Historical Context: Before the 19th century, Japan had been largely isolated from the rest of the world since 1639, when it closed its borders to foreign trade and influence through a policy known as Sakoku. This policy was enforced for two centuries until 1853 when American Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Edo Bay and demanded that Japan open itself up to foreign trade. After some negotiations, Japan finally agreed to open its ports in 1858.
Economic Interests: With the opening of Japanese ports, European nations saw an opportunity to expand their economic reach into East Asia. As such, countries such as Britain and France began trading with Japan for goods such as silk, tea and ceramics. The desire for these goods were so great that by 1860, over 800 foreign ships had visited Japanese ports.
Strategic Location: In addition to economic interests, European nations also viewed Japan as a strategic location due to its proximity to China and Korea. By having access to Japanese ports, European nations could easily control trade routes between China and Korea without having to go through hostile waters or territories controlled by other powers.
Trade Opportunities: Not only did Europe gain access to goods from Japan but they also saw an opportunity for increased trade with other East Asian countries such as China and Korea who were increasingly becoming more open towards foreign trade due to pressure from European powers. This led to increased competition between European powers as they sought out new markets in East Asia which resulted in further economic growth for both Europe and East Asia in general.
Cultural Exchange: The opening of Japanese ports also enabled cultural exchange between Europe and Japan which resulted in increased knowledge about each other’s culture. Europeans began learning about Japanese culture while at the same time introducing their own culture into Japan through books, artworks and even language classes which were set up by missionaries throughout the country. This cultural exchange continued until World War II when all cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia were halted due to political tensions between them at the time.
The Meiji Restoration and Japan’s Opening To The West: In 1868, Emperor Meiji ascended the throne of Japan which marked a turning point in Japanese history known as the Meiji Restoration period where he sought out modernize his country by introducing western technology and ideas into it while at the same time keeping traditional values intact. This period led to further economic growth within Japan which made it even more attractive for Europeans who wanted access not only to goods but also knowledge about how modern societies functioned at that time period.
Conclusion: Overall, Europeans wanted access to Japan due a variety of factors ranging from economic interests such as trading opportunities with East Asian countries like China or Korea; strategic locations near hostile waters; cultural exchange; or simply just wanting access modern technology that was being introduced during the Meiji Restoration period within Japan itself.
References:
1) “Sakoku – The Tokugawa Shogunate’s Policy of Isolation.” BBC News – Asia-Pacific – BBC News (2018): https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-12486800
2) “Meiji Restoration.” Encyclopædia Britannica (2018): https://www.britannica.com/event/Meiji-Restoration
Why did Japan close its borders to Europeans?
The shogunate traditionally developed and kept a secret plan to remove colonies and religions especially from Spain and Portugal which were considered to threaten the stability of the shogunate and the peace of the archipelago.
Why didn’t Europe colonize Japan?
Only four countries were completely free from European colonialism. Japan and Korea were able to avoid European dominance because their strengths were diplomatic isolationist policies and remoteness.
Did Europeans conquer Japan?
Japan is one of the uncolonized countries today.
Why didn’t Japanese discover America?
As they progressed discovering an entire continent for looting and trading was a bonus. In the mid-16th century Japan was discovered by the Portuguese and a small trade between the two countries began.
Which European country went to Japan first?
Portugal
The first contact between Japan and Portugal occurred in 1543 when three Portuguese merchants landed on Tanegashima Island at the southern tip of the Japanese Archipelago after their boat was blown off course.
What was Japan’s relationship with Europe?
Relations between the European Union (EU) and Japan date back to 1959. They have strong trade relations especially with regard to investment flows.