It may come as a surprise to many that Japan and Europe have been interacting for approximately 500 years. Despite the geographical distance separating them, the advent of the Age of Exploration saw European, particularly Portuguese, ships reach the shores of Japan, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations between Japan and Europe. This article delves into the rich history of diplomatic exchanges between these two regions.

First Contact and the Nanban Trade

The initial encounter between Japan and Europe dates back to 1543 when Portuguese explorers landed on Tanegashima Island, introducing firearms to Japan for the first time. This event significantly influenced the use and manufacture of firearms in Japan, revolutionizing military tactics during the Sengoku period. The lord of Tanegashima, Tokitaka Tanegashima, was the first to come into contact with matchlock guns, and their use quickly spread throughout Japan. Notably, Oda Nobunaga, a prominent daimyo, was an early adopter and promoter of firearms.

During this period, Christian missionaries also arrived in Japan, beginning their efforts to spread Christianity. Francis Xavier, a notable missionary, landed in Kagoshima in 1549, and Christianity swiftly spread across the country.

Furthermore, this era was characterized by the flourishing of the Nanban trade, a period of intense commercial exchange between Japan and Europe. This trade facilitated the exchange of valuable goods and knowledge between the two cultures. Japanese products like silk and ceramics were exported to Europe, while Christianity, Western science and technology, and fashion were introduced to Japan.
(Image citation: 文化世界遺産オンライン)

Sakoku and Limited Exchange

Entering the Edo period, the Japanese government, led by the Tokugawa shogunate, initiated a policy of sakoku, or closed country, to stabilize domestic order by severing foreign relations. This national policy, enacted from the early 17th century to the mid-19th century, significantly restricted direct exchanges with foreign nations. Despite this, limited but vital exchanges between Japan and Europe persisted during this period, especially through the Dutch.

Within the confines of the sakoku policy, the Dutch were uniquely permitted to engage in limited trade on Dejima, an artificial island in Nagasaki. The Dutch played a crucial role in transmitting Western scientific, medical, and technological knowledge to Japan through the "Dejima Dutch Trading Post." The influx of the latest science and technology from the Netherlands, particularly in medicine and astronomy, spurred scientific advancements in Japan. "Rangaku," or Dutch learning, particularly in medicine, had a significant impact during this period, notably with the translation of the "Kaitai Shinsho," which introduced Western medicine to Japan. Dutch astronomical knowledge also contributed to the revision of the Japanese calendar and improvements in astronomical observation techniques. Additionally, various European technologies, including glass manufacturing, clockmaking, and ironworking, were introduced to Japan.
(Image citation: ナガジン)

Meiji Restoration and the Assimilation of Western Technology

The arrival of Commodore Perry in 1853 prompted Japan to open its borders, and following the Meiji Restoration, Japan adopted a policy of actively embracing Western technology, knowledge, and culture. Under the spirit of "civilization and enlightenment," the Japanese government sent many Japanese to Europe to study Western sciences, industrial techniques, and political systems. The Iwakura Mission, in particular, inspected European countries and introduced numerous technologies to Japan, significantly advancing exchanges between Japan and Europe.

In the Meiji era, Western educational systems were introduced, and many European educators were invited to Japan. Newly established institutions like the University of Tokyo were founded on Western academic models, significantly contributing to the modernization of Japanese academic research and higher education.

Moreover, the Meiji government actively incorporated European technology into industries such as railway, postal services, telegraph, shipbuilding, steel, and textiles. For example, the opening of the railway between Shinbashi (Tokyo) and Yokohama in 1872 was realized with British technology. The Tomioka Silk Mill, established by Eiichi Shibusawa and a UNESCO World Heritage site, supported the development of Japan's silk industry. These technological innovations accelerated Japan's industrial revolution and economic development.

European systems were also introduced in various fields such as law, education, and the military in Japan. The German legal system, French educational system, and British naval system were particularly influential, contributing significantly to the modernization of Japan's societal systems.

European arts, including architecture, music, and painting, also had a significant impact on Japan after the Meiji Restoration. Conversely, Japanese art, especially ukiyo-e, influenced European artists through the Japonism trend. This cultural exchange inspired artists in both regions, creating new movements in the international art scene.
(Image citation:Wikipedia)