Japan Between 1450 and 1750 for AP World History

Nov 16, 2023

7 min read

While many of our lessons on the different empires and countries between 1450 and 1750 have contained overlapping information, such as countries trading with or conquering each other, you will notice we have not talked much about Japan. That is because Japan had strict isolationist policies at this time. Perhaps the colonization of the Philipines warned Japan about what the Europeans were thinking. The Google Slides below will teach you all about what was happening in Japan between 1450 and 1750.

Feudal Japan

Feudal Japan, a period spanning from the 12th to the 19th century, was characterized by a complex social and political structure heavily influenced by the samurai warrior class, shogun military rulers, and the daimyo feudal lords. The emperor, though often a symbolic figurehead, held a revered position. The Tokugawa shogunate, established in the early 17th century, brought about a prolonged era of stability and isolation. The samurai, bound by a code of honor known as Bushido, played a crucial role in maintaining order. Feudal society was stratified, with rigid class distinctions between samurai, peasants, artisans, and merchants. The economy thrived on agriculture, and cultural developments such as Noh theater, tea ceremonies, and the philosophy of Zen Buddhism flourished. However, external pressures, like the arrival of Europeans and the influence of firearms, challenged the traditional feudal order. The Edo period came to an end in the mid-19th century with the Meiji Restoration, marking Japan’s transition to a modern, industrialized nation.

Trading with the Portuguese

During the Age of Exploration, the Portuguese played a crucial role in establishing trade relations with Japan. In 1543, Portuguese traders, led by Fernão Mendes Pinto, landed on the island of Tanegashima, introducing Japan to European goods and, notably, firearms. This encounter marked the beginning of extensive cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations. The Portuguese brought goods such as textiles, firearms, and spices, while Japan exported silver, copper, and unique art objects. The city of Nagasaki became a prominent center for this trade, serving as a hub for European merchants. While the initial interactions were marked by curiosity and mutual benefit, Japan later adopted a policy of sakoku, or isolation, in the early 17th century, restricting foreign influences. Despite the eventual closure of Japan to the outside world, the period of Portuguese trade played a pivotal role in shaping Japan’s early engagement with the global community.

Tokugawa Ieyasu

Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, a formidable military leader, rose to prominence in Japan during the late 16th century and established the Tokugawa shogunate, a period that endured until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu implemented a strict and centralized rule, consolidating power away from both the emperor and the regional daimyo. To solidify control, he declared ownership of all land in Japan, creating a rigid social structure influenced by Confucian principles and resembling a caste system. The society was stratified into four classes: the warrior class (samurai), farmers, artisans, and merchants. This hierarchical model, known as the Four-Class Order, emphasized social stability but restricted social mobility, with individuals bound to their inherited roles. The Tokugawa shogunate enforced a policy of sakoku, isolating Japan from the outside world, contributing to a prolonged period of internal peace and stability, albeit with limited contact with the global community.

The Edo Period of Japan

The Tokugawa Shogunate’s rule is also called the Edo Period because Tokugawa Ieyasu moved the capital of the country to the city of Edo (modern Tokyo). The Edo period, which spanned from 1603 to 1868, was a time of relative peace and stability in Japan under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. Unlike other Asian countries, Japan practiced strict isolationism, especially from European powers.

The Tokugawa shogunate, seeking to consolidate its power and maintain social order, implemented a policy of national seclusion in 1635, known as the Sakoku Edict. This policy aimed to restrict foreign influence and control over Japan by severing diplomatic ties and implementing stringent regulations on travel and trade. As part of the broader efforts to fortify Japan’s isolation, the shogunate targeted Christians, viewing them as potential agents of foreign influence. Christianity had gained some traction in Japan during the preceding century, with missionaries spreading their teachings and successfully converting a significant number of Japanese citizens. However, the shogunate grew increasingly wary of the potential political and cultural implications of this foreign religion.

In 1614, the Tokugawa shogunate issued the first edict banning Christianity, and this was followed by further measures culminating in the 1635 National Seclusion Policy. Christians faced persecution, forced to renounce their faith or go into hiding. The Edo government aimed to eliminate any perceived threat to its authority and maintain strict control over the ideological landscape of the country. This period of persecution marked a challenging chapter for Christians in Japan, as they had to navigate the delicate balance between their religious convictions and the demands of the shogunate’s policies.

In addition to the persecution of Christians and the implementation of the 1635 National Seclusion Policy, the Edo period was marked by significant socio-economic and cultural developments. The Tokugawa shogunate established a rigid social hierarchy, with samurai at the top, followed by peasants, artisans, and merchants. This structure aimed to maintain stability and control, limiting the influence of any one social class.

Economically, the Edo period witnessed the rise of a thriving merchant class, especially in urban centers such as Edo (modern-day Tokyo). The growth of commerce and a money economy contributed to the development of a vibrant urban culture. The entertainment districts, known as “pleasure quarters,” flourished with theaters, teahouses, and brothels. Kabuki theater and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) became popular forms of entertainment during this time.

Despite the national seclusion policy, some limited foreign trade persisted, primarily through the port of Nagasaki. The Dutch, with their small trading post on Dejima, maintained relations with Japan, albeit under strict regulations. The isolationist policies, while restricting international interactions, also led to a period of relative internal peace and stability within Japan.

Technological advancements and cultural achievements were notable aspects of the Edo period. The widespread use of woodblock printing facilitated the dissemination of literature and art. The period also saw the development of the “Edo culture,” characterized by a distinctive aesthetic and artistic expression.

Trading with the Dutch

During the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868), the Tokugawa shogunate implemented a policy of national seclusion known as sakoku, which restricted foreign influence and trade. However, one exception to this isolation was the Dutch, from the Netherlands, who maintained a limited and highly regulated trading relationship with Japan. The Dutch East India Company established a trading post on the artificial island of Dejima in Nagasaki Bay. This location became the sole point of contact between Japan and the outside world during this period. The Dutch were allowed to trade goods such as books, medicines, and rare European products with the Japanese, but their activities were subject to strict regulations.

Communication with the Japanese was limited, and the Dutch traders were confined to Dejima, unable to travel freely within the country. Despite these restrictions, the Dutch played a crucial role in facilitating a minimal level of international exchange for Japan during its period of seclusion. The Dutch trading post on Dejima remained in operation until the mid-19th century, when Japan began to open up to the world during the Meiji Restoration.

Comparing India, China, and Japan

India, China, and Japan each had different policies for interacting with European trading powers. In India, European powers, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, and later the British, established trading posts along the coast. The British East India Company eventually gained control, leading to the colonization of India. This colonization had profound and enduring impacts on Indian society, culture, and economy, ultimately contributing to the formation of the British Raj.

In China, European powers, notably the British with their opium trade, sought economic advantages through trade. The Opium Wars in the mid-19th century resulted in China’s defeat and forced the signing of unequal treaties, ceding territories and imposing economic concessions. The consequences were detrimental to China’s sovereignty, leading to social unrest and contributing to the decline of the Qing Dynasty.

In Japan, the Tokugawa shogunate implemented a policy of national seclusion, limiting contact with the outside world. However, the Dutch were permitted to trade in a confined manner. Japan’s isolationist policies maintained internal stability but hindered technological and cultural exchange. The eventual end of isolation during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century marked a period of rapid modernization and engagement with the West.

Kabuki Theater

This is a photograph from a traditional Kabuki performance in Las Vegas.

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater that originated in the early 17th century, known for its vibrant performances, elaborate costumes, and stylized makeup. Developed in the bustling urban centers of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), kabuki quickly gained popularity among diverse audiences. Kabuki performances are characterized by their dynamic, exaggerated movements, elaborate costumes, and the use of onnagata (male actors specializing in female roles) and aragoto (stylized, heroic male roles). The stories often draw from historical events, mythology, or domestic dramas, and they are presented with a blend of music, dance, and dialogue. Kabuki theaters, with their distinctive hanamichi (raised platform extending into the audience), provide an immersive experience for spectators. Despite its initial association with the lower classes, kabuki eventually gained recognition among all social strata. Over the centuries, kabuki has evolved, incorporating new themes and styles while preserving its traditional elements. Today, kabuki continues to be a vibrant and influential part of Japanese performing arts, attracting audiences both in Japan and around the world.

Haiku Poetry

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry renowned for its simplicity and profound beauty. Originating in the 17th century, haiku typically consists of just three lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. The brevity of the form requires precision and careful selection of words to convey a vivid and often contemplative image. Haiku commonly captures moments in nature, reflecting the changing seasons, the beauty of landscapes, or the essence of a fleeting experience. Traditional haiku often incorporates a kigo, a word or phrase indicating the season, and a kireji, a cutting word that provides a pause or shift in the poem’s focus. This minimalist approach encourages readers to find deeper meaning in the interplay between simplicity and suggestion. Haiku has transcended its cultural origins and is appreciated worldwide as a poetic form that invites reflection, mindfulness, and a heightened awareness of the present moment.