Japan's Isolation Before Commodore Perry

Prior to Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in 1853, Japan enforced a policy of national isolation called Sakoku ("closed country") for over 200 years (roughly 1639–1853).

Key Features of Sakoku

• Strict limits on foreign trade and contact (only Dutch and Chinese merchants allowed at Nagasaki's Dejima island).
• Prohibition on Japanese citizens leaving or foreigners entering without special permission.
• Suppression of Christianity and foreign ideas to preserve traditional culture and Tokugawa shogunate control.

Perry's "Black Ships" forced the opening of Japanese ports, ending Sakoku and triggering the Meiji Restoration.