Japan and the West

Introduction

From trade to language and religion, Japan has experienced many cultural intereractions and exchanges with the west which have helped shape its scoiety. This post explores the long-standing relationship between Japan and Western countries.

First Interactions

The first Europeans to arrive in Japan were the Portuguese in 1543, after their ship was blown off course en route to China, landing on the Japanese island of Tanegashima. This unexpected arrival marked the beginning of the nanban ("southern barbarian") trade. The Portuguese introduced matchlock firearms to the Japanese, who were in the midst of civil war (the Sengoku period). These new weapons were eagerly adopted by powerful daimyos (feudal lords), some of whom converted to Christianity to secure access to continued trade.

Arrival of the Southern Barbarians, Kanō Naizen (1570–1616)

This period of technological and cultural exchange left a lasting impact on Japan. Several Japanese loanwords still in use today are derived from Portuguese. For example, パン (pan), meaning "bread," comes from the Portuguese word pão, and かるた (karuta), meaning "playing cards," originates from the word carta. Even the famous dish tempura is believed to be based on the Portuguese word tempero (seasoning), as the Portuguese introduced frying techniques to Japan.

In addition to the Portuguese, visitors from several other European nations arrived in Japan during this time. Jesuit priests came to spread Christianity, while William Adams, an English navigator who arrived in 1600, became the first Englishman to set foot in Japan. He eventually gained the favour of the Tokugawa shogunate and was granted the status of a high-ranking samurai.

However, over time, the Japanese government grew increasingly wary of foreign influence, especially the spread of Christianity. Fearing the destabilising effects of foreign intervention, the Tokugawa Shogunate enacted sakoku (isolationist) policies that restricted European trade to Dutch merchants, who were permitted to operate only on the artificial island of Dejima in Nagasaki Bay. This period of isolation, known as the Edo period (1603–1867), lasted for more than 250 years. The Dutch maintained a small but significant presence during this time, introducing Western medicine, scientific knowledge, and technology through what is known as rangaku ("Dutch learning").

The Meiji Restoration

One of the most pivotal moments in Japan’s modern history came in 1853 when US Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Edo Bay with a fleet of "black ships" (steam-powered vessels). His mission was to forcibly open Japan to international trade after more than two centuries of isolation under the Tokugawa Shogunate. Under pressure from Perry's military threat, Japan signed the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships. This event marked the beginning of the end of the Edo period and opened the floodgates for other Western nations to establish trade relations with Japan.

Perry's "Black Ships" in Edo Bay (1853)

The opening of Japan to foreign powers led to internal strife and dissatisfaction with the Tokugawa Shogunate, particularly among factions that believed Japan had to modernise in order to resist Western influence. This tension, combined with discontent over the unequal treaties Japan was forced to sign with Western powers, eventually sparked the Boshin War (1868–1869), a civil war between pro-shogunate forces and those loyal to the emperor. The war culminated in the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the restoration of power to Emperor Meiji, marking the beginning of the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

Imperial Royal family during the Meiji Period (1868-1912)

This ushered in a period of rapid modernisation and reform, as Japan sought to strengthen itself in the face of Western imperialism. During this era, Japan experienced a boom in cultural imports from Western countries, particularly in architecture and fashion.

Tokyo Station: example of Meiji architecture

After the United States opened Japan, Great Britain followed with a treaty that granted British traders the right to live and trade in select Japanese cities. British influence was key in Japan’s modernisation, particularly in naval reforms and industrialisation, with British engineers helping to build Japan’s early railways and shipyards. Britain also influenced Japan’s legal and parliamentary systems. The British model of a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislature (the House of Lords and House of Commons) shaped Japan’s own adoption of a constitutional government. The Meiji Constitution (1889) established a similar system, with an emperor and a bicameral parliament (Diet), although the emperor retained more power than the British monarch.

The Battle of Weihaiwei, First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895)

While Britain played a key role in naval and parliamentary reforms, Japan’s army reforms and constitutional structure were more closely modelled on Prussia. The military, legal, and educational systems were adapted from German models. Japan also borrowed from France in areas like the judiciary and legal systems, particularly in civil law and administrative structures. The US had a significant influence on Japan's elementary and secondary education systems.

War with the West

The British-Japanese Alliance (1902) was Japan’s first military alliance with a Western power. It was aimed at countering Russian expansion in East Asia and played a crucial role during the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905). This war between Japan and Russia over control of Korea and Manchuria marked Japan’s emergence as a major military power. Japan's victory shocked the world, as it was the first time an Asian power defeated a European one in modern history. Tensions between Japan and Russia have lingered since this period, particularly regarding territorial disputes over the northern islands, an issue that remains unresolved to this day.

Russo-Japanese War

Japan had ambitions to expand its empire across Asia and the Pacific. It sought to create a "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere," which would allow it to control territories rich in natural resources, like oil, rubber, and minerals. Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 led to full-scale war with the United States and its allies in the Pacific. This war ultimately culminated in Japan's defeat after the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. After the war, Japan was occupied by the US, and under the guidance of General Douglas MacArthur, the country was demilitarised, democratised, and underwent economic reforms. This period laid the foundation for Japan’s post-war recovery and transformation into a peaceful and prosperous nation.

Modern Day

Since World War II, the US and Japan have maintained a close alliance, particularly in terms of military cooperation. The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security (1960) solidified the US-Japan defence relationship, which remains vital to both nations’ strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan continues to be influenced by the West, particularly the US, in areas like fashion and music. Many Japanese people look at Western countries positively (though sometimes through a romanticised lens). Today, there are over 45,000 loanwords in the Japanese language, 90 percent of which have come from English. Examples include カメラ (kamera) – “camera,” タクシー (takushī) – “taxi,” and クリック (kurikku) – “click.” Some people are concerned about the increasing number of English words replacing Japanese ones, and even the government has stepped in to suggest using alternative Japanese words.

Japan's Influence on the World

Japan not only adopted Western technology but often refined and improved upon it. Key examples include its railway systems, with the creation of the Shinkansen (bullet train), the automobile industry with companies like Honda and Nissan, and advancements in electronics and robotics.

Japanese bullet train

If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ll know it’s full of quirky inventions—things you never knew you needed. Everyday tasks, such as going to the toilet, are made easier with features like warmed seats, built-in bidets, and seats that automatically open and close. Many people say Japan does everything better, and one reason for this is the dedication and attention to detail in their inventions. Some of these innovations have made their way to the Western world. Notable examples include emojis, karaoke, bullet train technology (now used in the UK’s LNER), gaming consoles like the PlayStation and Nintendo DS, QR codes, and instant ramen.

Japanese robot "Asimo"

Similarly, Japanese words have entered the English language, reflecting Japan’s cultural influence. These include tsunami, anime, manga, sushi, tempura, bento, zen, geisha, origami, futon, and martial arts like Judo, Karate, and Aikido. These words are famous not only because of their specific cultural significance but also because they help shape the global image of Japan.

Japanese manga

Conclusion

Japan has a deep and rich history that is admired all over the world. Its cultural exports include anime, manga, food, and technology such as video games, QR codes, and cars. While Japan has been influenced by Western countries, particularly in its institutions and economic models, it has maintained a unique culture and outlook on the world. This is one of the many reasons why so many people enjoy visiting the country today.

Bibliography

Japan and the West | National Library of Australia (nla.gov.au)

A Timeline of Feudal Japan’s ‘Nanban’ Trade with Europeans | History Hit

Borrowing Words: Using Loanwords to Teach About Japan - Association for Asian Studies

The problem of loanwords in Japan, and returning them - The Japan Times

Japan's encounter with Europe, 1573 – 1853 · V&A (vam.ac.uk)

The Black Ships Shock: A Historic Encounter that Changed Japan | Nippon.com