THE SAKoKu EDICT

CARMEN RODRÍGUEZ-LOSADA NAVA

The Sakoku Edict

Foreign powers were almost entirely banned from any diplomatic and trade relations

Is a Japanese policy consisting of a series of directives implemented over several yearsthat enforced self-isolation from foreign powers in the early 17th century.

What is the Sakoku edict?

Anti-European attitudes. Started questioning the true motives of the Europeans

Not only there was an exange of goods but also an exachange of ideas.

Japanese fascination with European culture brought trade of various goods and commercial success to the country.

PROCESS

The Japanese were to be kept within Japan’s own boundaries. Strict rules were set to prevent them from leaving the country. Anyone caught trying to leave the country, or anyone who managed to leave and then returned from abroad, was to be executed. Europeans who entered Japan illegally would face the death penalty too.

Key Points of the Edict

Catholicism was strictly forbidden. Those found practicing the Christian faith were subject to investigation, and anyone associated with Catholicism would be punished.no missionary was allowed to enter, and if apprehended by the government, he would face imprisonment

Trade restrictions and strict limitations on goods were set to limit the ports open to trade, and the merchants who would be allowed to engage in trade. Relations with the Portuguese were cut off entirely; Chinese merchants and those of the Dutch East India Company were restricted to enclaves in Nagasaki.

The need of licenses: Commerce was very limmited and the few merchants there were needed a special license to trade. Any breach of these rule was condemned in public, tortured and had to face death penalty.

Monetary RewardsOffered to those who had information regarding the violation of the edict. If an investigation was open, punishment usually followed.

The fumi-e ceremonyA way to detect Christians. A picture of Jesus or Mary was placed on the floor of a padoga and everyone on the building had to step on it. Any hesitation or denial was condemned.

ENFORCEMENT

Thank you

Do you think the Sakoku Edict was an effective way of protecting Japanese culture and economy from the European Colonization? What other way can you think of to achieve the same purpose?