History

Sakoku: The Chained Country

The emperor carried the bloodline. The shogun carried the power. And the shogun ’s greatest decision was to lock the borders. Most Japanese people could not leave. Most foreigners could not enter. Those who tried could face death. …

Period map of Dejima, the Dutch trading post island in Nagasaki Harbor, showing the fan-shaped compound with its buildings and surrounding water

A letter from Japan, worth slowing down for.

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