Kenapa Jepang Lockdown 214 Tahun? Orang Kristen Sampai Diburu Waktu Itu? | Learning By Googling #95

Summary

This video script explores Japan's period of self-imposed isolation known as sakoku, which lasted from 1639 to 1853 under the Tokugawa shogunate. It explains the political, social, and cultural factors behind Japan's decision to close its doors to foreign influence, focusing on the fear of foreign colonialism, the preservation of native culture, and the suppression of Christianity. The script highlights the positive and negative effects of this isolation, including Japan's deep-rooted nationalism and its eventual end after external pressure, especially from the United States, leading to the signing of the Kanagawa Treaty.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan's Sakoku policy (1639-1853) was an isolationist strategy where Japan closed itself off from foreign influence, preventing foreigners from entering and Japanese citizens from leaving the country.
• 😀 The policy was implemented by the Tokugawa Shogunate under the leadership of Iemitsu Tokugawa, the third shogun of the Tokugawa clan.
• 😀 The main reasons behind the Sakoku policy were the fear of foreign influence, the desire to maintain internal stability, and the protection of Japanese culture from colonial powers.
• 😀 A significant event that led to Sakoku was the Shimabara Rebellion (1637), which was caused by increased taxation and the suppression of Christians in Japan.
• 😀 The Sakoku policy kept Japan largely isolated from the outside world, leading to a lack of knowledge about scientific advancements and foreign developments, which created a perception of Japan as backward in global history.
• 😀 Despite the isolation, Japan maintained limited trade with select foreign nations, including the Dutch and the Chinese, under strict surveillance.
• 😀 The Dutch played a crucial role in introducing Western scientific knowledge to Japan, which was absorbed while maintaining Japanese cultural traditions.
• 😀 The policy ended with the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry from the United States in 1853, who forced Japan to open up through the Kanagawa Treaty, marking the end of Japan's isolation.
• 😀 Despite the opening of Japan, the isolationist mindset led to a strong sense of nationalism and a resistance to foreign influence, which persisted in Japanese society.
• 😀 The lasting effects of the Sakoku policy include a deep cultural pride in Japan’s traditions, but also the challenge of rapidly modernizing in the face of Western pressures.

Q & A

What was Japan's policy of isolation, known as sakoku, and when did it take place?

Sakoku was Japan's policy of self-imposed isolation that lasted from 1639 to 1853. During this period, Japan closed its borders to foreign influence, prohibiting foreigners from entering and Japanese citizens from leaving the country.

Why did Japan implement the sakoku policy in the first place?

Japan implemented the sakoku policy mainly due to concerns over foreign interference. The main reasons included the fear of colonialism by European powers, the desire to protect Japan's traditional culture, and to maintain political stability by preventing foreign influence from destabilizing the government.

What were the primary sources of foreign influence in Japan during the early 17th century?

The primary sources of foreign influence were European traders, especially Portuguese merchants, and Christian missionaries. These missionaries were particularly focused on spreading Christianity, which led to tensions and conflicts in Japan.

What was the Shimabara Rebellion, and how did it relate to Japan's decision to isolate itself?

The Shimabara Rebellion, which occurred in 1637, was a large-scale uprising in Japan. It was partly fueled by the oppression of Christians and heavy taxation. This rebellion was a key event that contributed to Japan's decision to implement the sakoku policy, as the government sought to avoid further unrest caused by foreign influence.

How did Japan's isolation affect its development compared to the rest of the world?

Japan's isolation led it to be largely cut off from global developments, making it appear as a forgotten nation in the context of world history. The isolation also caused Japan to miss out on advancements such as the development of steamships, leading to some technological and cultural stagnation.

What were some of the internal measures Japan implemented during the sakoku period?

Internally, Japan enacted strict controls, including requiring citizens to carry travel permits between cities, enforcing curfews, and deploying secret police forces like the Shinsengumi to monitor and control the population.

How did the sakoku policy impact Christians in Japan?

During the sakoku period, Christians were heavily persecuted and discriminated against. Their beliefs were suppressed, and they faced severe consequences, including execution if caught practicing their religion.

What positive impacts did Japan experience as a result of its isolation?

One positive impact was the preservation of Japanese culture and traditions, as Japan was not influenced by foreign cultures. The period also fostered strong nationalism, with Japanese people maintaining a sense of pride in their identity and culture.

How did the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853 affect Japan's isolation?

Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in 1853 marked the end of Japan's isolation. He brought a fleet of warships and forced Japan to open up for trade with the world, culminating in the signing of the Kanagawa Treaty, which ended the sakoku policy.

What role did the Dutch play during Japan's period of isolation?

During Japan's isolation, the Dutch were the only European traders allowed to operate in Japan, and they did so under strict surveillance. They helped Japan remain informed about Western scientific knowledge without compromising its cultural identity.