DEJIMA NAGAKI WHAT INTERESTING TO DO ?

Описание: Dejima (出島) was a man-made island in the port of Nagasaki, constructed in 1636 to segregate Portuguese residents from the Japanese population and control their missionary activities.

A few years later, the Portuguese were expelled from Japan, and the Dutch Trading Station, formerly located in Hirado, was moved to Dejima. The Dutch were restricted to Dejima during Japan's two centuries of isolation as the only remaining Westerners allowed in the country.

Today, Dejima is not an island anymore, as the surrounding area has been reclaimed in the 20th century. However, a number of Dejima's historical structures remain or have been reconstructed in the area, including various residences, warehouses, walls and gates. The ultimate goal is to convert Dejima back into an island by digging canals around all its four sides.

Getting there and around
Take tram number 1 to the Dejima tram stop (5 minutes, 140 yen from Nagasaki Station) which is located right next to Dejima.

WHY DEJIMA NAGASAKI DIFFERENT TO OTHERS ?

Dejima, also known as Deshima, holds significant historical importance. Let me share some key points about this remarkable place:

1- Historical Context:
Dejima was an artificial island located off Nagasaki, Japan.
It served as a trading post during the 17th century.
Initially used by Portuguese traders (1570–1639), it later became the primary trading hub for the Dutch (1641–1854) 1.

2- Isolationist Policies:
The Tokugawa shogunate constructed Dejima in 1636.
Japan’s isolationist policies aimed to preserve the existing sociopolitical order.
These policies restricted outsiders from entering Japan and limited Japanese citizens’ ability to leave the country.
Dejima facilitated lucrative trade with the West while keeping foreign traders separate from Japanese society 1.

3- Role in Cultural Exchange:
Dejima was the sole conduit for foreign trade and cultural exchange during Japan’s Edo period (1600–1869).
It was the only Japanese territory open to Westerners.
Dutch traders on Dejima introduced Japan to Western knowledge, including science, medicine, and art.
Japanese scholars engaged in cultural exchange through interactions with the Dutch 12.

4- Rangaku (Dutch Learning):
Dejima played a pivotal role in the Japanese movement of rangaku (蘭學, “Dutch learning”).
Scholars studied the Dutch language to understand Western science, medicine, and technology.
Until the mid-19th century, the Dutch had exclusive access to Japanese goods and culture 1.

5- Legacy and Restoration:
After the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened Japan to foreign trade and diplomacy, Dejima lost its significance.
It was eventually abolished and integrated into Nagasaki city through land reclamation.
In 1922, the “Dejima Dutch Trading Post” was designated a Japanese national historic site.
Efforts continue in the 21st century to restore Dejima as an island 13.

In summary, Dejima’s historical role as a bridge between Japan and the Western world, its impact on cultural exchange, and its contribution to rangaku make it a truly important and fascinating place in Japan’s history.