Navigating Isolation: Tokugawa Japan's Foreign Relations

This chapter examines the nuanced foreign policy of Tokugawa Japan, countering the perception of complete isolation during the Edo period. It highlights the sakoku policy's strategic balance between restricted foreign engagement and selective trade with nations like the Netherlands and China. The narrative also touches on interactions with Korea and the Ainu people, showcasing the complex web of diplomatic and cultural exchanges that shaped Japan's historical context.