Japan in Isolation

A detailed Summary of Japan in Isolation


The problem question being dealt with is "To what extent was Tokugawa Japan's policy of isolation a benefit or drawback when examined in terms of social stability, treatment of foreign influences, and standard of living?"

The benefits of isolation when looked at by the subject of social stability are numerous. The social stability of Japan during isolation was something to be looked at upon with great respect. Isolation gave Japan stability and internal solidarity at a time when these factors were urgently needed. Under the new system of Tokugawa merchants were at the bottom however, encouraged by the availability of money, they bought, sold, traded and developed a new system of credit and became wealthy. Also during this time of isolation businesses created new farms and mines that strengthened the growing national economy. Finally enterprising farmers who produced a surplus could sell their excess for coin, invest in more land, and grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco.

There were some drawbacks of the isolation on the social stability of Japan. Ironically, as Japan became increasingly sealed off, the rest of the world was being opened up to an unprecedented interchange of goods and ideas on comp


The final criteria that will be looked at is the standard of living in Japan during the period of isolation. There were some great benefits that came along with this plan of isolation for the standard of living, one of them is the fact that with the extra money farmers were making off of other extra crops they could grow cash crops such as tobacco and cotton. With this the farmer could now afford extras like sake (rice wine), fashionable clothes and other previously unattainable luxuries. There were also some Social-climbing merchants who had money and paid to become adopted by a samurai family.

There were also some drawbacks to this plan of isolation by Japan when regarding standards of living. For instance it was the samurai who were most drastically affected by Tokugawa peace and stability. The cherished principles of loyalty, simple living, and honor had previously enriched their high social status, but these were earned in a time of war. Peace undermined these virtues. With no major wars to fight, the samurai became listless. Since their wages were fixed at a time when prices were rising, their money bought less. Only the samurai could carry two swords as a sign of distinction, but this did not always compen

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Approximate Word count = 824
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

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