Which European country found Japan first? This question has intrigued historians and scholars for centuries. The discovery of Japan by Europeans is a significant event in the history of both Japan and the world, marking the beginning of Japan’s interaction with the outside world.
The answer to this question is not straightforward, as there were multiple European explorers who laid claim to discovering Japan. However, the most widely accepted answer is that Portugal was the first European country to find Japan.
In the early 16th century, Portuguese explorers were searching for new trade routes to Asia. In 1543, a Portuguese ship, led by Fernão de Magalhães, landed on the island of Tanegashima, off the coast of Kyushu, Japan. This was the first recorded contact between Japan and Europeans.
The Portuguese were followed by the Spanish in 1565, when a Spanish ship, led by Alvaro de Mendaña, arrived in Japan. However, it was the Portuguese who established the first permanent trading post in Japan, known as the Christian mission in Kagoshima.
The arrival of the Portuguese and Spanish marked the beginning of Japan’s “period of isolation” coming to an end. This period, known as the Sakoku, lasted from 1633 to 1853, when Japan closed its borders to all foreign trade and missions.
The discovery of Japan by the Portuguese had a profound impact on the country. It introduced new technologies, goods, and ideas to Japan, leading to significant changes in its society and culture. It also led to the introduction of Christianity, which became a major factor in Japan’s internal conflicts in the following centuries.
In conclusion, while there were multiple European explorers who laid claim to discovering Japan, it is widely accepted that Portugal was the first European country to find Japan. The impact of this discovery on Japan and the world cannot be overstated, as it marked the beginning of a new era of interaction and cultural exchange.
