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Why did Japan completely shut itself off from the rest of the world during the Edo period?

Halie Bentsen

Japan completely shut itself off from the rest of the world during the Edo period because they didn't want other countries to influence their culture and beliefs. They wanted to protect their traditions and keep their country safe from outsiders.

During this time, Japan was ruled by a powerful group of people called the shoguns. They wanted to keep their power and control over the country, so they decided to cut off all contact with the outside world. They wanted to make sure no one could challenge their authority or bring new ideas that might cause problems.

Japan also experienced a lot of wars and conflicts during this time. They wanted to focus on building up their own resources and economy, so they didn't want to trade with other countries or rely on them for anything. They believed that they could be self-sufficient and thrive without the help of anyone else.

The isolation brought by this policy wasn't easy for the Japanese people. They had to adapt to a life without communicating with other cultures and learning new things. However, Japan was able to develop its own unique culture and way of life during this time. They became skilled in arts and crafts such as pottery, painting, and calligraphy. They also created their own unique type of theater called Kabuki.

It wasn't until 1853 when the United States came to Japan with their powerful navy that Japan finally opened its doors to the world again. This marks the end of the Edo period and the start of a new era for Japan.

In conclusion, Japan closed itself off from the world during the Edo period to protect its culture and maintain control over the country. This allowed them to develop their own unique way of life and become self-sufficient. While it wasn't easy, it helped Japan become the country it is today.