Japan's transition from isolation to embracing Western culture marked a pivotal shift in its history. After World War II, Japan rapidly evolved from a defeated nation to an economic superpower. However, this transformation began much earlier, during the Meiji period. Following 265 years of isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan embarked on a path to modernization to compete with Western powers. The Age of Exploration saw European nations establish trade routes to Asia, including Japan. The introduction of modern weapons through Portuguese traders during Japan's Sengoku period of civil wars played a crucial role. After unifying Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu implemented a policy of isolation to protect against foreign influence and Christianity, limiting foreign interaction to Dutch merchants on Dejima Island. Read moreSection: NewsGeneralVideosHistoryRead Later