Japan was closed to the world for 217 years
Japan had little contact with the world from 1635-1852 due to a law known as the Sakoku Edict that restricted trade, banned foreign travel by Japanese, banned Christianity and made Japan off limits to most foreigners. The law was passed after Japan experienced a number of problems after contact with foreign powers. These included Japanese slaves being sent to Europe by the Portuguese, threats to Japanese sovereignty and epidemics such as small pox. Japan's long period of isolation put the country technologically behind the Western powers. In 1852, the American Navy effectively forced Japan to open her markets. Japan's long period of isolation helped the country to develop a unique culture .