The Portuguese who arrived early 16th century found that Nagasaki was a natural port, and in 1570 they received a permit from the local lord to build a city that included a church and a hospital around the port. At first the local lord, out of curiosity, permitted the Portuguese to move about freely. But as the number of Christian converts increased and with even high-ranking daimyos (lords) converting to Christianity, the bakufu (feudal government) officials became aware of the situation. They banned Christianity and began to persecute the faithful. The bakufu government believed that the Catholic countries of Europe were trying to make Japan a colony. In 1636 the bakufu built an artificial island off the coast of Nagasaki and named it Dejima, a protruding island.
Later the Christians were defeated in the Shimabara Rebellion by the bakufu who completely outlawed Christianity. In 1641 the Portuguese were expelled from Nagasaki. The Dutch Trade Mission in Hirato was transferred to this location in their place. The Dutch had to submit to strict regulations that forbade foreigners from leaving Dejima for other parts of Japan. But the Dutch reluctanctly complied and continued trading until the end of the Yedo period. Dejima became the only window to the outside world.
Now you can see a miniature Dejima, visit the Dejima Document Library, or visit the Historic Cultural Museum.
●The Historic Cultural Museum――A 10-minute walk from Nagasaki Station.
