Portuguese Nagasaki

Definition

Nagasaki, on the northwest coast of Japan’s Kyushu Island, was an important Portuguese trading base from c. 1571 to 1639, and the most eastern outpost of the Portuguese empire. The Portuguese presence transformed Nagasaki from a small fishing village into one of the great trade centres of Japan and East Asia.

More about: Portuguese Nagasaki

Timeline

  • 1543
    Three Portuguese mariners accidentally land in Japan, the first Europeans to do so.
  • 1571 - 1639
    The Portuguese control the port of Nagasaki in Japan.
  • c. 1571
    The Japanese daimyo Omura Sumitada grants the Portuguese control of Nagasaki.
  • Dec 1637 - Apr 1638
    The Shimabara Rebellion in Japan, which the shogunate blames on Christians, leading to an expulsion of all Europeans.
  • 1640
    A Portuguese embassy to negotiate a reopening of trade with Japan is unsuccessful and its members are executed.
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