Fast forward several centuries to the early seventeenth century, when Japan was ruled by a farmer-turned-emperor, Emperor Hideyoshi Toyotomi. This was a time when Christian missionaries went out into the world in hopes of converting people to Christianity. The Emperor felt threatened by the Christians — if Japan were to accept Christianity, he would lose his status as a divine figure.

The Tokugawa family of shoguns (top samurai appointed by the emperor) who ruled expertly throughout the Edo Period also feared Christians. A group of 30,000 peasants, who happened to be predominately Christian, had successfully organized themselves and overthrown a crooked feudal lord. This small revolution was all the Tokugawas needed to convince the Japanese people that Christians were dangerous and that Japan was better off without them.

This marked the beginning of the Edo Period (A.D. 1603–1867). For more than 250 years, Japan refused entry to most foreigners. Exceptions to this rule were the Dutch and the Chinese due to the absence of missionaries in these countries. Keeping Christians out was Japan's main reason for slamming the door in the world's face.

Knock, Knock

Following an important battle in 1615, the Tokugawa shogunate reigned supreme, and a period of peace began. Martial arts, literature, tea ceremony, kabuki theater, and other art forms were developed and enjoyed by many townspeople. Domestic trade and agriculture thrived.

But Tokugawa's heavy-handed governing had some drawbacks as well. In 1633, travel abroad was forbidden and by 1639 foreign trade was limited to China and the Netherlands. Foreign books were also banned.

Eventually, outside pressures from Russia, England, and the United States, as well as internal unrest, caused Japan to reconsider its official isolation. Commodore Perry of the U.S. Navy eventually forced open Japan's ports in 1853, and again in 1854. By 1868, Emperor Mutsuhito's power was restored, the Meiji Era began, and the world poured in.