Isolation Era
Commodore Perry
Meiji Restoration
Modernisation of Japan
Japan Facts
100

What was Japan’s isolation policy called?

Sakoku

100

What type of ships did Perry bring that shocked the Japanese?

Steam-powered "Black Ships"

100

What was restored during the Meiji Restoration?

Imperial rule under Emperor Meiji

100

Which city became Japan’s capital during modernisation?

Tokyo

100

What is the name of Japan’s highest mountain?

Mount Fuji

200

Which religion was banned during Japan’s isolation?

Christianity

200

In what year did Commodore Perry arrive in Japan?

1853

200

In what year did the Meiji Restoration begin?

1868

200

What type of transportation was introduced during modernisation?

Railways

200

What is Japan’s national sport?

Sumo wrestling

300

How many years did Japan remain isolated under the Tokugawa Shogunate?

200-220 Years

300

What treaty opened Japan to American trade?

Treaty of Kanagawa

300

What happened to the samurai class during the Meiji Restoration?

They lost privileges and stipends

300

Which industry became central to Japan’s modernisation?

Shipbuilding / Heavy Industry

300

What does “Meiji” mean in English?

Enlightened Rule

400

What was the main reason for Japan’s isolation policy?

To prevent foreign influence and maintain stability

400

Why did Perry’s arrival force Japan to end isolation?

Threat of military force and Western technology

400

What slogan summarized Japan’s modernisation strategy?

Wakon Yōsai – Japanese Spirit, Western Techniques

400

Name one major change in Japanese society during modernisation

Universal education, conscription, industrial workforce, urbanization

400

Which country did Japan defeat in 1905, shocking the world?

Russia

500

Which port was the only one open for limited foreign trade during isolation?

Nagasaki

500

Name one major consequence of Perry’s arrival for Japan’s political system.

Collapse of Tokugawa Shogunate / Start of modernisation

500

Name two major reforms introduced during the Meiji Restoration.

Abolition of feudal domains, creation of prefectures, conscription army, industrialization

500

How did Japan’s education system change during modernization?

Universal education introduced, Western-style schools

500

What year did Japan become a constitutional monarchy?

1889