1.
national isolation; closed country policy
A policy of closing a country's borders to foreign trade and contact. Most commonly refers to Japan's isolationist policy during the Edo period (1639–1853), when foreign trade was severely restricted.
江戸時代は鎖国の時代だった。
The Edo period was an era of national isolation.
鎖国中も長崎ではオランダとの貿易が続いた。
Even during national isolation, trade with the Dutch continued in Nagasaki.
ペリーの来航をきっかけに、日本は約200年続いた鎖国政策を終わらせた。
Prompted by Perry's arrival, Japan ended its approximately 200-year policy of national isolation.
Literally "locking the country" — 鎖 (lock/chain) + 国 (country).
Japan's 鎖国 lasted from 1639 to 1853. During this period, limited trade was permitted through 出島 in 長崎 with the Dutch and Chinese. The policy ended with the arrival of American Commodore Perry and the subsequent 開国 (opening of the country).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 鎖国政策 (isolation policy)
- 鎖国時代 (period of isolation)
- 鎖国を解く (to lift the isolation policy)
The antonym is 開国 (opening of a country to foreign relations).