Non-isolationist Japan

BUMP

Whilst this is quite general (who hasn't thought of this),

I believe they might be more proactive in Southeast Asia, bringing Japanese Cultures to Russia, China, Korea, and Possibly to America
 
I believe they might be more proactive in Southeast Asia, bringing Japanese Cultures to Russia, China, Korea, and Possibly to America

If this is early Edo era we're talking about, then there's not much Japan can offer Korea or China. Hell, a significant portion of what we know as Japanese culture was stolen from the Koreans during the Imjin War (at least in terms of artisanship and stuff).

I think the Red Seal ship trade with Vietnam and other places in Southeast Asia would be interesting to explore. The Tokugawas originally wanted to turn Edo into a major port, but then opted for isolationism. If they remain open, they are likely going to butt heads with the European powers sooner or later.

I also get the impression an open Japan would probably put a lot more pressure on Korea, perhaps forcing them to have more contact with the outside world. Maybe as well to a lesser extent on the Qing.
 
Japan's great tech schism between it and other powers wouldn't be so great. For example, I know from something I anally researched for an NG that Japan, before it went into isolationism, was producing muskets (which it picked up from the Portuguese in the 1400's I think) and producing them in larger numbers than most Europeans as a matter of fact.
 
There _was_ no real tech schism between Japan and Europe during the early 17th century. Even a century later it was pretty small. It started widening pretty rapidly and widely after that though.
 
Well, maybe if Oda Nobunaga survives, he tended to be less anti-gaijin than Tokugawa ( the guy who invaded Korea was quite nuts, so no chance )
 
The tech differences may be bigger than you think. Samurai had enormous political power, so there's a very good chance Japan wouldn't use firearms: a peasant could kill a samurai with one.:eek: That's why firearms were banned in Japan.
 
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