Sakai, once prospered as an international trading city
The town of Sakai was founded as a commercial port connecting the Inland Sea and the Kinai area, and also as a military port to rule three counties; Settsu, Kawachi, and Izumi. In the late 15th century, it became the base for trading with foreign countries such as Min (present China). The trading benefited some merchants who made enormous wealth. These wealthy merchants in Sakai influenced the regional lords to let them have more autonomy in exchange for their financial power, and aggressively started free trading. They exported sulfur, copper, swords, and art crafts, while importing raw silk, silk fabrics, china, and medicines from China. They are also engaged in direct trading with southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Luzon (The Philippines), and Sumatra (Indonesia) making huge profits by selling imported goods. Since a Portuguese trading vessel was shipwrecked on the coast of Tanega-shima Island in 1543, the trade with Portugal and Spain (called Namban trade) officially began. Guns were introduced to Tanega-shima Island at this time, later developing to become the major industry supporting Sakai's economy. (Photo: a gunsmith site, in the city) The import/export business by these merchants continued successfully until the early Yedo period, or the beginning of the 17th century. However, after the Yedo Shogunate government decided on a policy of national isolation in 1639, their power declined along with the town's economy.
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