Throughout the 17th century European countries continued to develop trading links around the world. As these links were developed different cultures met and learned from each other.
Not every country welcomed this exposure to another set of values and beliefs, but few were in a position to do very much about it.

However, Japan was an exception and in 1639 the Government's concern about foreign influences led it to expel almost all the Europeans who were there. A tiny number of Dutch traders were allowed to stay but the Government built an island for them in Nagasaki harbour and they all had to live there. In this way all links with the West were controlled. This map shows this island which was called Deshima.

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