Evaluate the impact on Japan of contact with Europeans.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact on Japan of contact with Europeans, weighing up its importance or otherwise. Consequences may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may evaluate a range of cultural and technological impacts. These include the introduction of arquebuses and steel cuirasses by the Portuguese, which contributed to the unification of the country under Hideyoshi and Ieyasu. The development of Japanese “red seal ships”, incorporating elements of European galleon design, helped the growth of Japanese trade with South-East Asia. There may be evaluation of the introduction of aspects of European cuisine (e.g. tempura by the Portuguese) which became staples of Japanese cuisine. In addition, the introduction of Christianity to the islands of Japan led to the conversion of a significant number. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.