鎖国

• Reading: さこく
• Romaji: sakoku
• Kanji breakdown: 鎖 (sa) — chain, lock; 国 (koku) — country, nation
• Pronunciation: /sa.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

National isolation; closed country policy. Refers to the historical policy of severely limiting foreign trade, contact, and travel.

Most closely associated with Japan's Edo period (1639–1853), when the Tokugawa shogunate restricted nearly all foreign relations. The term is also used metaphorically today to describe any nation's policy of extreme self-isolation or protectionism from international engagement.

Examples

1. 江戸時代の鎖国政策は約200年間続いた。 The national isolation policy of the Edo period lasted approximately 200 years.
2. 経済制裁により、その国は事実上の鎖国状態に置かれた。 Due to economic sanctions, the country was placed in a de facto state of isolation.
3. 鎖国が終わり、日本は急速に近代化の道を歩み始めた。 Once the era of national isolation ended, Japan rapidly embarked on the path of modernization.

Usage Guide

Context: history, international relations, political commentary

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 鎖 (sa) meaning 'chain, lock' and 国 (koku) meaning 'country.' The image is of a nation locked shut from the outside world.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal