Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

Which of these European countries was the first to arrive in Japan and begin trading with the local population?

1. Spain

2. Portugal

3. France

4. England

The correct answer is: Portugal

The answer is Portugal because Portuguese traders were the first Europeans to reach Japan in the mid-16th century, specifically around 1543 when a Portuguese ship arrived on the island of Tanegashima. This event marked the beginning of direct trade relations between Japan and Europe. The Portuguese brought with them firearms, which had a significant impact on Japanese warfare, as well as various European cultural influences. In contrast, although Spain also had an early presence in Asia, primarily through the Philippines, it did not establish trading relations with Japan until later. France and England, on the other hand, arrived much later in the 17th century, with trade and diplomatic missions not occurring until after the initial Portuguese engagements. Thus, the historical context strongly supports Portugal as the first European country to trade with Japan.