Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Rangaku

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French version

Rangaku

蘭学
alternative words: Dutch study, Dutch studies
keywords: philosophy
related topics: Edo period , Edo shogunate , Sakoku , Sugita Genpaku
explanation: During Edo period under Sakoku regime, only the contact with Dutch among Europeans was authorized, because they were not interested in missionary activities. Since the 18th century, Edo shogunate had relaxed the rule on import of Dutch books and many Japanese began to learn Dutch language to absorb great scientific and technique discoveries made in Europe. This predominance of Dutch language continued until the mid 19th century when English and French succeeded it.