Dejima

In 1641, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was relocated from Hirado to Dejima, a small artificial island in Nagasaki Bay, as part of Japan's policy of isolation (sakoku). For over two centuries, Dejima served as the only point of contact between Japan and the Western world, where the Dutch were the sole foreigners allowed to trade. The Dutch traded goods such as raw silk, cotton, and sugar in exchange for valuable Japanese exports like copper, silver, and porcelain. Despite their crucial role in facilitating commerce, the Dutch were confined to the island with limited mobility and strict regulations, making Dejima feel more like a "luxurious prison" than a thriving trade post.

While the Dutch were isolated, Dejima became Japan's gateway to Western knowledge, particularly in the fields of medicine, military technology, and science. This exchange, known as rangaku or ‘Dutch learning’, was initially confined to Japanese interpreters but later spread to broader sectors of society, including government scholars. The study of rangaku helped Japan stay abreast of Western advancements, which became increasingly important as Japan sought to strengthen its own governance and military. Dejima remained a focal point for these exchanges until 1854, when Japan's isolation ended with the opening of its borders.

MUSIC BY ENA ( FIELD 27 )

This record is the official soundtrack for an architectural documentary film titled 'Bridge' — covering the Dejima bridge, a reconstructed symbol of the Dutch-Japanese trading history in Nagasaki prefecture. Although not based on field recordings around this location, the work instead touches on abstract and rhythmic sounds that define the essence of Japanese culture.