The Connection Between England and Kagoshima: British Influence on Modern Japan

Explore Japan's history in Kagoshima through its international relationships.

Japan is now considered one of the most modern countries in the world. Yet it wasn’t until the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) that a decision was made to rapidly advance its technology. Why was this so significant? This era marked Japan's transition from an isolated feudal society to a Western-influenced power. Through massive upheaval in science, technology, politics, and philosophy, this change gave rise to Japan as we know it today.

In the 1500s, long before the Meiji Period, Japan had traded with various European countries. This included the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. During this era, the countries would swap weapons, art, and cuisine. However, the exchange of religion caused concern amongst the Tokugawa shogunate – Japan’s long-standing military dictatorship. Soon, the government banned Christianity as it adopted a strict isolationist policy.

Sharply limited trade continued with certain countries in specific ports. For instance, the Dutch were allowed to trade in Dejima. However, the shogunate restricted international trade and movement almost everywhere else. Yet the fear of foreign intervention grew as Japan recognized the military power of Western countries. This issue reached a breaking point 200 years later when Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Japan in 1853. Supported by a fleet of American warships, he demanded the country open its ports for trade.

The largely powerless Emperor of Japan wanted to resist. However, the more influential Tokugawa shogunate eventually signed the Convention of Kanagawa. This allowed American vessels access to ports in Shimoda and Hakodate. Soon, similar treaties were signed with Russia, France, the Netherlands, and Great Britain. 

However, these treaties were mostly unfavorable to the Japanese. In fact, the tensions created by these decisions greatly contributed to the toppling of the Tokugawa shogunate. This restored power to the Emperor of Japan in an enormous political shift called the Meiji Restoration.

Exploring the connection between Great Britain and Japan

During the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, called Bakumatsu, the government wrestled to maintain power in Japan. This led to the establishment of stronger relations with countries like Great Britain. Just six months after the Convention of Kanagawa was signed with the United States, a similar document was signed with the British. Named the Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty, it granted British ships permission to trade in ports like Nagasaki and Hakodate alongside other privileges.

Outsiders entered Japan for the first time in two centuries, but the peace proved fragile as several conflicts occurred. The most significant with the British was the Bombardment of Kagoshima or the Anglo-Satsuma War (薩英戦争, Satsu-Ei Sensō). Fought in 1863, it came about after the samurai Shimazu Hisamitsu and his convoy killed Charles Lennox Richardson, a British merchant, following a confrontation outside Kawasaki.

The British demanded reparations. But Satsuma (now called Kagoshima) refused as negotiations failed to reach a satisfying conclusion. As tensions continued to rise, Satsuma's coastal batteries fired upon a Royal Navy fleet sent to the region. The British returned fire before retreating, destroying dozens of homes and ships. Following this brief battle, negotiations resumed, and an agreement was soon struck.

Satsuma agreed to pay reparations for the death of Richardson, while the British would build steam warships for Satsuma. As it turned out, this agreement was a wise move for Satsuma, which had long advocated for closer relationships with European traders. With the help of Great Britain, it could set about modernizing. Today, this early cooperation between the two nations is still seen throughout the region.

How Kagoshima became the birthplace of modern Japan

A coastal city on Japan's Kyushu Island, Kagoshima’s role in Japan’s modernization can’t be overstated, as many of the region's leaders became central to the Meiji Restoration. Progressive on technology and Western influence, these people helped lead Japan into its next era. Yet this process was already underway even as the Tokugawa shogunate continued to rule. Here, Satsuma’s influential lord, Shimazu Nariakira, took it upon himself to make connections with the outside world.

Renowned for his intellect, Nariakira predicted the growing influence of Western countries. He believed that Japan needed to establish better relations to protect itself in the long term. From the largely independent region of Satsuma, Nariakira established secret trade routes with the Dutch. This proved pivotal for learning about shipbuilding and other industrialized technologies.

The most significant of Nariakira’s actions was the creation of the Shuseikan Project in 1851. Described as Japan’s first modern factory complex, it strengthened Japan’s military and industrial output. Across several interconnected components, pioneering workers built ships, cannons, and luxury goods. It even became an influential blueprint for similar facilities built after the Meiji Restoration. Later, many of Nariakira’s disciples were central to the creation of Japan's modern industries.

Discover where industrialization started in Kagoshima

The Meiji Restoration shifted Japan’s perspective on the outside world. As Western technology and culture entered the country, it brought sweeping societal changes. Emerging from its feudal past, the country began building massive shipyards and coal mining plants. Incredibly, the process of industrialization took only 50 years. This extraordinary pace put Japan ahead of many of its Asian and European counterparts.

Today, travelers can experience this legacy by visiting Kagoshima and beyond. Becoming a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2015, 23 historic landmarks spanning 11 locations are now known as “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining.” These represent the first successful transfer of industrialized technology from the West to the East. Plus, the sites capture how Japanese society evolved faster than almost any other in modern history.

In particular, several factories and worksites present the early relationship between Japan and Great Britain. Here, the initial focus was on building warships and cannons. But in just a few years, these learnings became essential to many other types of industrial goals. Meanwhile, foreign engineers traveled to Kagoshima to teach locals about cutting-edge technology.

Centered around the Kagoshima Bay area, these storied landmarks offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s past. Plus, they make obvious the region's budding relationship with Great Britain and many others. So, head along to see where the birth of modern industry occurred in Japan. You'll discover how one of the world's leaders in modern technology got its start. Ready to go? Plan your visit to these destinations to experience Kagoshima's remarkable history.

Shuseikan Reverberatory Furnace

Shuseikan’s reverberatory furnace was the centerpiece of the Shuseikan Project. As a crucial step towards industrialization, this facility was used for iron smelting. This allowed Satsuma to produce weapons for both its ships and warriors. Completed in 1865 following the death of Shimazu Nariakira in 1858, workers used documents translated from Dutch as building instructions.

In addition, local pottery expertise was crucial for creating the furnace’s beautiful slated stonework. Today, the tower furnaces that stood atop the complex are gone. However, ventilation openings are still featured in the rock foundations. To visit, head along to the Sengan-en residence, the home of the Shimazu clan. You'll discover how this stunning facility once employed 1,200 people.

Address: 9700-1 Yoshinocho, Kagoshima, 892-0871
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
How to get to the Shuseikan Reverberatory Furnace: From Kagoshima Chuo Station, catch the Kagoshima City View Bus to Sengan-en. Then, walk for 1 minute to reach your destination.

Terayama Charcoal Kiln

Built more than 150 years ago, the Terayama Charcoal Kiln was an essential component of the Shuseikan complex. To protect itself, Satsuma wanted to develop modern weaponry, such as cannons and guns. Unfortunately, no white charcoal needed for production was available in the region. Instead, this impressive masonry kiln was assembled to generate the vital fuel source.

Three meters tall and six meters in diameter, this towering stone landmark rests in the shadow of Terayama’s soaring mountains. Surrounded by shii and oak trees used to power the plant, this was the ideal location for production. Now covered in picturesque green moss, visitors can admire the ruins. As you'll learn, it's a striking early example of Kagoshima’s industrialization.

Address: 10701-68 Yoshinocho, Kagoshima, 892-0871
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
How to get to the Terayama Charcoal Kiln: From Kagoshima Chuo Station, take the Nankoku Kotsu bus (Miyanoura Danchi Line) to the Sanshuhara Gakuen-mae stop. Then, walk for about 20 minutes.

Sekiyoshi Sluice Gate of Yoshino Leat

The Sekiyoshi Sluice Gate of Yoshino Leat is set along a beautiful stretch of the Inari River. As another historic piece of infrastructure, it showcases the region’s push towards modernity. So, what did it do? To bring power to Shuseikan’s reverberatory furnace, waterwheels converted the river's natural force into an effective energy source.

This project was no small feat. Stretching for almost seven kilometers, it used the landscape's changing terrain to generate power. This helped direct energy to where it was needed most. For example, the river’s water was diverted to Shuseikan’s cannon-making facility and an iron sand yard. With no access to steam engines, Satsuma’s solution proved a great success.

Address: 1222 Shimotacho, Kagoshima, 892-0873
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
How to get to the Sekiyoshi Sluice Gate of Yoshino Leat: From Kagoshima Chuo Station, catch the Nankoku Kotsu bus (Midorigaoka Danchi Line, Ishiki Danchi Line, or Honjo Line). After about 20 minutes, get off at the Sekiyoshi-no-Housuigo Iriguchi bus stop and walk for 1 minute.

Shōko Shūseikan Machine Factory

After Nariakira introduced new industries to Satsuma, others continued his legacy. Tadayoshi Shimadzu recognized the potential of Western technologies. He soon began importing different machinery to be housed in a Western-style warehouse. Built in 1865, the Shōko Shūseikan Machine Factory remains the oldest stone factory in Japan.

Today, this structure operates as a museum dedicated to the Shimadzu family’s 800-year reign and role in the development of modern Japan. Look for how the building's design combines striking Dutch and Japanese architecture. This highlights the growing global influence on Japan while capturing the country's rapid progress.

Address: 9698-1 Yoshinocho, Kagoshima, 892-0871
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to get to the Shōko Shūseikan Machine Factory: From Kagoshima Chuo Station, catch the Kagoshima City View Bus to Sengan-en. Then, walk for 1 minute to reach your destination.

Foreign Engineers’ Residence (Ijinkan)

Kagoshima’s Foreign Engineers’ Residence is another crucial historical landmark. Why? It shows how, in less than 15 years, Japan transformed from an isolated state to a place welcoming international experts. Constructed in 1867, this colonial-style property housed several British engineers. From here, they instructed local workers and installed machinery in the nearby spinning mill.

Despite being at war just two years earlier, a plan was created to smuggle 19 students from Satsuma to study in Britain. Besides making trips to various parts of Europe, the students arranged for British spinning machines and engineers to travel to Japan. Now, you can visit the Foreign Engineers’ Residence to see these very same spinning machines alongside numerous other artifacts.

Address: 9685-15 Yoshinocho, Kagoshima, 892-0871
Operating hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
How to get to the Foreign Engineers’ Residence: From Kagoshima Chuo Station, catch the Kagoshima City View Bus to Sengan-en. Then, walk for 4 minutes to reach your destination.

How to get to Kagoshima from Tokyo and Osaka

JAL flights touch down at Kagoshima Airport in about two hours from Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport. If you’re traveling from Osaka or Kyoto, you can also board flights to Kagoshima from Osaka International Airport.

Once you’ve arrived, you can find convenient airport buses heading to central locations like Kagoshima Chuo Station and the Tenmonkan downtown area. You can also catch a taxi to the city center in about 40 minutes.

Book your Kagoshima adventure with JAL

Ready to experience UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Kagoshima? With so many significant attractions, creating an unforgettable itinerary is made simple. Don’t forget to discover the incredible advantages of the JAL Japan Explorer Pass. Featuring top-notch airfares to more than 30 destinations across JAL’s domestic network, it’s the ideal way to experience more of Japan for less. Plan your journey with JAL today!