Russia and Japan in the Sea of Okhotsk: A Global History of Maritime Travel and Cultural Encounters, 1600-1900

The Sea of Okhotsk region became integrated into a world system of economic and cultural ties between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries due to maritime explorations, travel, and trade. This led to cross-cultural encounters and changes, including collaboration, syncretism, and resistance. The last chapter discusses how the area was described by international travelers and foreign residents at the end of the nineteenth century, confirming that it had become a fully colonized space.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Sea of Okhotsk region experienced a profound transformation into a global network of economic and cultural connections between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. This remarkable shift was primarily driven by maritime explorations, travel, and trade, which facilitated increased interactions with Russia and Japan.

The book is organized into individual chapters that delve into historical sources that shed light on cross-cultural encounters and transformations in the Sea of Okhotsk area. These chapters explore the accounts of explorers and travelers who ventured into the region for various purposes, including commerce, exploration, diplomacy, and potential colonization. The perspectives of these individuals, drawn from the Russians, Japanese, Indigenous peoples, and international observers from Western countries, provide a rich tapestry of insights into the region's history.

Cross-cultural encounters in the Sea of Okhotsk region were characterized by a range of outcomes, including collaboration, syncretism, and resistance. These interactions occurred among the Russian, Japanese, Indigenous peoples, and international travelers and residents, resulting in complex and multifaceted developments. Some encounters were marked by violence, while others exhibited peaceful coexistence.

The final chapter of the book focuses on the perspectives of international travelers and foreign residents of Hokkaidō at the end of the nineteenth century. Their accounts confirm that Hokkaidō had undergone a complete colonization process, marking a significant milestone in its history.

This book serves as an invaluable resource for students and scholars of cross-cultural studies, Russian history, Japanese history, and Ainu and Indigenous history. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex web of relationships that shaped the Sea of Okhotsk region and its significance in global history.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032054018