Nagasaki, a port city on Japan's Kyushu Island, played a crucial role in Japan’s history, particularly during the Sengoku Period (1467–1603) and the subsequent Edo Period (1603–1868). European traders and missionaries first arrived in the 16th century, marking a pivotal moment in Japan's engagement with the outside world. Portuguese traders arrived in 1543, bringing firearms, new goods, and knowledge, which significantly impacted Japan’s military and cultural landscape. European trade, particularly through Nagasaki, became vital during the Sengoku Period as various feudal lords, or daimyos, competed for power, seeking to acquire foreign goods and technologies.

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Alongside trade, Christian missionaries, particularly Jesuits led by Francis Xavier, began to spread Christianity in Japan in the 1540s. Nagasaki became a key center for Christian missionary activity, and many Japanese converted to Catholicism, including influential feudal lords. However, as Christianity grew, it was seen as a threat to the Tokugawa shogunate’s control, leading to its suppression. By 1614, Christianity was banned, and those who continued practicing the faith in secret, known as "hidden Christians" (kakure kirishitan), faced persecution. Missionaries were expelled, and many Christians were martyred or forced to renounce their faith.

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Despite the suppression, Christianity and European influence left a lasting legacy in Nagasaki, which became a symbol of both Japan's isolation and its interaction with the outside world. Today, the city’s Christian history is still reflected in its architecture and cultural sites, such as Oura Church, a National Treasure of Japan.

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In addition to its religious and trade history, Nagasaki’s food culture was greatly influenced by the European presence. The Portuguese and other Europeans introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques, leaving a lasting legacy in Nagasaki cuisine. The most notable food that emerged from this cultural exchange is shippoku, a style of dining that blends Japanese, Chinese, and European influences. Dishes such as castella (a sponge cake introduced by the Portuguese) and Sara udon (a type of fried noodle dish) reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage, blending Eastern and Western flavors that continue to be enjoyed today.