Fellow history enthusiasts will enjoy this quickie Fun Link Friday: Japan Probe recently posted Then and Now images of Dejima (or Deshima), the artificial island built in the bay of Nagasaki in 1634 to direct much of what little trade occurred with foreigners during the isolationist Edo period (1600-1868). It operated as a trading post until 1853.

Images similar to the one above are probably familiar to anyone who has studied the premodern period. Dejima is a tiny fan-shaped island that I always squinted at, wondering how somewhere so darn small could be such an essential hub of even limited international trade. (Seriously? A map of the entire island looks like fifteen houses can’t fit horizontally on it!)

Modern aerial maps of Dejima (like the one seen below) reveal that it is seamlessly nestled into the contemporary landscape, complete with a six-lane or so highway whizzing right by. It’s incredible to look at these photos compared to the prints and marvel at how the curved outline of what once was lingers!

Click here to see the original Japan Probe article for a couple other comparison shots.

Dejima was a popular subject for artistic representation during the Edo period, so if you’re curious take some time to cruise the Japanese or English Google searches for it and check out the diverse prints and paintings that pop up!

Have a great weekend everybody!