Kaempfer's Japan

Engelbert Kaempfer’s 'History of Japan' was originally written in the late 17th century while the German physician served as a medical officer for the Dutch East India Company at Dejima in Nagasaki. His observations provided the Western world with one of the first detailed, systematic accounts of Japanese culture, geography, and political structure during the country’s period of self-imposed isolation. The work remained a foundational text for European understanding of Japan for over a century after its initial publication in 1727.

This 1998 edition published by the University of Hawai'i Press serves as a scholarly reproduction of Kaempfer’s original manuscript and illustrations. By utilizing the original English translation by J.G. Scheuchzer, the press aimed to preserve the historical accuracy and unique perspective of Kaempfer's firsthand reporting. It is widely regarded by historians as a vital resource for studying pre-modern Japan, maintaining the integrity of the initial travelogue while offering contemporary academic context for modern researchers.