The trade of traditional medicinal materials between China and Japan (seventeenth to nineteenth centuries)

Abstract

From the seventeenth century to the nineteenth century, most of trade conducted between China and Japan was carried out via ships by Chinese merchants or by Chinese merchant ships, commonly known as Chinese junks. These vessels were referred to as Tang ships 唐船, or Tosens in Japanese. Since ancient times, traditional medicinal materials had played a significant role in trade between the two countries. Even during Japan's period of sakoku (seclusion), Chinese junks continued to transport a wide range of goods, including various medicinal materials, which were valued for their high profitability, wide applicability and sustained demand in the Japanese market. From a broader perspective, the trade in medicinal materials between China and Japan went beyond the mere exchange of commodities; it exerted a profound influence on the economy, trade, transportation and culture across multiple regions.