The Exploration of the Bonin Archipelago (Ogasawara Islands) by Japan in 1675

A groundbreaking maritime expedition in 1675, led by Captain Shimaya Ichizaemon during Japan's period of national seclusion (sakoku), challenges long-held assumptions about the country's exploration capabilities and political will during the Edo period. This voyage to the remote Bonin Archipelago (Ogasawara Islands) stands as one of Japan's most significant yet least recognized maritime achievements, showcasing advanced shipbuilding and navigation skills. The expedition not only mapped the islands but also collected exotic wildlife, offering a rare glimpse into early Japanese overseas exploration. By reexamining historical records, this study sheds new light on a misunderstood chapter in both Japanese and Bonin history.

Kramer, S., & Kramer, H. K. (2019). The Exploration of the Bonin Archipelago (Ogasawara Islands) by Japan in 1675. Terrae Incognitae, 51(1), 60–76. https://doi.org/10.1080/00822884.2019.1575543