The Earliest Japanese Telecommunication Technology

During the 19th century, the shogunate government of Japan continued the National Isolation policy until 1858. Since this policy strictly limited the import of scientific knowledge and technologies from Western counties, the telecommunication technology was never known to Japan before the 1850s. However, some early Japanese engineers quickly mastered the technology during the 1850s despite their limited knowledge on electricity and electromagnetics. This paper explores how these engineers caught up with the advancements in telecommunication technology developed in the Western countries in 1850s. Although the story of early Japanese telegraph has been published in Japan, it is not known worldwide. The paper aims to internationally deliver this fascinating story with updated information.