About This Project
Why Nanban.pt
A single, well-curated resource for the century of direct Portuguese–Japanese exchange, in three languages.
Nanban.pt was created to fill a significant gap in online resources about the Nanban period, the century of direct Portuguese-Japanese exchange that began with the arrival of European traders in 1543 and ended with Japan's closure to the outside world.
While scattered articles and academic papers exist, there is no single, accessible, well-curated resource that brings together the history, art, trade, religion, and cultural legacy of this extraordinary encounter. This site aims to become that resource.
All content is available in English, Portuguese, and Japanese.