A closer look
When Japan finally ended its isolationist policy in the 19th century, they didn't just let Westerners roam free; they corralled them into treaty ports. These designated zones became the ultimate tourist traps, where restricted foreigners eagerly bought mass-produced, fake samurai swords and staged 'authentic' photos. It was the historical equivalent of never leaving the resort in Cancun, allowing Victorians to brag about visiting the exotic East without ever interacting with the actual country.
