Japanese missions to Joseon represent a crucial aspect of the international relations of mutual Joseon-Japan contacts and communication.[1] The bilateral exchanges were intermittent.
The unique nature of these bilateral diplomatic exchanges evolved from a conceptual framework developed by the Chinese.[2] Gradually, the theoretical model would be modified. The changing model mirrors the evolution of a unique relationship between two neighboring states.[3]
In 1377 Goryeo envoy Jeong Mongju travelled to Tsukushi in Japan where he met Imagawa Ryōshun;[4] and the consequences of his efforts were only seen later.
The Muromachi bafuku's diplomatic contacts and communication with the Joseon court encompassed informal contacts and formal embassies. Muromachi diplomacy also included the more frequent and less formal contacts involving the Japanese daimyo (feudal lord) of Tsushima Island.
In addition, trade missions between merchants of the area were frequent and varied.[5]
Year | Sender | Japanese chief envoy | Joseon monarch | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
1403 | Ashikaga Yoshimochi | – | Taejo | . |
1404 | Ashikaga Yoshimitsu[6] | – | Taejong | . |
1432 | Ashikaga Yoshinori[7] | – | Sejong | . |
1447-1448 | Ashikaga Yoshinari | Zuikei Shūhō (瑞渓周鳳) | Sejong | Akamatsu Samanosuke (赤松左馬助 ; 赤松則繁) came back from Korea and plotted an uprising, but he was found guilty and sentenced to death, his head was sent to Kyoto |
1456 | Ashikaga Yoshimasa[8] | – | Sejo | The shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a letter to Sejo, the king of Korea. |
1474 | Ashikaga Yoshihisa[9] | – | Seongjong | The shōgun sent an embassy asking to the emperor of China for a seal. |
1499 | Ashikaga Yoshizumi[10] | – | Yeonsangun | . |
In the Edo period of Japanese history, diplomatic missions were construed as benefiting the Japanese as legitimizing propaganda and as a key element in an emerging manifestation of Japan's ideal vision of the structure of an international order with Edo as its center.[15]
Japanese-Joseon bilateral relations were affected by the increasing numbers of international contacts which required adaptation and a new kind of diplomacy.[16]
The Korea-Japan Treaty of 1876 marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations.[16]