Why was Japan so sought-after as a trading partner by European countries? As an island nation with few natural resources, what Japanese goods were in demand by the West?

by DrHENCHMAN

I'm speaking generally of isolationist Japan, around and before its opening by the Perry Expedition.

Snipahar

Hi, u/DrHENCHMAN,

You may be interested in this post, "Why did USA give Japan an ultimatum to "open" their economy? - Why was trade with Japan so important to USA that they were willing to go to war with them over it" with an answer by u/NientedeNada. Note that this answer is primarily focused on the United State's motivation for opening trade with Japan. I assume by "West" you are including the Americas. Hopefully other people can comment on European nations.

You may also be interested in "Why did the United States want to open trade with Japan when they knew Japan didn't have many natural resources? (19th century)" with an answer by u/Jasfss