The first Europeans arrive in Japan by…

The first Europeans arrive in Japan by the end of the Muromachi period.

The Portuguese land in southern Kyushu in 1543 and within two years are making regular port calls.

The Spanish arrive in 1587, followed by the Dutch in 1609.

The Japanese begin to attempt studies of European civilization in depth, and new opportunities are presented for the economy along with serious political challenges.

European firearms, fabrics, glassware, clocks, tobacco, and other Western innovations are traded for Japanese gold and silver.

Wealth is accumulated on a major scale through trade, and lesser daimyo, especially in Kyushu, greatly increased their power.

Provincial wars are made more deadly with the introduction of firearms, such as muskets and cannons, and greater use of infantry.