Thomas Blake Glover begins business in Nagasaki (1859)

Thomas Blake Glover, an Anglo-Scottish merchant, established his trading business in Nagasaki in 1859. He crossed from Shanghai to work initially in buying Japanese green tea. This occurred as Nagasaki became a treaty port, amidst anti-western sentiment in Japan. The scope excludes his later involvement in the Meiji Restoration or broader Bakumatsu conflicts.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Thomas Blake Glover was an Anglo-Scottish merchant who worked for Jardine Matheson. He moved to Shanghai in 1857. In 1859, aged 21, he crossed from Shanghai to Nagasaki. This transition occurred as Nagasaki became a treaty port in 1859, marking the beginning of modernization efforts in the city.

Business Operations. Upon arriving in Nagasaki, Glover initially worked buying Japanese green tea. His presence coincided with the city's status as a treaty port. Anti-western sentiment was prevalent in Japan during this period due to unbalanced treaty agreements imposed on the Tokugawa shogunate, which included extraterritorial rights.

Historical Context. Nagasaki had been the sole port for trade with Portuguese and Dutch merchants from the 16th through 19th centuries. The opening of Nagasaki as a treaty port in 1859 facilitated new commercial activities. Glover's arrival marked the start of his commercial career in Japan, distinct from his later industrial contributions.

People involved

Sources

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