Culture

September 18 — A Day in Japanese History

September 17, 2026

This day marks two significant historical events: the 1828 Siebold Incident and the 1931 Mukden Incident, both of which greatly influenced Japan's modern history and East Asian affairs.

1828 Siebold Incident On September 18, 1828, the Dutch physician Philipp Franz von Siebold attempted to smuggle prohibited Japanese maps and other items out of Japan. His plan was exposed after his ship ran aground, leading to his detention for one year and eventual expulsion. This incident highlights Japan's strict isolation policy during the Edo period. For foreigners living in Japan today, understanding this event offers insight into how limited foreign contact was during that era, contrasting with Japan's modern open society.

1931 Mukden Incident On September 18, 1931, the Japanese Kwantung Army exploded a railway track near Mukden (now Shenyang) in northeast China, triggering the Mukden Incident. This event led to the invasion of Manchuria and shaped the political landscape of East Asia. Awareness of this event provides foreigners in Japan with important historical context for regional international relations that still resonate today.